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What is BOTOX® Cosmetic? Where does it come from?
BOTOX® is found in a naturally occurring bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. You can find Clostridium Botulinum most often as spores in soil, forests, and lakes. For some spores, they start to grow into active bacteria which create neurotoxins. This process can create seven different types of neurotoxins which we label with the letters A through G. For aesthetic and therapeutic procedures, types C, D, and G are used and have been approved by the FDA to safely target muscles in the face and body, these types are what we refer to as BOTOX®.
Since 1989 when it became approved by the FDA, BOTOX® became the go-to solution for a variety of different situations. Most popularly known as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, BOTOX® is a safe and effective way to help you look and feel your best. This article is here to empower you with all the information you need to decide if BOTOX® could be the right choice for you.
How does BOTOX work?
Using a very fine needle, BOTOX® is injected into the facial muscles. In short, BOTOX® works by blocking the signals from the nerves that tells certain muscles to move. Without these signals, the muscles are unable to contract. Relaxing these muscles smooths that area and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
After a BOTOX® injection, you may notice results within 24 to 48 hours. However, it may take up to two weeks to see full results. This is because the BOTOX® is binding to the connection point called the motor endplate that resides between muscles and nerves. This binding happens quickly but can continue to occur for up to two weeks.
Uses
Fine lines and wrinkles on the face are one of the most popular reasons to seek out BOTOX® treatments, however, there are a whole host of other solutions that BOTOX® presents, such as:
- Some of the most common cosmetic procedures include targeting:
- Frown lines or what some refer to as the “elevens” between the brows.
- Crow’s feet
- Horizontal creases in the forehead
- Smile lines, smoker lines, and other lines at and around the mouth
- Lip flips: creating a fuller look of the lips without the use of filler
- Smoothing of the neck
- Medical:
- Chronic migraines
- Excessive sweating in the arm pits
- Muscle contractures
- Blepharospasm and strabismus (twitching of the eyes, cross-eyes, and lazy eyes)
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure is quick, on average it takes no more than 15 minutes to complete the procedure, making it easy to sneak in on a lunch break!
Does it hurt to get a BOTOX® injection?
Most patients report that being injected feels like a pinch and it’s quick. Your injection specialist may use ice to numb the treatment area.
How long is the recovery time?
Treatment requires minimal downtime, and you can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave our office.
How much will I need?
The number of units depends on the individual. Our injection specialist will determine the appropriate treatment for any areas you wish to address.
How long does it last?
Your results from BOTOX® will last on average for 120 days. The BOTOX® will slowly begin to wear off and the nerves will be able to once again successfully communicate with the muscle to move and contract. In some cases, results may last longer.
There are many factors that lead to the length of your results, such as the size and depth of your wrinkles, your activity levels, and how often you receive treatments. Studies show that the more frequently you have BOTOX® injections, the longer the effects will last between sessions, sometimes lasting up to a full year.
Side effects
BOTOX® is an extremely safe procedure when performed by a knowledgeable and experienced medical professional. There are possible side effects that may occur, such as pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site and headaches.
How can you save on BOTOX®?
The best way to save money on your treatments is to enroll in Brilliant Distinctions®, the Allergan consumer loyalty program that helps you earn points for savings on future treatments. It’s easy and free! Learn more and enroll in Brilliant Distinctions® today to join over 6 million other members who are saving on their treatments. Renew MedSpa is a Brilliant Distinctions provider.
Why are millennials getting BOTOX® and fillers in their twenties?
More millennials are getting BOTOX® and fillers than ever before as a preventative measure before wrinkles occur. Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons confirm this trend, as reported BOTOX® procedures have seen a 28% increase since 2010 and fillers have seen a 32% increase since 2010 among the age group 20-29. Along with using these products as preventative maintenance, they are affordable now more than ever with rewards programs such as Brilliant Distinctions.
Why choose Renew MedSpa?
Renew MedSpa is an experienced provider of BOTOX®. Our highly trained cosmetic nurse injector will help you target your wrinkles and treat them with the right amount of BOTOX® to give you effective but natural looking results. You will still look like you, but with fewer lines.
Ready to see if BOTOX® is right for you?
Call us at 651-393-7175, book your appointment online, or complete the form below to send us a message and we’ll contact you right away.