Most people know that Botox® is widely used as a way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to treat a variety of conditions from lazy eye to spinal issues! But what exactly is Botox®, and what’s it doing in the body?
Botox is actually an abbreviation for Botulinum toxin. It’s a protein produced by a bacterium, and while that sounds scary and dangerous, it’s completely safe when administered in small, controlled doses by an experienced professional like Dr. Guarino in Hamilton. Unlike dermal fillers, which fill out fine lines with collagen, Botox is actually interacting with the muscles under the skin.
Botox® is used to treat wrinkles and fine lines in what are referred to as “dynamic” areas, like around the nose, eyebrows, and eyes. It’s injected directly into the muscles in these areas with a small needle. The protein paralyzes the muscles in these areas, causing them to become less stiff, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
The effects of the injection aren’t noticeable right away — it usually takes a few days to start seeing a difference. Botox® is actually a neurotoxin that blocks a neurotransmitter in the muscles in the area to be treated, and it takes a few days for this reaction to take place. The prescription formula is injected in very small concentrations and has been in use for over 15 years, so you can be assured of your safety at all times.
Over time, the effects of Botox® wear off because the body has fully metabolized all of the protein. You might start to notice the wrinkles slowly returning, but as it wears off, the wrinkles do not return any deeper or more pronounced than they were prior to treatment. When this happens, return to Dr. Guarino to continue to recapture and maintain a youthful appearance.
Botox® Cosmetic is administered by Dr. Guarino in our Hamilton med spa. Dr. Guarino’s goal is to help every patient look and feel their best, keeping their cosmetic goals in mind. Call (609) 389-9671 or schedule an appointment online today.