Of all the non-invasive, anti-aging procedures, Botox injections are one of the most popular. According to a 2019 report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox was the number one minimally invasive procedure in the United States in 2018, with nearly eight million procedures performed. Because we hear so much about Botox, many believe they understand much of what there is to know about it, but this is often not the case. There are many misconceptions and mistruths that surround Botox injections. Below are just a few of the interesting facts you may not know about Botox injections but first, how does Botox work?
Botox treats facial wrinkles associated with muscle movement instead of those caused by sun exposure or the natural aging process. For example, Botox treats the wrinkles around your mouth (smile lines) or between and around your eyes (crow’s feet and frown lines). The injections restrict muscle movement in these areas resulting in wrinkles appearing soother and preventing them from etching deeper into your skin.
Whether you’ve gotten Botox injections in the past or are considering them for the first time – here are a few facts to dispel the fictions about Botox.
More People Get Botox Injections Than You Think
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. As noted above, it was the top minimally invasive procedure performed in 2018. The same report indicated more Botox procedures were performed than eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, and facelifts combined. Each year, as more and more people become aware of Botox’s benefits, the number of treatments continues to increase.
If you have not tried Botox for yourself, chances are you know someone who has. The stigma associated with cosmetic treatments (both surgical and non-invasive) has begun to wain rapidly, and therefore people are becoming more open about their beauty choices. Also, many celebrities are opening up about their experiences with Botox, which has also helped increase the popularity of this particular anti-aging treatment.
The Safety and Efficacy of Botox Has Been Extensively Proven
Many people think of Botox injections and immediately consider the source from which the injections are derived. Botox injections are made using small quantities of the Botulinum toxin. While the toxin itself does have potentially dangerous consequences, the amounts used in Botox injections are not considered significant to cause illness. Furthermore, numerous studies have proven many times over that Botox injections, when administered by a qualified professional such as those at Solara Skin & Laser Center, are both safe and highly effective. As long as the injections are appropriately administered, research has shown there are minimal side effects (either short or long-term) associated with the procedure.
Botox Injections Do Not Cause A Frozen Face
One of the main reasons people are often hesitant to try Botox is the fear of a “frozen face.” This appearance can sometimes result when someone receives too much of the injection, or the procedure has been done improperly. When Botox injections are correctly administered (just the right amounts in just the right locations on the face), the final appearance is entirely natural.
Botox is Increasing in Popularity Among Men
Commonly (and mildly comically) referred to as “Brotox,” the trend around men getting Botox injections has grown. Over the last decade, the number of Botox procedures performed on men has increased by nearly three hundred percent. While women have traditionally dominated the market around cosmetic treatments, more and more men are seeking out Botox and other cosmetic procedures. Today, men are more proactive about addressing appearance-related concerns, increasingly associating “looking good” with confidence, self-esteem, and professional success. Like women, men are also becoming more open about getting Botox and similar treatments, which reduces the stigma within their peer groups.
There Is No “Perfect Age” to Try Botox
Some people start getting Botox treatments in their 40’s and 50’s or even later. Still, others take a more proactive (or preventative) approach and start in their late 20’s or early 30’s. When people begin injections on the younger side, it can help correct expression-related lines before they have the opportunity to etch deeper into the skin and form wrinkles. While there is no “best time” to start, we recommend contacting one of our skincare professionals at Solara Skin & Laser Center to learn how Botox may be able to help you.
Botox Injections Take Less Time Than You May Think
You may sometimes hear Botox referred to as a “lunchtime procedure.” This is because the procedure often takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Before beginning your injections, your skincare professional at Solara Skin & Laser Center will talk to you about your goals and ask you to make a few different facial expressions, for example, frowning or squinting. Doing this helps them see where your wrinkles are forming and allow for more precise placement of your injections.
The Results of Botox Injections are Gradual
One of the key reasons people are concerned about getting Botox injections is the fear of having their face suddenly appear different. Botox injections do not provide instantaneous results, and therefore you will not leave your appointment looking like a completely different person. You will start to see visible results about two to three days after your procedure in most cases. Most people do not see the full effect of Botox injections for around two weeks. For many, the results will last approximately three months.
The More Often You Get Botox, the Less Product You Will Need
Over time, should you continue to get regular treatments, you will need less of the Botox product injected to see the same results. With frequent treatments, your muscles tend to respond to the treatment for more extended periods. Because your targeted facial muscles are less active, they tend to weaken slightly and, therefore, less visible wrinkles result. Consequently, you will need less Botox to smooth out those wrinkles.
Professional Services are Critical
If you want to guarantee safe, effective results, you must get your Botox injections from someone who is appropriately trained and experienced. Botox injections are indeed safe, but they are not without the risk of side effects. The potential for adverse side effects increases if your injections are not done correctly. Visiting an unqualified practitioner for your Botox injections is not worth the risk, especially considering these injections will impact your facial appearance! Again, it is essential to prioritize skill and experience over cost or convenience.
Also, a good practitioner should not be afraid to say no to providing injections. For example, if the results you are hoping for are not achievable with Botox, or you are among those who should not get injections due to risk (pregnancy, etc.), your skincare professional should encourage you to forgo the treatment.
If you have questions about how Botox injections in Anchorage we can help you meet your skincare goals, contact us at Solara Skin & Laser Center today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about Botox that were not addressed in this blog. In addition to Botox, our skincare team can answer questions you may have about any of our other anti-aging skincare treatments.
