What are wrinkles beside your eyes? Nothing more than thin, recessed sections of the skin. At least that’s what they are in clinical terms. In terms of what you see in the mirror, wrinkles are a sign of the times. If you are ready to do something about it, there is a product available.
Say hello to BOTOX, a product of Allergan, who just announced a merger with Pfizer in a $150 billion deal (read more on that). You’ve probably heard of it, and you may have been thinking you should look into it for yourself. Let’s look at what BOTOX is and how it helps our Houston patients fight the battle against premature aging of the skin.
What BOTOX Is and What It Isn’t
BOTOX, or botulinum toxin, is not a miracle drug, although some patients might argue that fact. In simple terms, BOTOX is a protein that is produced both naturally and in a laboratory for use in general medicine, cosmetic applications, and research.
In medicine, botulinum toxin is often used to treat chronic migraines, upper motor neuron syndrome, focal hyperhidrosis, and other conditions. Cosmetically, it’s used to bring patients a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.
Crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles and frown lines are all targets of BOTOX treatment, administered by a trained dermatologist in a clinical setting. The process is safe and simple: BOTOX is injected into the “problem” area, blocking nerve impulses and causing the facial muscles to relax and avoid contraction. You can see BOTOX before and after pictures in our photo gallery.
Muscles that remain untreated function the same as before, allowing them to continue to contract normally. In the treated area, the skin is smooth-looking and stays that way for up to 6 months. Read more about BOTOX benefits in our related blog post.
What to Expect When You Get BOTOX for the First Time
When a person receives a BOTOX treatment, they enjoy a procedure that requires absolutely no anesthetic or sedative drugs. While a needle is used in treatment, the discomfort is minor. And when you see the results, you’ll forget all about what it took to make those results happen.
Your provider may also recommend dermal filler injections to complement your BOTOX results and achieve full facial rejuvenation.
What Can I Expect After My First BOTOX Treatment?
Another reason people are so attracted to BOTOX therapy is that, unlike with surgical procedures or more invasive skin treatments, BOTOX patients are ready to get back into the swing of their day with zero downtime. The American Society for Plastic Surgeons offers additional information about BOTOX recovery.
Imagine walking into your dermatologist’s office, having a treatment that will take years off your physical calendar, and then move onto your next errand or head back to work. Simple enough?
If BOTOX sounds like the perfect treatment for your expression lines, crow’s feet and other wrinkle problems, you can schedule an appointment with a licensed dermatologist in the Houston area, who will explain the treatment more in-depth. Call the experienced team of BOTOX treatment doctors at DermSurgery Associates by calling 713.791.9966 or use our online contact form.
Originally published Nov. 30, 2015. Updated June 1, 2021.
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