According to statistics provided by American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Botox (a portmanteau word for Botulinum Toxin) is by far the most popular cosmetic procedure in United States. In 2014, more than six million Botox procedures were performed by surgeons totaling nearly $2.5 billion. In short, a Botox injection inserts synthetic bacterial toxin in the specified region under the skin in order to prevent the surrounding muscles’ ability to contract. When these muscles become weakened and are unable to contract properly, they can no longer form wrinkles on the surface. This is what gives you the smooth and even skin.
Like many other cosmetic procedures, Botox is not permanent and will last for about three to four months. After that period, the targeted muscles will lose their paralytic effect and will once again begin to constrict. Further injections will be required to maintain the wrinkle-free, youthful appearance. If you are planning on having Botox administered to you, it is essential that you consider the cost of having the procedure performed more than once every year.
With that said, it is also important to point out that continuous use of Botox can weaken the muscles which cause wrinkles. This may seem like a negative characteristic of Botox, but in fact this is something which can help you maintain your smooth and clear skin for several more months. Doctors have evidence to believe that long-term benefits of Botox include longer retention of treatment’s results and better skin texture.
Moreover, static wrinkles can also lose their constricting effects for longer periods. These are thin wrinkles which appear on certain locations like the forehead even when the face is relaxed. Over long periods of dosing with Botox, the muscles behind static wrinkles can become inactive leading you to get rid of the creases.
Lastly, many patients will change their habitual pattern of facial expressions, many of which contributed to the wrinkles in the first place. For example, some people move their eyebrows a lot when they talk or frown when they are concentrating. After several rounds of Botox, that subconscious behavior tends to stop, causing a decrease in the forehead and frown lines, even when Botox is not active.
However, to obtain these long-term benefits, it is crucial that you do not wait too long after the first injection’s effect wears off. In fact, it is actually better to have further injections as soon as you notice the previous treatment losing its strength and wrinkles are starting to appear once again.
Dr. Richard William Westreich is an expert in administering various forms of botulinum toxin type A, including Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. Whether Botox is the right choice for you or not, you should consult your doctor and explain to him/her what you are looking to achieve. If you live in or around New York City, you are more than welcomed to contact Dr. Westreich to set up an appointment.