What Is Botox® and How Does It Work?

Botox has become a widely used solution for those seeking to rejuvenate their appearance and combat wrinkles. At Premiere Aesthetics in Fort Myers, FL, we can use Botox to target dynamic wrinkles and make your face appear much smoother. These treatments are non-invasive, fast, and come with very little downtime.  

As with any treatment, it is helpful to understand how Botox works and how it can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. We look forward to helping you learn more about this treatment including its common applications, the treatment process, and how it works to minimize wrinkles. 

What Is Botox?

Botox is a medication made from a substance called botulinum toxin type A. This is a neuromodulator, which means that it affects the way your nerves send messages to your muscles. This substance is a protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When given in small controlled doses, this protein is beneficial rather than toxic to the body and has been used in both aesthetic and medical applications worldwide.

In cosmetics, when the medication is applied to a certain area, the botulinum toxin type A keeps muscles in the area from contracting. This helps us treat certain types of wrinkles that are formed because of muscle movement for an overall more youthful appearance. 

FDA-Approved Uses for Botox

Botox has been used for many years in the treatment of wrinkles and has received FDA approval to treat three specific areas:

• Glabellar lines: the first area is between the eyebrows. Tiny vertical lines often form in this area as a result of frowning or squinting. When injected carefully into this area, enough motion is prevented to help these lines disappear while still allowing for some movement of the eyebrows.
• Crow’s feet: Some people are more genetically predisposed to developing deep lines at the corners of their eyes. This is another area that Botox has FDA approval for treating. By injecting certain points in the area around the eyes, we can help your crow’s feet to become smooth and less noticeable.
• Horizontal forehead lines: Some of the deepest lines can often appear on the forehead. Raising your eyebrows can cause the skin to fold over and over in this area, leading to deep lines that won’t seem to go away. By treating this area with Botox injections, we can help these lines to disappear.

Other Uses for Botox

Botox can be used for additional applications besides those that have FDA approval. Another concern that we can treat with Botox is chin dimples. If your chin develops a texture like an orange peel when you make certain expressions, we can help this area to remain smooth and undimpled with the injection of Botox at certain points on the chin. 

How Does Botox Work?

Botox functions as a nerve impulse blocker. It works at the neuromuscular junction where it prevents the release of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that is essential for triggering muscle contractions. By inhibiting this neurotransmitter, Botox prevents the muscle from receiving the signal to move. 

When wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions over time, this treatment can be particularly helpful. Because these frequent contractions can cause crow’s feet, horizontal forehead lines, frown lines, and more, many patients seek out Botox treatments to help paralyze the muscles in this area.

The Botox Treatment Process

If you are interested in botulinum toxin treatments, it is helpful to know what the process involves before you commit to it. Initially, a consultation is carried out with us to ensure that this is the right treatment for you and to discuss your potential outcomes. This is followed by the treatment itself where Botox is injected into specific muscles with a fine needle. 

The treatment is quick and usually requires no anesthesia. Post-treatment, our patients can return to their normal activities immediately. However, you should avoid rubbing or massaging the area.

Common Questions About Botox

How Long Does Botox Last?

Results from your Botox injections are not permanent and can last between three and four months. This can depend on your body’s metabolism, your activity level, the amount injected, and more. Over time, your body will metabolize the Botox, allowing the motion to return and the treated wrinkles or lines to reappear. Many patients opt for regular Botox treatments, which can help to maintain more consistent results 

Will Botox Make Me Look “Frozen”?

Botox, when administered by an experienced and trained professional, does not result in a frozen or expressionless look (unless this is the result that is specifically requested by the patient). Instead, Botox treatments can subtly soften lines and wrinkles, providing a natural-looking, refreshed, and youthful appearance while preserving your ability to express emotions. 

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

If you are planning on getting a botulinum toxin treatment before a big event, plan to have it several weeks ahead of time. While initial results can begin showing up within five to seven days after injections, it can take up to one month for full results to be seen, especially if this is your first time being treated. 

Wrinkle Reduction With Botox Injections

Being informed about how Botox works and what results it can produce is important when deciding whether it is the right choice for your aesthetic goals. From smoothing wrinkles to providing a more youthful appearance, there can be many benefits for the right patient. If you are considering Botox treatments, we can help at Premiere Aesthetics in Fort Myers, FL. Call us today at (239) 245-7005 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation.