The Beauty of Botox
Goodness, it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve written! I’ve started several posts and just couldn’t decide which direction I wanted to go. My ideas are constantly flowing and I’ve got to find some way to narrow them down! So how about this…Let’s start with Botox. It’s probably the number one service that brings people through our door, and remains the #1 sought-after medical esthetic service. Why? Because it’s simple AND effective!
So What is Botox?
Botox (or Botulinum A) is a neurotoxin. Toxin?! Yikes!! No worries, it’s safe! Neurotoxins are substances that affect the nerve signals to the muscles that tell them to contract. They are found in all sorts of medical services, such as those for excessive sweating, incontinence, migraines, and more. There are many neurotoxins besides Botox on the market now for cosmetic use, including Xeomin (which we also carry), Dysport (very confusing math), Jeuveau, and a brand new one called Daxxify. They all essentially work the same way one the nerve signals, but may very slightly due to formulation/form of Botulinum Toxin. For example, Xeomin is considered a “naked” form of Botulinum A without accessory proteins added. For this reason, some patients find less resistance or tolerance over time.
What does it Do?
Again, because Botox blocks the signal telling the muscle to contract, it is used in cosmetic medicine to relax muscle movement that causes wrinkles. The most commonly areas treated are the glabella (the complex between your eyebrows comprised of 3 muscles that cause frown lines, 11’s, WTF Lines, whatever you like to call them), the frontalis (the big muscle that goes across your forehead), the orbicularis oculi (the muscle that encircles the eyes and scrunches to cause crow’s feet, or even bunny lines of the nose), and sometimes the orbicularis oris (the muscle that encircles the mouth that we used to pucker, give smooches, suck from straws) for a lip flip or to reduce “smoker’s lines” or “water bottle lines”. Other potential cosmetic uses include injection of the masseter muscles to slim the jawline or decrease jaw clenching/teeth grinding; injection of the depressor anguli oris to reduce marrionette lines; and more.
When does it start working?
The onset of action varies between individuals, anywhere from 2-10 days. You can expect full effect by day 14. You’ll notice much smoother skin in the treatment area with a great reduction in the lines, and possibly even resolution depending on how deep they were to begin with. We like you to come back around 10-14 days afterwards to ensure your dose was adequate symmetrical (nobody likes a Spock brow). Occasionally an additional couple of units are necessary at that time, we can always put more in but we can’t take it out once it’s in there!
How long does it Last?
Generally the effects last for 3-4 months, but that is dependent on dosing. Some patients, particularly when they are newer to Botox, like to start out a little lighter just to see how it works. Again, we can always go up on the dose. Also, everyone metabolizes drugs differently in general. If you are an active athlete, you may metabolize much quicker. We do try to avoid injecting again sooner than 90 days to avoid resistance to the Botox, so an appropriate dose really is important! If you do find that you metabolize quickly in spite of a hefty dose, taking a Zinc supplement can help. You’ll notice your movement slowly start to come back close to that 3-4 month mark. It’s recommended to keep your followup appointments at those every 3-4 month intervals to maintain your results and continue to smooth out any deeper lines that you started with, We don’t want full muscle contraction again, it will only cause more etching of lines!
How many units does it take?
This is dependent on many factors, such as the muscle being treated, the strength of the muscle, each individual’s metabolism, and the duration of previous doses. On average, the glabella takes 20 units, the frontalis 10-20 units, and 12-24 units for crow’s feet. An adequate dose is going to save you money in the long run and provide you with much happiness with smooth skin!
Are there side effects?
Of course! There are potential side effects with any medication, but if experienced, are generally mild. The most common side effects are discomfort with injection (I swear it’s not that bad, folks), temporary redness or bumps at the injection sides, and occasional tiny bruising (you can cover with makeup the next day). Occasionally people report feeling “heavy” or “tingly” a day or two after treatment. Natalie, our nurse, gets a mild headache (Tylenol is fine). Less common side effects may include spread of the effect to muscles that we did not want to treat, such as an eyelid muscle, or a flat or droopy brow. Do not worry! This does not happen often and is only temporary! However, it’s not always the cutest look, so please follow your post-treatment instructions.
Are there any Restrictions After?
Yes, speaking of post-treatment instructions. Leave your face alone! It takes 2-3 hours for the Botox to disperse and start working its magic, so avoid touching or rubbing the treatment areas. Avoid anything that will increase heat in the area (heat increases blood flow, which can spread the Botox effect out farther). This is your excuse to avoid strenuous exercise after treatment! Also super hot showers, direct sunlight, and tanning (please tell me you don’t do that anyway) should be avoided.
is it for everyone?
I would love to say yes because we all love it so much, but Botox is not for those who are pregnant or nursing. It hasn’t been studied in these settings and it’s better to be safe than sorry, those wrinkles can wait a bit longer! Also, if you have any neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis, ALS, etc., you should discuss with your provider.
How much does it cost?
This is going to depend on how many areas and units are being treated. We participate in both the Allē rewards program for Botox (including Allē Flash), and the Xperience Rewards program for Xeomin, both of which provide opportunities to save. You can find links to Allē and Xperience on our Home page if you want to sign up or learn more, but we can always help you in the clinic, as well! We offer complimentary consultations at this time and would love to meet you to discuss your treatment plan!
I’m ready! How do I book?
You can contact us multiple ways! You can call us during normal business hours at 515-967-0587. You can also email us through out website or send us a message via FaceBook or Instagram to be contacted for assistance with scheduling; or you can book directly through our website. Natalie and I both inject, so you have a variety of options for appointment times to choose from. If you have not booked with us before, you’ll want to select the Botox/Xeomin New Patient option to allow adequate time for consultation, as well as treatment the same day should you decide to proceed!
If you have any additional questions that I did not answer, please reach out! We can’t wait to meet you and get you on your way to loving your results!