BOTOX
Everything you need to know about Botox
What is Botox?
Botulinum Toxin
“Toxin”…it sounds scary, but there’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Botulinum toxin is a highly refined purified protein. There are several name brand versions of botulinum toxin, including Xeomin, Dysport, and (most well-known) Botox. They all contain the same active ingredient of botulinumtoxinA and can achieve the same results. There is absolutely NO bacteria in these products and they are extremely safe.
How does is work?
Relax the muscle, relax the skin
As we age, repetitive facial expressions cause creasing and wrinkling of the skin. Botox works by preventing targeted muscles from contracting, allowing the overlying skin to relax too. This not only reduces wrinkles during motion but also helps to relieve stagnant lines that stay in our skin at rest.
Additionally, it prevents the over-activation of muscles that trigger headaches, TMJ, and grinding.
Where does it work?
Targeted Areas
The goal is to give your skin a natural youthful appearance without “freezing” your face. You should still be able to have facial expressions! After discussing your areas of concern, we will determine the dosage to give you optimum results for:
– Frown lines (between the eyebrows)
– Horizontal forehead lines
– Crow’s feet
– Upper lip area lines
– Bridge of the nose
– Overactive chewing muscles
– Trigger points that cause headaches
Patients over the age of 65 may not experience as dramatic of results. Botox is useful in treating expression lines and cannot be used to repair sagging skin caused by aging.
How long does it last?
All good things come to an end
Unfortunately, the effects of Botox are not permanent. You can expect Botox to last 3-4 months. Everyone’s metabolizes it differently – some will only get 3 months of strong effectiveness, some will get well beyond that. Research has suggested, however, that long term use of Botox leads to a longer duration of each treatment’s effect because the muscle will get weaker with continued use.
Before your appointment
How to prepare for Botox
After a free consultation to review which areas you want to address, you will return for treatment.
Come to your appointment make-up free.
Patient must be in good health with no active skin infections in the areas to be treated
Avoid alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment Alcohol may thin the blood, which will increase the risk of bruising.
Avoid anti-inflammatory / blood thinning medications. Medications and supplements such as Aspirin, Vitamin E, Gingo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Vioxx, and other NSAIDS are all blood thinning and can increase the risk of bruising/swelling after injections.
During your appointment
What to expect
After cleaning your skin with an alcohol swab, Dr. Hoch will use a tiny (seriously tiny) needle to inject the Botox into your targeted areas. The injection is virtually painless – at most it feels like a mosquito bite. No anesthetic is needed. The procedure is very quick and is typically done within 10 minutes.
After your appointment
Post-Treatment Instructions
It takes Botox several hours to bind to the site. It is important to not to put pressure at the injection sites because the Botox can migrate to different, unintended muscles – you don’t want Botox that was intended to smooth your forehead to travel down causing a droopy eyebrow or eyelid.
- No straining, heavy lifting, vigorous exercise for 3-4 hours following treatment.
- Don’t touch your face. Avoid manipulation or pressure on the area for 3-4 hours following treatment.
After the Botox binds in place, you can return to normal function. It will then take several days for noticeable results. It can take 2 – 7 days to take full effect.
After treatment, patients may experience slight redness or bruising around the injection sites that fades quickly. Dr. Hoch will explain all risks associated with Botox treatment at the time of your consultation.
Botox in Harlan, IA
What Does Botulinum Toxin Cost?
We are the most AFFORDABLE Botox provider in the area!