Cosmetic Botox Injections
A full life brings its share of surprises, smiles and frowns. All of those experiences and facial expressions mean repeated muscle contractions, one of the factors that may lead to prominent lines.
Many men and women are opting to smooth the vertical wrinkles in between their eyes, horizontal lines across their forehead and crow’s feet around their eyes with Botox® cosmetic injections. Done in office, with visible results within a week, Botox is a safe noninvasive way to achieve a fresh and rested look that lasts approximately three to four months.
Call 843-770-0404 to schedule your appointment with Veronica Smalheiser, ANP-BC, AGNP-C, CVNP-BC.
What is Botox?
Botox is a cosmetic form of botulinum toxin and the most popular nonsurgical method to relax the muscles of the face in order to eliminate facial lines and wrinkles. It is most commonly used for:
- Fine lines and wrinkles between the brows (frown lines)
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes (crow's feet)
- Horizontal forehead wrinkles
- Fine lines around the lips
What to Expect
Small amounts of Botox are placed into specific muscles using a few superficial injections. Which muscles receive the injection and how many injections you need will depend on your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles. No anesthesia is required and most people tolerate the injections without any pain relief.
You can expect to start seeing the effects within 24 to 48 hours with significant improvement from one to four weeks. The injections slowly wear off and re-injection is typically required every three to four months. With repeated injections, this interval can often be extended.
The total procedure time is about 10 minutes and requires no recovery time. There is little discomfort, and you may resume normal activities immediately.
Risks of Botox Injections
Botox injections are safe when performed by a trained and experienced medical professional. Mild, temporary bruising or swelling at the injection site is the most common side effect. To help minimize any side effects, we recommend not rubbing the treated area for 12 hours and not lying down for four to five hours after your treatment.
Other rare complications associated with Botox, include:
- Headache
- Droopy eyelid or eye brow
- Excessive tearing or eye dryness
- Vision problems
- Flu-like symptoms
Prior to treatment, speak with your clinician about all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you take.
Recovery
You can immediately resume all normal activities after receiving Botox injections, though we recommend that you keep your head elevated for four to five hours. You may also experience some swelling and bruising at the injection sites.
Results do not happen immediately. You may see some improvement after a day or two and the final results will gradually be revealed over the next few weeks.
Call 843-770-0404 to schedule your appointment with Veronica Smalheiser, ANP-BC, AGNP-C, CVNP-BC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox Injections
Click on the questions below to read the answer.
Any injection may cause discomfort at the injection site. Some people say Botox injections feel like a small pinch. A numbing cream can be applied to minimize discomfort if needed.
The actual injection process only takes ten minutes.
During your first appointment, your clinician will discuss your goals with you and perform a facial analysis to determine what areas should be treated.
Treatment requires minimal downtime. So you can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave the office.
Botox is not a permanent treatment. Most people get Botox injections every three to four months for optimal benefits. In some cases, the results may last longer. Everyone is different. You and your clinician will decide what is best for you.
The biggest concern people who are considering Botox have is that their face will look frozen afterward. To achieve subtle results, it is important to receive treatments from a licensed medical professional who has special training.
Our goal after Botox injections is to have you look like yourself—only with less noticeable lines. No one should be able to tell you’ve had anything done. You’ll just look younger, more rested and more relaxed.
It's not your age that determines when you should consider Botox injections, it's the severity of your lines. The development of wrinkles is influenced by a combination of factors, including cellular changes that occur over time, a reduction of collagen, genetic factors and sun damage.
Whenever your lines start to bother you, speak with a specialist to help you determine if Botox treatments are right for you.
We do not recommend getting Botox injections if you are pregnant. Please tell your clinician if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.