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Most people know of BOTOX® Cosmetic as a top cosmetic treatment for unwanted wrinkles and lines, but do they know how it actually works?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable treatment; however, it works in an entirely different way than many other injectables (like dermal fillers). So, what is the magic behind this wrinkle-reducing solution, and how does it differ?
What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable muscle relaxer. Using botulinum toxin type A, BOTOX® Cosmetic temporarily blocks chemical signals between the brain and intended muscle, theoretically paralyzing the muscles in specific areas of the face.
BOTOX® Cosmetic takes a few days to take full effect, but it can restrict muscle contraction in the area for anywhere from three to six months. As the muscle ceases to contract for that amount of time, the surface of the skin becomes smoother — with wrinkles diminishing or disappearing.
When You Should Use BOTOX® Cosmetic
Because BOTOX® Cosmetic targets the muscle underneath the skin, it is primarily used for dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are the lines you see around your eyes, such as crow’s feet, or the lines that form between your eyebrows, called glabellar lines, frown lines, or 11s.
These types of wrinkles and fine lines form from repetitive movement of the muscle and skin. Anywhere on your face that is expressive (including the eyes, forehead, and mouth) are prone to dynamic wrinkles.
The Benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic
The good news is that BOTOX® Cosmetic can minimize the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and prevent future wrinkles from forming with regular maintenance.
It can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on multiple areas of the face and neck. It is also effective as a preventative measure for younger patients who have yet to see advanced wrinkles but want to jump start their facial rejuvenation.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a great option for dynamic wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth. After a consultation with your physician assistant, you can start seeing results in just under one week from your treatment.
Are There Downsides to BOTOX® Cosmetic?
While BOTOX® Cosmetic is routinely performed everyday, it is not a miracle treatment for aging. For instance, if you have deep creases or static wrinkles from loss of volume, BOTOX® Cosmetic will do little for you. In this case, dermal filler injections will be a better option.
Additionally, this treatment only lasts a few months before you need to return for a repeat injection. While some patients don’t mind this touch up, others are looking for a more permanent solution, such as cosmetic surgery.
Understanding Dermal Fillers: The “Other Injectable”
Dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM® use hyaluronic acid to increase hydration and collagen production, thereby filling in deep-set and static wrinkles.
Static wrinkles form from a loss of volume in the face due to aging, so restricting muscle contraction with a neuromodulator like BOTOX® Cosmetic probably won’t fix the problem.
Dermal fillers can help if you have any of these concerns:
- Deep creases around nose and mouth (marionette lines)
- Vertical lip lines
- Creases in the chin
- A loss of volume in the cheeks or lips
- Asymmetry in other areas of the face
Dermal fillers add volume, so they can be a great option if you want to plump areas of the face like the jawline (for added definition) or the cheek area (for plumper, more youthful cheeks).
At Bridges to Beauty, your skincare specialist will walk you through the best dermal filler for your concerns. BELOTERO BALANCE® specifically targets wrinkles and lines around the mouth, while the JUVÉDERM® line offers multiple products designed to enhance hollowness and loss of volume, such as JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC for the cheeks and JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA™ XC for the lips and mouth.
Interested in BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dermal Fillers in Shreveport, LA?
At Bridges to Beauty in Shreveport, Louisiana, your physician assistant or injectable provider will walk you through the process and create a plan to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, specific to you. Call us today at (318) 219-8555 or fill out our online contact form to get started.