BOTOX® in Tooele, UT
People create and change their facial expressions all the time, at virtually every second of the day, and these repetitive actions cause the appearance of expression lines and facial creases that are eventually worn into the skin because of the repeated contractions of the underlying muscles. To alleviate this condition, the experts at the Griffeth Vision Group, in Tooele, UT recommend the use of BOTOX® injections.
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is, perhaps, the single most popularly known cosmetic procedure that is used by patients all over the world for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles on specific areas on the patient’s face or even on certain other parts of the body. BOTOX® injections are synthesized as derivatives of the botulinum toxin type-A, and are highly recognized for their ability to treat fine lines and persistent wrinkles in between the eyebrows, frown lines on the forehead, crow’s feet, and other types of creases that may be found around the facial area. The effects of BOTOX® are immediately noticeable and patients can generally see a significant difference after the first treatment.
How does BOTOX® work?
BOTOX® is able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that are located directly beneath them. To do this, it blocks the nervous signals that are sent between the muscles and the brain. These signals are intended to stimulate muscle contraction, but in their absence,the repetitive action is discontinued, because the muscle no longer receives any stimulation to contract. Over time, these muscles will become weakened and the elimination the muscular contractions helps to gradually smooth out the wrinkles that have formed on the patient’s skin, making it look remarkably smoother and younger-looking.
What happens during a BOTOX® treatment?
BOTOX® treatments are traditionally done as an outpatient procedure, requiring the patient to come into the doctor’s office for only a few minutes. To prepare the injection sites, a non-alcohol based cleanser will be used and then a topical anesthetic may be applied directly onto the treatment areas. The use of a local anesthetic is solely dependent on the patient’s preference and may be skipped if the patient does not wish to use it. A very fine needle will be used to inject tiny amounts of BOTOX® directly into the muscles on the indicated areas. Care must be taken to not let the formulation spread into any of the adjacent areas to prevent the muscles there from accidentally freezing up as well.
How long will the results of a BOTOX® treatment last?
The effects of a BOTOX® treatment are immediate and will be seen almost instantly in the patient’s improved and youthful complexion. The wrinkle-smoothing effects of this formulation may last for up to 4 months, or even longer in some cases. When the patient notices the effects of BOTOX® beginning to wear off, regular touch-up sessions may be scheduled with the doctor to maintain the initial effects of the treatment. There have been reports of patients who have experienced an extended effect of the BOTOX® treatment after periodic injections. These patients claim that the wrinkle erasing power of BOTOX® began to last longer after having received succeeding injections, sometimes even reaching 5 to 6 months before a touchup is required. Doctors believe that this is due to the fact that the underlying muscles gradually become ”trained” to stop contracting because of the regular BOTOX® treatment.
What happens after the BOTOX® treatment?
Immediately after the initial BOTOX® injections, the injection sites will be tender, and normally show some redness, bruising, or have a minor itching sensation. These post-injection symptoms should disappear in a few days and would normally be manageable with pain medication if necessary. Additionally, patient’s will be told to refrain from touching, rubbing, or exerting any unnecessary pressure on the injection sites to prevent the toxin from migrating to the surrounding areas.
Are there any risks with BOTOX®?
A BOTOX® injection is used primarily to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which are the most obvious signs of aging on the patient’s skin. However, these injections may sometimes be ineffective against the deeper wrinkles that are brought about by sun damage due to excessive sun exposure. This procedure is also not advisable for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those who have neurological disorders and are under a medication regimen that can interfere with the action of the BOTOX® injection.
