What You Need to Know Before You Get Botox
You’ve seen the commercials, you’ve got friends who swear by it for giving them their effortlessly refreshed look, and now you’re thinking it might be worth giving a try…
We’re talking about Botox!
Now if you’re like all of our other first-time Botox patients, you likely have a few questions and concerns (namely how to avoid looking perma-surprised) which is what we’re going to address in this article.
SO, FIRST THINGS FIRST…
What is Botox?
With more than 6 million Botox treatments administered each year, Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments and can also be used medically to treat various muscular conditions.
Botox is the medically prepared and purified version of the bacterial neurotoxin, botulinum toxin, which prevents the release of neurotransmitters and effectively prevents signals from the nerve cells reaching muscles causing muscular paralysis.
When applied cosmetically by injecting into the underlying facial muscles, Botox helps to soften facial expressions and gradually smooth away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What does Botox help reduce, and what are the benefits?
From crow’s feet to frown lines and forehead furrows aka glabellar lines or 11’s, Botox works on dynamic wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement, also commonly known as expression lines.
The most significant benefit to Botox is that it’s non-invasive, meaning you have no downtime and very minimal discomfort, especially compared to procedures such as facelifts, and brow and neck lifts.
Also, Botox is not permanent, so if you find you prefer the look or feel of specific areas without Botox, its effects are temporary.
Speaking of temporary, how long does Botox last?
The majority of patients experience the effects of their Botox to last for 3-4 months and receive Botox 3-4 times a year to keep the signs of aging at bay.
Am I a good fit for getting Botox?
Generally, as long as you have areas of concern that are treatable with the use of Botox, meaning the areas of concern can be injected such as the forehead, around the eyes, and the neck, you are not pregnant or nursing, and you are in a state of good general health, you can successfully receive Botox.
However, there are several other factors that, while not as common, may exclude you from being a good Botox candidate, which is why we conduct consultations with all of our patients before administering Botox or any other injectable.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Potomac Medical Aesthetics, give us a call at 301-417-8372.
What’s the difference between Botox and Dysport?
Like Botox, Dysport also uses a purified form of botulinum toxin to help relax the underlying facial muscles and improve the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles.
The primary difference lies in the trace protein amounts, which can make Dysport more effective than Botox for some patients and vice versa.
Should I get Dysport or Botox?
WE WON’T KNOW UNTIL WE SEE YOU!
With all of our patients at Potomac Medical Aesthetics, we consult with you before any treatment to go over your goals, do a thorough analysis and check to see if you’re a good candidate for your desired treatment and provide customized treatment recommendations.
If you would like to learn more about receiving Botox or Dysport at Potomac Medical Aesthetics, Call us at (301) 250-11962 to book a consultation.
