Botox falls under the category of neurotoxins, which are prescription medications used to relax muscles in various areas of the face and body. While this product is well known in the aesthetic industry, you might not know that it got its start as a medical treatment for stubborn conditions like uncontrollable eye twitching (blepharospasm) and a painful disorder of the neck known as cervical dystonia. Today, Botox continues to be a preferred method for addressing issues like excessive sweating and chronic migraines when other forms of treatment are not effective.
With a proven track record of safety, Botox was introduced as a cosmetic treatment in 2002 after receiving FDA approval for reducing glabellar lines – the vertical wrinkles that form between the eyebrows, also known as frown line. Since that time, it has also been shown to be successful treating other types of wrinkles in the upper face, giving patients a non-surgical option for addressing aging symptoms in that area.
Due to the way in which Botox works, this medication is recommended to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are lines that form when certain facial expressions are made. Dynamic wrinkles are abundant on the upper face, from those dreaded frown lines to horizontal wrinkles that tend to form across the forehead. Crow’s feet, fine lines that form in the outer corners of the eyes, are also known as dynamic wrinkles because they make an appearance when you smile or squint.
While dynamic wrinkles only show up when you make those facial expressions at first, over time, they can become permanently etched onto your skin. Botox injections relax the facial muscles that form the lines, smoothing away the wrinkles in the process. Many of our patients opt to undergo Botox injections in the early stages of dynamic wrinkles when they can be addressed most effectively.
One reason behind the popularity of Botox is that it offers a quick and relatively painless injection process. Patients say they can feel a brief sting as the medication is injected, but the process is smooth with rapid results. Injections take just minutes to complete, and you will be able to resume your regular activities immediately following treatment. Your smoother, younger look will last for about three to four months before you need another treatment to maintain your wrinkle-free appearance.
While Botox injections are an excellent option for those dynamic wrinkles in the upper face, they are not as effective in reducing other lines that commonly form. Dr. Mordkovich offers other treatment options for these areas, including injectable dermal fillers that also provide fast results in just a few minutes of treatment time. Dr. Mordkovich will assess your specific concerns and desired results to determine which treatment will be best for you. In some cases, he will perform a combination of neurotoxins and dermal fillers to give patients full anti-aging results in a single treatment session.
Injectable procedures like Botox are an excellent choice for patients looking for fast results and no downtime. To find out if Botox is the anti-aging treatment you have been looking for, call Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery today at 201-751-9490.