Botox has become a household name in the fight against wrinkles and fine lines, but how does it really work? In this post, I'll break down the basics of Botox (and other neurotoxins or neuromodulators - a.k.a. Dysport and Xeomin), making it easy to understand.
How Does Botox Work?
Mechanism of Action - think of it as putting a temporary pause on muscle movement that causes those pesky lines
Botox, short for botulinum toxin, works by:
temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles where it’s injected, which:
prevents the muscles from contracting, which:
helps to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
Common Treatment Areas
Botox is most commonly used in areas where wrinkles tend to form due to facial expressions. These areas include:
Forehead: To smooth out horizontal lines.
Around the eyes (crow’s feet): To reduce the appearance of lines that form when you smile.
Between the eyebrows (frown lines or "11's"): To soften the vertical lines that appear when you frown.
Upper and Lower Lip: Upper lip for a lip Flip, and below the lower lip corners to keep them from turning downward.
Procedure
Getting Botox is quick and straightforward. The treatment involves a series of small injections using a very fine needle. Our first appointment is usually about 45 minutes so we can chat through what to expect, and any questions you might have. The actual injection time is usually 10-15 minutes at most!
How Long Until You See Results?
Onset of Results
Depending on which neurotoxin you choose, you can begin to see results in 3-5 days, with the full results being seen at 14 days.
Botox: 7 day onset, 14 day full results
Dysport: 3-5 day onset, 14 day full results
Xeomin: 3-5 day onset, 14 day full results
Duration of Results
The effects of Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport are the same, with results lasting ~90 days. Some people do metabolize differently, so it may be a bit shorter or longer, but the gold standard for a neuromodulator enhancement is 90 days.
How Many Units of Botox Are Needed?
Determining the Number of Units
The number of Botox units you’ll need depends on several factors, including the area being treated, the severity of the wrinkles, and the results you’re aiming for. A qualified practitioner will assess your individual needs and determine the right amount for you.
Average Units
Here’s a general guideline for the average number of units used in common treatment areas:
To Wrap it up...Botox (and its sister products, Dysport and Xeomin) is a quick, effective treatment for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. We definitely don't expect you to be 100% comfortable making a choice with just reading a blog post, so we invite you to book a complimentary consultation where we can talk more about your specific skin questions, and how Botox might fit in for you!
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