BOTOX

Your appointments for this treatment will usually take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. This treatment involves several small injections placed directly into muscles on the face that sits beneath deep dynamic wrinkles. Most people will require several units of this neurotoxin to achieve their desired skin goals. It's common to place about 20 total units in the forehead to address concerns like glabellar lines and horizontal forehead wrinkles. Treating crow's feet usually requires five to 10 units around each eye.

Before your BOTOX® treatment, you will need to make some minor preparations. One of the cardinal rules of injectable treatments is to discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications at least three to five days before your appointment. You may also be directed to discontinue using blood-thinning supplements, such as Ginkgo and other herbs.

Your skin must be in good condition for your treatment, so it's often recommended that you stop using retinoids and acid serums for a few days before your treatment. Avoiding these products will help you avoid skin irritation is that may cause a delay in treatment. Some patients like to prepare for this treatment by using Arnica Montana supplements about one week before their scheduled appointment.

After your treatment, you should do your best to avoid rubbing or touching any areas where injections have been made. By avoiding touching these areas, you will prevent the neurotoxin from spreading to nearby muscles. It's also important to avoid very hot water on the skin, chemical exfoliants, steam, excessive sweating, and direct sunlight.

After your treatment, you may want to use cold compresses on the skin. If you do use a cold compress, a soft gel pack covered by a cotton cloth is generally the best method since this will not disturb your results. We may give you other aftercare instructions, so please be sure to follow these instructions closely so your results develop as desired.

Most people will see the results of this neurotoxin treatment about one to two weeks after their appointment. This is how long it will take for the toxin to settle into the skin and prevent the movement of facial muscles. Your results will improve as the muscles in your face become less responsive, which will then smooth lines and wrinkles. You may notice faster results if you have minor to moderate appearance concerns.

Usually, the results of a neurotoxin treatment will last for three or four months at a time. This means that you will need to have a maintenance appointment three to four times a year for continued results. Some people may be able to enjoy results that last up to six months if they are treating lines between the eyebrows.

Other elements of your lifestyle may impact how long the results last. For example, if you are very physically active, then your higher metabolic rate will break down the neurotoxin treatment more quickly, which means results may only last for three months rather than four.

In general, you can use this treatment at any age. This neurotoxin is approved for use in people who are 18 to 65 years old. The most common age brackets that use treatment include people who are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. People in their 40s and 50s usually have visible fine lines and wrinkles that respond with the most significant results.

However, plenty of young people use this treatment as well. Young people who use this neurotoxin typically use it to prevent or slow down the visible signs of aging. Using this treatment in your 30s can significantly slow the progression of fine lines since your skin will not fold in on itself as you make facial expressions.

People who should not use this treatment include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people who have any allergies to botulinum toxin. We will be able to assess whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment during a consultation appointment.