BOTOX COSMETIC
At Alchemy 43 — an aesthetic bar specializing in cosmetic
If you have wrinkles, such as crow’s feet or frown lines (the 11s), part of that rejuvenation plan could include a neuromodulator such as Botox.
What is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator designed to treat wrinkles. Developed by the pharmaceutical company Allergan, Botox is most often used in the following areas:
- Forehead
- Eyebrows
- Around the eyes
- Jaw
- Nose
- Mouth
- Lips
- Chin
- Neck
What is a Neuromodulator?
There are three main brands of neuromodulators in the US: Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. A neuromodulator is a substance that affects impulse transmissions in the nerves of your body. In this case, Botox is the substance and the nerve transmissions that control muscle movement are affected. The ultimate outcome is the reduced appearance of wrinkles.
Derived from Botulinum toxin, Botox is injected in micro doses into the muscle(s) underlying a wrinkle, which blocks the nerve impulses that usually control facial muscle movement. Free from the control of these nerve impulses, the facial muscles relax, resulting in smoother, softer-looking skin. Another benefit of Botox is that your renewed appearance looks natural.
It takes great skill to inject the right amount of the neurotoxin (which varies from patient to patient), so choosing the right practitioner for your Botox injections is crucial. You’ll want natural-looking results while, at the same time, you’ll want to make facial expressions that look normal. View our before and after photos to see natural-looking results from our patients.
Wrinkle Treatment Injections – What to Expect
After being injected, Botox begins to take effect over the first week or so, as the targeted muscle or muscles gradually become inactive. Overlying wrinkles will be minimized, and even more impressively, the injections allow your body’s self-healing properties to go to work and begin repairing wrinkles.
Once your injection session is completed, you may see small lumps resembling peas appear on your skin. This is normal, as it’s simply the fluids from the injection(s) pooling together temporarily as the body begins absorbing the substance. After about 30 minutes, these lumps disappear.
Although you can notice results within a few days, full results become evident within a week and continue for the next 3-6 months. Keep in mind, however, that results may vary.
To maintain the results you want and to achieve the aesthetic goals you’ve set, injections are recommended every 3-4 months. When you undergo these follow-up injections, the dosage is gradually decreased.
Are There Side Effects to These Injections?
Neuromodulators like Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, and Xeomin are often referred to as the “21st Century aspirin” because millions of patients have undergone these wrinkle injections without serious consequences. View our Menu of Services to choose the right injectable treatment for you.
If you’ve ever read about mishaps attributed to these injections, know that they are usually due to issues such as the practitioner’s poor technique or lack of skill.
That being said, a few Botox side effects can be expected at or around the injection site:
- Temporary numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Bruising
- Soreness or pain
- Muscle stiffness
Other side effects could include dry mouth, mild nausea, blurred or double vision, droopy eyelids, and itchy or watery eyes. However, any side effects you experience should be mild and subside within a week. Contact us to learn more about other potential side effects from injectable treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox Treatments
Q: I know that Botox addresses current wrinkles – I’ve heard that it can help prevent future ones. Is this true?
A: Yes, Botox can be used to prevent future wrinkles from forming. For some patients, injections made into areas that don’t yet have wrinkles are an effective preventative measure. A lower dosage is injected into the targeted muscles, which grow weaker with subsequent injections. The muscles that are injected don’t move as much when you make an expression, preventing wrinkles from forming.
However, results vary, so before getting trying to prevent future wrinkles, talk about this with a skilled, licensed practitioner who has the experience and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.
Q: Is there downtime after neuromodulator injections?
It’s virtually certain that you won’t have a single minute of downtime once your session is done. Most patients who undergo treatment are in and out of the office in an hour or less and immediately return to their regular daily routine.
Q: How many injections will be needed?
A: The number of necessary Botox injections varies from patient to patient and depends on a variety of factors, among the most common of which include:
- Aesthetic goals
- Skin condition
- Type and location of wrinkle(s)
- Whether or not the patient has undergone treatment before
Q: Is Botox just for women?
A: Although it’s easy to think that women are the only ones who undergo wrinkle treatments, more and more men are choosing Botox for their skincare needs. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 wrinkle treatment patients is a man, so if you are male don’t think you are not a good candidate!
Q: How is Botox different from dermal fillers?
A: Two main points distinguish Botox from dermal fillers such as Juvéderm or Restylane. One is how they work: while the neuromodulator reduces the muscle activity that causes wrinkles to form, dermal fillers plump, lift, and fill in
The other crucial difference is the type of wrinkle they correct. Botox addresses dynamic wrinkles: those that form from making facial expressions. Fillers, on the other hand, are ideal for static wrinkles: those that are visible even when your face is at rest.
To learn more about how Botox is used, visit WebMD.com.
Consult a Botox Cosmetic Specialist at Alchemy 43 Today!
For West Los Angeles patients who want smooth, wrinkle-free skin, trust your Botox injections to practitioners who are trained, licensed, and skilled. Furthermore, make sure you understand everything about treatment; don’t hesitate to ask questions to alleviate any concerns.
At Alchemy 43, we provide facial skin treatments in Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles. We personalize and administer treatment according to your set of circumstances. Call 310.905.8727 or visit us online to get in touch for a consultation.
Next, learn more about Restylane injectable treatments.
