Botox has been a beloved cosmetic treatment for two decades now, its popularity only increasing with each new year. What is it? How does it work? Are you a good candidate for this wrinkle-reducing injectable? The best Botox doctor in Lexington Park, Maryland tells all!
What Is Botox? What Does It Do?
Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox or onabotulinumtoxinA, is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This neurotoxin, when administered carefully and by a board-certified injector, safely and temporarily weakens or paralyzes a targeted group of muscles.
It works by disrupting the communication between your nerves and muscles, making it so your nerves cannot signal your muscles to move. When used in small doses, it is highly effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the skin, thanks to how it relaxes the muscles causing this wrinkling.
Botox injections are most commonly used between the eyebrows, around the eyes, the corners of the mouth, on the forehead, and on the chin. Minimally invasive and FDA-approved, Botox is one of the most effective treatments for minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.
What Are the Benefits of Botox Injections?
There’s a reason Botox is a favorite of many. Actually, there are quite a few reasons.
Botox is incredibly effective, both in its results and its speed. Botox is a fast-acting injectable, taking effect about 72 to 96 hours after treatment. The full effect is visible within one to two weeks. Not only is it fast, but it actually works, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles far better than many cosmetic treatments and products available.
Botox is rather affordable as well, typically costing anywhere from $10 to $25 per unit. A unit is how injectors measure the product, and you may need anywhere between 10 and 50 units. So, you can expect to spend $100 to $1,250. That’s cheaper than some skincare products promising to banish wrinkles!
The appointment is quick, surprisingly painless, and tailored to your needs. Most appointments are completed in less than an hour without any difficulty. Your injector uses a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment area prior to injections, making it an easy-going procedure.
It might surprise you to learn that Botox is natural looking too! Again, it’s tailored specifically to your needs. Your Botox specialist assesses your skin as well as your goals to achieve the best results possible, whether you want a naturally youthful glow or a dramatic change.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox?
While Botox is safe for most, not everyone is a good candidate.
Botox injections are not advised for patients who are pregnant or nursing, have a skin infection in the treatment area, are allergic to botulinum toxin products, have a muscle or nerve condition such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or are in poor overall health.
The injectable is best suited for patients over the age of 18 who are in good health, non-smokers, and have moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles in the areas Botox can treat. Botox can also be used as a preventative measure for wrinkles when administered in lower doses.
What Is Recovery Like After Botox Injections?
Botox recovery is incredibly easy because there really isn’t any recovery required. Patients are able to resume their standard activities immediately after treatment, however there are a few things you should avoid in the first 24 to 48 hours.
Don’t rub or massage the treated areas. Doing this can cause the Botox to migrate to other areas of the face, causing temporary facial weakness or drooping. You are recommended to exercise your facial muscles though by making a variety of facial expressions to encourage Botox’s effects.
Relax and try to maintain a normal heart rate. This means eliminating stress, which is recommended in general and taking a 24-hour break from exercise. Physical activity increases both heart rate and blood flow, neither of which are ideal for Botox.
Be gentle with your skin in the first 24 hours as well. Take a temporary break from makeup, and be extra careful when doing your skincare routine. Consider using products with hyaluronic acid (HA), antioxidants, or collagen in it for an additional boost.
Sit up for the first four hours after treatment, and avoid sleeping on your face where Botox has been injected. Also, try to stay out of that sun. UV exposure is not good for your skin, to begin with, so use a good-quality SPF if you can’t avoid it.
How Long Do Results From Botox Last?
Results are temporary and typically last three to four months. Many Botox newbies notice their Botox dissolving sooner at around two months, which is completely normal! Over time, Botox lasts longer in your system, and so do the results.
Those wrinkle-free results can last up to six months with consistent use. Work with your injector to establish a suitable Botox maintenance plan for you, and take the time to care for your skin so you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful results for longer.
Learn More About Botox by Meeting With the Best Botox Doctor in Lexington Park, Maryland!
Do you have questions about Botox? Mid-Atlantic Skin Surgery Institute is here for you! We’ll guide you every step of the way for a safe, stress-free, and successful Botox experience.
Call us today at 301-396-3401 to book an appointment with the best Botox doctor in Lexington Park, Maryland, and be sure to ask about our current specials to help you save on aesthetic treatments!