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botox

What is Botulinum Toxin?

 

Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a muscle inhibitor causing temporary paralysis in the muscle into which it is injected.  Botox was originally designed to treat patients with spasm and palsy but the aesthetic indication was approved in 2002.

 

A wrinkle is caused by over active muscles – so if you stop the muscle movement, you decrease the wrinkle.  If the muscle cannot form the wrinkle, then wrinkle ceases to exist – at least until the Botox wears off and you will need to return for another treatment.

 

Am I a candidate for Botox?

 

Smiling, frowning, squinting, and even chewing – basically any facial movement – can eventually lead to one of the most common signs of aging: wrinkles.  They can make you appear tired or even angry when you are not.  One of the quickest and safest remedies to remove wrinkles is an injection of botulinum toxin type A.

 

Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures – such as :-

 

  • chemical peels;

  • dermal fillers;

  • microdermabrasion.

 

These may further improve your results.  The combination of therapies can even help to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.

How is the procedure performed?

 

Injections of Botulinum toxin may seem like a simple procedure to you, since it’s just a few shots. But it’s actually both an art and science that only an experienced healthcare professional should do.

 

There are 43 muscles in your face and it’s vital that the person who performs botulinum toxin injections understands and pinpoints the correct spots to optimize your treatment.

 

A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles.  By carefully choosing specific muscles, Dr. Schoenfeld weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles, preserving your natural facial expressions.  Botulinum toxin treatment injections usually take less than 15 minutes therefore a real lunchtime anti-ageing treatment!

 

How much Botox will I need?

Injecting Botox is one of the most commonly requested Non Surgical procedures.  The number of injections you need will depend on your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles.  Crow’s feet, for example, usually demand two to three injections. Furrows above your brow could take five or more.

 

Botulinum toxin recovery:

 

No anesthesia is required.  There is no down time or recovery time for botulinum toxin injections.  You may resume normal activities immediately.

 

One note of caution:  Don’t rub or massage the treated areas after the wrinkle treatment because it can cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to another area of your face.

 

Botulinum toxin risks and safety information:

 

There is no literature to suggest there is any risk when undergoing Botulinum toxin (Botox) treatments, other than the quality of the injector.  Poorly mixed and placed Botox are the patient’s biggest concern – that is why Dr. Schoenfeld always suggests to visit Plastic Surgeons with intimate knowledge of the facial anatomy for Botulinum toxin (Botox) and Dermal Filler treatments.

 

Botulinum toxin side effects and complications can include:

 

  • Bruising and pain at the injection site.

  • Flu-like symptoms.

  • Headache.

  • Nausea.

  • Redness.

  • Temporary facial weakness or drooping.

 

How long will the Botox last?

 

It will take a few days post treatment for the final result to reveal itself.  Once the Botulinum toxin (Botox) has taken effect you can expect the result to last anything from 4 to 5 months.  Just as it acts, it will take a few days to notice the movement of the muscle again and the returning wrinkle.

 

Points to ponder:

 

  • Should you combine Botulinum toxin (Botox) with Facelift surgery you stand to get a much better result, similarly with Blepharoplasty surgery.

  • Dr.Schoenfeld likes to use this wrinkle remover to enhance her surgical results.  

  • Botulinum toxin (Botox) can be used in isolation too for those wanting to avoid surgery.

  • Discuss your aesthetic wants and desires with Dr. Schoenfeld and she will recommend the best options for you.

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