If you’re looking for a way to fight wrinkles, Botox is a well-known, reliable, and effective way to do so. Whether you’re hoping to delay wrinkles as long as possible or want to smooth over wrinkles you already have, this treatment could be a good fit for you. Our team at Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, in Redlands, CA offers a range of options for our patients. Let’s take a look at some common questions surrounding this popular injectable.
What’s the Right Age for Getting Botox?
If you’re wondering when the right time to start Botox is, the answer is that it entirely depends on your needs and desires. As long as you’re at least 18, you can start looking into treatment. The most important thing is to come in for a consultation so we can discuss your skin health and your aesthetic goals.
Some patients come in once they reach their early 20s and start to notice fine lines. The goal when treating younger patients is to pause the progression of wrinkles. Other patients prefer to wait until they have more defined wrinkles. Ultimately, picking the right time is up to you.
Signs to Watch For
If your goal is to prevent wrinkles, there are some signs you can keep an eye out for. This treatment is used for dynamic wrinkles. That means it works best for lines and wrinkles that develop over time due to muscle movement. Some of the first dynamic lines to show up often appear around the eyes and eyebrows. Once you start to see those, it might be a good time to start your preventative treatments.
In addition, it’s important to remember that cosmetic injectables aren’t just for women. Patients of any gender can experience the benefits of aging gracefully, and enjoy a boost of confidence.
How It Works
Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium. To make this treatment, a very small amount of this bacterium is taken and refined through a highly purifying process.
The unique properties of this purified ingredient help protect your muscles from unnecessary contractions by blocking certain nerve signals in the treated areas. This relaxes the treated muscles, which allows the skin over the muscles to smooth over. As a result, the skin should look more youthful and smooth.
What Can I Have Treated?
Dynamic Lines
This treatment is well-known for its ability to treat dynamic lines and wrinkles. Unlike static lines, dynamic or expression lines are caused by using our facial muscles. As we continuously use our muscles to make various expressions, lines eventually form and turn into wrinkles.
When these muscles are relaxed, the lines and wrinkles can dramatically improve in appearance.
Forehead Lines
One of the most popular areas to treat would have to be the forehead. Many patients want to address horizontal lines across the forehead as well as frown lines.
Frown lines can be one or two lines that show up between the eyebrows. While they are often exaggerated when we furrow our brows, eventually they can become permanent. Treating these lines can help a patient “open up” their face. It allows their resting expression to be softer.
Laugh Lines
Laugh lines and crow’s feet are two different names for the same lines. Often an early indicator of aging skin, laugh lines appear at the corners of the eyes and can extend down to the cheek. They are exaggerated when we smile or squint.
By gently treating this area, we can relax the muscles at the corners of your eyes and help reduce the appearance of your laugh lines.
How Long Will Results Last?
Around Four Months
Many patients choose to get treatments every four months or so, since that’s when the results may begin to wear off. That said, how long results last can be individual. Some patients still notice visual benefits after six months, and some choose to go even longer between treatments.
If your goal is to stay on top of your results, we can work together with you to set up the perfect schedule for your needs. When we have a better idea of what type of wrinkles you’re treating and how your skin responds to treatment, we may be able to give you a more personalized idea of what your treatment timeline can look like.
Results Arrive Quickly
Most patients can expect results from their treatment within just a day or two, which is very exciting for those who want fast results. By 10 to 14 days, your treatment should be at its “maximum result.” The maximum result time frame is when your results are at their best, and it can last for three whole months before it begins to slowly fade.
The Benefits of Consistency
If you’re happy with your results and want to maintain them, you may want to consider regular appointments. Having a treatment schedule can offer various benefits. In addition to helping you look and feel your best, consistently treating your facial muscles can help make the treatments more effective and last even longer.
Since Botox works by relaxing the treated muscles, regularly-treated muscles may become more accustomed to their relaxed state. Eventually, this can help patients stretch out their treatment schedule while still enjoying effective results.
It’s Your Call
If a set schedule doesn’t work for you, that’s perfectly fine. Many patients enjoy the flexibility of reaching out when they feel a need for their treatment, rather than coming in at a set time. Our team will do our best to work with your schedule so you can get the treatment you want, when you want it.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will My Results Look Unnatural?
The technique is important when it comes to your results. That’s why it’s crucial to trust your treatment to a skilled and experienced team. It’s also important to talk through your desired results during your consultation.
Some patients want a more dramatic result, while others want their treatment to be mild. We would be happy to discuss your options with you and let you know what kind of treatment we suggest for your needs and your facial anatomy.
2. Can Different Treatments Be Combined?
Our primary goal is to safely and effectively provide excellent results for each of our patients. Combining different treatments can be a great way to address multiple concerns at the same time. By using Botox with fillers, for instance, you can address both wrinkles and volume loss. This approach is often called a “liquid facelift.”
3. What Can I Expect During Treatment?
After your consultation, we will plan the best locations to place your injections. We may ask you to make a few different facial expressions to help us pick the ideal placement. Before treatment, your skin will be gently cleansed.
During treatment, a very fine needle is used to deliver the injection. The whole treatment process can usually be completed within 10 to 15 minutes. With no required downtime, this efficient treatment helps our patients save time and continue on with the rest of their day.
4. Can People Treat Themselves?
Some people may think that trying to buy and administer Botox on their own could save them money, but we strongly caution against this. First off, a medical license is almost always required in order to buy this treatment. If someone finds refined botulinum toxin online and is able to buy it, they may unknowingly buy a different, unsafe product.
Patients who try to inject themselves without training are also at great risk of permanently damaging their skin. Putting your skin and your health at risk will not save you money in the long run. This is a treatment best left to professionally-trained, highly experienced staff.
5. Is It Safe?
When it’s administered by qualified professionals, it’s considered a very safe treatment. It has been put through rigorous testing and guidelines. At this point, it has been used for decades and remains an extremely popular cosmetic treatment. Its well-established track record can help patients feel at ease since this treatment is so widely used and well understood.
6. Should I Just Get Dermal Fillers Instead?
Choosing between Botox and dermal fillers can be tricky, especially when there are so many different treatment options. We offer a range of treatments ourselves and would be happy to explain the different benefits they offer and what results you cab expect from them.
When we see you during an evaluation, our team can offer personalized advice about what injectables can provide the results you’re looking for. You may even end up wanting to use a couple of different products to help you better manage your wrinkles.
Have More Questions?
If you still find yourself with more questions, we recommend setting up a consultation with us. While researching is a wonderful way to gather knowledge, talking with professionals one-on-one can offer clearer answers. Come see us at Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, in Redlands, CA and set up your consultation today.
