A popular non-surgical treatment for facial rejuvenation for both men and women, Botox is a purified protein that is injected into the small muscles of the face or neck to temporarily cease movement at the nerve endings. Often, the first lines, creases, and wrinkles we see in the face are created by repetitive muscle movement under the skin. Botox temporarily reduces these wrinkles in the face and is administered in just a few minutes. Results can last for three to four months, on average, and repeat treatment can flatten the muscle to keep the unwanted tension from reemerging. Patients can see some results immediately after the treatment and there is no downtime required for recovery, so you can get right back to your day.
If you are looking for an improvement in the age-related wrinkles, a facial rejuvenation procedure in Washington DC may be for you. For those interested in relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, regardless of age, it can be an excellent option that provides a refreshed look to rid you of the tired or angry appearance. Doctors Michael Somenek and Troy Pittman are highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeons and can consult with you about what you can expect from this procedure.
Candidates for Botox
Many people seeking a reduction in facial wrinkles are good candidates for Botox injections in Washington DC. A few qualifications for the treatment include moderate to severe facial wrinkles, overall good health, and realistic expectations. A patient’s wrinkles must also be in treatable areas, such as around the neck, between the eyes, and on the forehead.
Individuals who should avoid Botox are those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe infection or illness. Additionally, people with muscle and/or nerve conditions may want to avoid Botox. Finally, if a person has a skin infection at the desired treatment area, it is best to put off Botox injections until the infection fully goes away.
Types of Wrinkles That Botox Could Treat
Botox injections target several types of facial wrinkles that form due to repetitive muscle movements. Though a popular area for patients to get Botox is the forehead, the injections could smoothen wrinkles on several other facial areas. Types of wrinkles to target include:
- Bunny lines (transverse nasal)
- Marionette lines
- Chin dents (mentalis dysfunction)
- Peri-oral lines
- Crow’s feet (lateral orbital lines)
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
Beyond reducing wrinkles, Botox could mimic the effects of a brow lift, which is a facial surgical procedure aimed at raising eyebrow placement, making the eyes appear more alert.
When Will I See My Results from Botox® Treatment?
Botox is a unique type of injectable that works gradually but still relatively quickly. The absorption of the neurotoxin into the muscle works by blocking a neurotransmitter that instigates muscle contractions. Once that neurotransmitter is blocked, the muscle relaxes. As it does, the overlying skin starts to lie more smoothly. This process usually takes about five days. However, your peak results might occur one to two weeks after your appointment.
How Long Do Botox® Results Last?
Your body metabolizes the ingredients in this injectable product, so your results will diminish over time. This usually takes anywhere from three to six months. You can receive repeat Botox treatments as often as every 90 days. However, some studies suggest that your results may last longer after you’ve received a few touch-ups. This can vary from one person to another. The best indicator of when it’s time to repeat your Botox injections will be what you see in the mirror. If your lines are starting to return, set up a time to come see us!
Will Botox® Make Me Look Unnatural?
It’s not uncommon to worry about the potential outcome of Botox injections. In the early days of treatment, this was a real possibility! The reason we have pictures of people looking perpetually surprised after getting Botox is that doctors were still learning how to use this product properly. Dosing is everything, and we know how to get just the right amount now after years of clinical studies and practice. When you visit us for Botox treatment, you can trust that we’ll lean to the conservative side to ensure that you get results that keep you looking like yourself, only younger.
How Much Botox® Do I Need to Achieve Good Results?
There are general guidelines that are considered for every Botox treatment. For example, it generally takes about 20 units of Botox to treat frown lines or forehead wrinkles. That said, your provider takes several factors into account when planning your injections. These include the type of wrinkles you want to treat and their severity, your unique goals, the intensity of muscle movement you currently exhibit, whether or not you’ve had Botox before, and your general health. During your consultation, your provider will discuss their recommendations and reasoning.
Do I Need to Avoid Anything After Getting Botox® Injections?
We want you to enjoy the best possible results from your Botox injections, so will provide you with clear aftercare instructions as well as answers to any questions you have. Generally speaking, it’s important to allow the product to settle into the targeted muscles. To do this, you want to remain upright for at least three hours after receiving your treatment. Don’t go straight home for a nap, straight to the yoga studio, or for a massage. Also, postpone any form of exercise for three to four hours. This will protect the treatment area and can also help avoid exaggerated side effects like redness and swelling. Like exercise, hot tubs, a hot shower, or sauna use can also exacerbate side effects so should be avoided for the first four hours after getting Botox.
Additional Uses for Botox
Though Botox is typically a way to reduce wrinkles, there are several other health benefits of the injections. For example, Botox could lessen the symptoms of conditions such as excessive sweating, eyelid spasms, and overactive bladders. Further, the injections could reduce muscle spasms in the upper limbs, neck, and head due to neurological disorders.
Another medical condition Botox could help alleviate the symptoms of include “crossed eyes” in patients older than 12. For adults, Botox could prevent migraine headaches that last four or more hours and occur on most days of the month.
Is There a Best Time for Botox?
Patients of all ages could benefit from Botox injections if they have visible aging signs. When deciding what time to get Botox, the most critical factor is the patient’s number of wrinkles, fine lines, and additional aging signs on a person. Other factors such as genetics, facial anatomy, and the environment are more responsible for wrinkles than age itself.
Therefore, there is no obvious best time to get Botox injections. The treatment is an excellent option as soon as patients are unhappy with their wrinkles or want to ward off the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, Botox is safe and effective for long-term use and enhancements.
Complications and Risks of Botox
For those considering a facial rejuvenation procedure in Washington DC, Botox can produce minor complications that are relatively uncommon. After treatment, a patient could experience headaches, nausea, dry eye, mild pain, bruising, and swelling of injection sites. More severe complications include temporary eyelid drooping, temporary weakness or paralysis of nearby muscles, and vision impairment.
A severe but rare complication of Botox is the possibility of having trouble breathing. If a patient experiences severe symptoms such as these, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Learn if you Could Benefit from a Botox for Facial Rejuvenation Procedure in Washington DC
Botox is one of the most popular procedures that plastic surgeons perform and it is done quick enough that there is no significant time commitment. Patients are often very satisfied with the subtle improvement that it provides, and many say that their friends and acquaintances comment on how they look well-rested. Some patients may also choose to combine the Botox injection with other facial rejuvenation treatments. If you are interested in learning more about getting a Botox for facial rejuvenation procedure in Washington DC, and to find out if it may be right for you, contact the office of Somenek+Pittman MD to schedule your consultation today.
Check out some of our work with these before and after galleries for Botox treatment.
