Botox is the most popular brand of neurotoxin currently available and a highly effective, minimally invasive anti-aging treatment that can take years off your appearance and help you to rediscover your inner confidence. During the last five years, the popularity of Botox has risen dramatically, with estimates suggesting more than a 40% increase in procedures performed when compared to the first half of the last decade.

 

What do I Need to Know About Botox?

Botox is also referred to as an injectable, referring to the method with which the treatment is administered. Many patients ask whether getting Botox hurts, but the needle that is used is so fine that most don’t feel any discomfort at all. However, it may be possible for you to have a topical anesthetic applied ahead of your treatment if you wish.

 

Botox works by preventing the muscles that it is injected into from contracting. It does this by temporarily blocking the signals that travel between the brain and muscles. Since the muscles can’t contract, the skin above them also remains flat and smooth. This helps to eliminate the fine lines and wrinkles that can form when you make facial expressions.

 

While Botox is most often used to target areas on the upper part of the face, such as the frown lines and those that develop around the eyes, it can also be used in other areas to help counteract the natural signs of aging. Treatments can usually be performed during a lunch break and there is no downtime, enabling you to get back to your usual daily routine immediately after your procedure.

 

How Long Does It Take to See the Results of Botox Treatment?

One of the things that people love about Botox the most is the instant results it provides. You can quite literally walk into the clinic with lines and wrinkles and leave a short while later with a significant improvement in their appearance.

 

How Often Should You Get Botox?

In many cases, the effects of Botox will last for up to four months before further treatment is required. However, every patient is different, and the effects of your treatment may be maintained for a little less or longer. Some patients find that their facial muscles naturally begin to contract less, and if this happens, it may be possible for your results to be sustained for as long as six months. When your Botox starts to wear off, it becomes metabolized through your liver and kidneys and passed out of your body as waste meaning that you don’t need to worry about a build-up of neurotoxin in your body.

 

If you wish to maintain your new, more youthful appearance, you will need to monitor your face closely for signs that your current Botox treatment is starting to wear off so that you can schedule your next session.

 

Many patients are concerned that getting Botox too often will prevent them from making facial expressions. However, when you choose a professional, experienced Botox provider, your treatment is very safe and effective. You will still be able to make all of your usual expressions – smiling, laughing, frowning, etc – but the muscles simply won’t allow the wrinkles to form. As soon as you start to notice lines or wrinkles forming again, it’s time to book your next Botox treatment.

 

Find out if you are a good candidate for Botox, contact Dr. Alan Matarasso, MD in New York, NY at (212) 249-7500 to book a consultation!