We use our expressive faces to communicate our feelings. Over time, though, these facial expressions create lines, wrinkles, and creases. Botox® treats these dynamic wrinkles for a smoother, more youthful appearance. It acts fast to start giving you results in just a few days.
What is Botox®?
Botox® works on dynamic lines and wrinkles caused by active muscles. It uses botulinum toxin to prevent the targeted facial muscles from contracting. Without muscle contractions, the skin can relax and become smoother. Botox® is often referred to as a neurotoxin, but it causes no harm to the nerves or muscles. When it wears off, muscles go back to their normal activities. Botox is very versatile and can be used to subtly elevate the brows by stopping those muscles that pull down on the brows. It can smooth a dimply chin. It can help stop the muscles that pull down the corners of the mouth. It can also help soften vertical neck bands.
How Does Botox® Work?
Board-certified dermatologists administer all Botox® injections at Krauss Dermatology. When injected, Botox® targets the muscles that cause dynamic lines and wrinkles. The nerves that power these muscles release a neurotransmitter that causes the muscles to contract. Botox® blocks this neurotransmitter, letting the muscles relax and stop pulling on the skin. Using specific amounts of Botox® to very precise locations our dermatologists can target problem areas to make sure your results look smooth, relaxed, and natural.
How Long Does Botox® Take to Work?
Botox® reaches the targeted nerves quickly. You may start to see results in as little as 72 hours, although it may take longer for some people. Your results will continue to develop over the next two weeks as the muscles relax and the skin becomes smoother.
Where Can I Have Botox®?
Botox® is FDA-approved for many medical and cosmetic uses. You can have Botox® in these areas:
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Vertical lines between the brows (glabellar lines)
- Lines around the outside corners of the eyes (crow’s feet)
- Upper lip areas that have wrinkles from pursing of the lips
- Dimply chin
- Vertical neck bands
Botox® is less effective or not effective at all on static wrinkles caused by sagging skin. Dermal fillers, which you can have with Botox®, treat these lines and wrinkles more effectively.
What Results Will I See With Botox®?
Wrinkles in the targeted area may begin to disappear within 3 days but the full effect takes 14 days. You will look calmer, more relaxed, and refreshed without your frown lines. You can still produce all your normal facial expressions, avoiding the “overdone” or paralyzed look that inexperienced injectors might create.
Is There Any Downtime With Botox®?
You can return to work or other activities immediately after having Botox® injections. We only recommend that you do not do vigorous exercise until the next day and wait to lie down until 4 hours post procedure. With treatments lasting about fifteen minutes, you can schedule Botox® on a lunch break. Some people notice a few small spots of bruising or redness. These should fade within a day or two.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about Botox®, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Krauss Dermatology. Call us at (781) 416-3500 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.