Questions about Botox
Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California
What exactly is Botox?
Botox is a substance that is injected under the skin that inhibits the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that causes muscles to contract. Many types of deep-set wrinkles are the direct result of tense facial muscles, and not the result of sun damage or aging.
Is Botox safe, and what are the potential side effects?
Botox is 100% safe. While it consists of chemicals derived from the botulism bacterium, no actual bacteria are involved, and so there is no risk of contracting anything that will make you sick. Botox, like any other medical treatment, does have potential side effects. Some patients report experiencing some degree of pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, and headache following treatment. This is usually minor, and passes within a few days.
What is the Botox procedure like?
A Botox treatment can last as little as ten minutes, depending on the extent of work that needs to be done. Once the injection is complete, you can expect to return to normal activities right away. You will be advised to avoid rubbing or otherwise disturbing the treated area. Botox may migrate to other parts of your body if the treated area is disturbed.
Will Botox help with wrinkles due to sun damage?
Botox works primarily on wrinkles caused by muscle contracture. Sun damage and other aging-related wrinkles are best treated with injectable fillers. This being said, many sun damage wrinkles are made more prominent by muscle contracture. So, while Botox may not be the ideal treatment for sun damage wrinkles, it may help them to some degree. You will have a thorough understanding of how Botox will work for you after your initial consultation.
Is Botox permanent?
Botox injections are not permanent, but you can expect them to last up to six months. You will need to receive follow-up treatments in order to maintain your youthful appearance. Follow-up treatments should not occur any more frequently than three months following a previous treatment.
If you live in the San Francisco area and think you might be a good candidate for Botox treatments, please contact board certified cosmetic surgeon Randall B. Weil M.D. today to arrange an initial consultation.
