Getting Rid Of Wrinkles

As people age, there is a natural increase in fine lines and wrinkles. However, there are many treatment options for smoothing out skin and regaining a youthful complexion. One common option is Botox injections. This treatment works by relaxing the wrinkle-causing facial muscles. What do patients need to know about Botox? Here are 3 common misconceptions cleared up.

Myth #1: The treatment will freeze my face

The goal of Botox is to relax the facial muscles that produce wrinkles. The injections are administered around deep lines and wrinkles, such as laugh lines, crow’s feet, and furrows in the brow. However, the treatment does not affect the surrounding muscles. People still have a wide array of facial expressions, and the injection doesn’t cause the face to freeze up.

Myth #2: An injection will cure all wrinkles

The injections work best on lines that are caused by movement. The treatment is not intended to work on wrinkles that were caused by sun damage, smoking, or aging. Botox is only effective on lines that are related to movement. However, the treatment has been shown to treat other conditions that are not related to wrinkles. Some of these include chronic migraines, excessive underarm sweating, overactive bladder, eyelid muscle spasms.

Myth #3: Botox is painful and dangerous

Botox does involve small pinpricks to administer the injection. However, many people liken the discomfort to a slight pinch or the sensation of a mosquito bite. The injections are quick, and pain is minimal. The treatment is also very safe. There are no long-term side effects, and the treatment does not have addictive properties. Botox has been established to be very safe for a variety of conditions.

What to expect from Botox

The injections are done on an outpatient basis in a dermatologist’s office. Botox injections use a thin needle to administer small amounts of botulinum toxin into the muscles. The number of doses that patients need will vary based on the concern. After treatment, patients are advised not to rub the affected area for at least 24 hours. There is no downtime after the treatment, and patients start to see effects in 1-3 days. Typically, results last for 3 months or longer.

Finding the right doctor

Most of the misconceptions about Botox come from patients getting treatment from people who are not doctors. The safest, most effective way to get Botox treatment is to select a doctor who specializes in the treatment. To learn more about the benefits of Botox, speak with a dermatologist.