Botox: It Isn’t Just for Celebrities
Dolly Parton said it loud and clear, “Honey, time marches on, and sooner or later you realize it’s marching across your face.” Dolly didn’t know about Botox yet.
You’ve most likely heard the term “Botox” thrown around loosely in your group of friends by now. This wrinkle-reducing procedure is just about as common as getting your teeth cleaned and has moved far past just being a cosmetic to-do. Doctors and medical journals are calling it a “cultural phenomenon and medical triumph.” Time Magazine headlined it, “The Drug that is Treating Everything.” Medical professionals are finding it can assist with migraines, eye twitching, excessive sweating, overactive bladders – and it helps make you look young.
Carly Mauch, PA-C, injection specialist at MeiRai Medical Aesthetics, explains a little more about the wonders of Botox and answers some popular questions:
Do Botox injections hurt?
A fine needle is used to inject Botox so pain is minimal and short lived.
When should I start getting Botox?
Most patients start receiving Botox injections when they are in their early 30s, which is when many people start seeing fine lines and wrinkles appear in their glabella (between eyebrows), forehead and crow’s feet (around eyes). Starting therapy at this time can help prevent more deepened/etched lines from being apparent in these areas when the muscles are at rest.
How long does it take to take to see results after the injections?
You can begin seeing results as early as 2-3 days with Xeomin and Botox, with the full result of the injection occurring around day 7. For Dysport, the full effect can be seen in 3-4 days following the injection.
Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects of Botox is some mild injection site redness and swelling. This usually lasts for only 10-15 minutes. Other common side effects include headache or flu-like symptoms.
How long do the effects of the injection last?
Effects of treatment can last approximately 3-4 months. For people who have had repeated treatment in a given area, they can have more lasting effects for up to 6 months as the muscles become less active.
What is baby Botox?
Baby Botox is simply getting treatment with fewer units than is usually required for a full treatment to fully weaken the muscles that are injected. This allows the reduction and smoothing of wrinkles with a more natural appearance and still allowing some movement of the muscles. This is also cost effective for patients.
Is repetitive Botox safe? What happens if I get Botox injections for years or even decades?
The effects of Botox injections lasts 3-4 months, so repeated injections will gradually decrease the strength of the targeted muscle. Over time with repeated injections, the muscles will contract less and the time between repeated injections can be lengthened. Research on the long term safety of Botox is limited.
What will happen if I discontinue Botox injections after receiving them for many years?
If Botox injections are discontinued after receiving them for years, you can gradually over time begin seeing some more movement of the muscles and fine lines that may begin to form with repeated movement of that muscle.
About the author:
Carly Mauch is a certified physician assistant with 8 years of experience in dermatology and skin care, including injectable fillers and neurotoxins. For the last two years, Carly has worked with Dr. Yun at ENT Associates of Roseburg and now is excited to also join MeiRai Medical Aesthetics.
Carly offers free consultations! You can schedule your appointment with her through online booking, Facebook, or by contacting MeiRai Medical Aesthetics via email or phone.
