Botox – What is it?

Botox Cosmetic is used to relax facial muscles that are causing lines on the face. It is the purified protein of the botulinum bacteria, and is a naturally occurring substance. It has the ability to relax and inhibit muscular activity. When Botox is injected into the muscle, the effect takes place gradually over the next 3 to 10 days. It will typically last 3 to 4 months, although in some the effect will last longer.

How does Botox work?

Botox is considered a neuromodulator, meaning it effects the process by which nerve activity is regulated. Botox is an acetylcholine blocker in the muscle cell. Acetylcholine is released by the nerve to signal the muscle to contract. By blocking the receptor site in the muscle for acetylcholine, Botox prevents the muscle from responding to the signal. In this way, the small muscles of the face can be relaxed so less or no movement occurs. This in turn diminishes the lines created by the movement of the muscle.

Where is Botox used?

Cosmetic Botox is used to relax facial muscles that are causing lines and wrinkles with each muscular contraction. The most commonly treated areas are the frown lines, the forehead lines and the lines at the corners of the eyes called the crow’s feet. Additional uses include treating a downturned smile, gummy smile, migrane headaches, platysmal bands in the neck, “orange peel” chin and masseter (chewing) muscles.

What does Botox feel like?

When you come in for Botox treatment, we cleanse the area to be treated with alcohol. The needle used to inject is very thin and small and goes just under the skin to reach the muscle we are targeting. A few drops of product are injected which may feel like a small sting. Gentle pressure is applied. The sting may last for a minute or so. Ice can be used both before and after treatment. If you have the time and would like, you can arrive 30 -45 minutes early to have topical numbing applied.