Botox

As previously mentioned, there is nothing we can do about our body’s natural facial movement. When you are speaking with someone, the expressions you make are automatic, subconscious. Even if you were to make an intentional effort to never emote when speaking, the people you were communicating with would find the expressionless conversation much more distracting than the wrinkles you were trying to prevent.

But a significant factor in our need for treatments like Botox is the degradation our bodies naturally endure as we go through the aging process. Proteins like collagen and elastin are vital components to taut, youthful skin, but after the age of 20, we lose 1% of our collagen production annually. Not to mention that the volume of our skin begins to decrease as well — a double punch to our facial aesthetics.

We need Botox and similar treatments because the options that consumers have to address these concerns effectively are few and far between. No matter how much preventative care you do, the aging process eventually comes for us all.

Botox Cosmetic is approved for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles throughout the face. Here are some common conditions that it works to correct:

• Forehead wrinkles
• Frown lines
• Droopy eyebrows
• Crow’s feet
• Lip lines
• Gummy smile
• Overly sharp jawline
• Chin dimpling

If you are looking to improve any of the conditions mentioned above, then you are likely going to be a candidate for Botox treatment. Since it is minimally invasive, there are very few concerns or pre-existing conditions that would prevent you from being able to have it performed. You should always have realistic expectations about what this treatment can achieve, however. Otherwise, you may find yourself disappointed in your results no matter how much improvement was made and even if it would otherwise be considered a successful session.

In the rare case that you are not a right fit for Botox injections, our team of medical professionals at Appearance Care Center in San Francisco will help you find a treatment that is better suited to your goals and needs.

As a noninvasive treatment, you don’t need to worry about extensive preparations. We do ask that you refrain from excessive sun exposure, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking or drug use prior to having your procedure performed since any of these things can harm your healing process.

Prior to having your procedure performed, all patients go through an initial consultation. During this meeting, one of our expert medical professionals will assess your conditions and let you know if the results you are hoping to achieve fit what Botox can provide. If the two do not align, then we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that can achieve your goals.

The Botox procedure is generally pretty straightforward. Your face will be thoroughly cleaned before any other steps are taken. Then, a topical numbing agent may be applied in some cases, although it is not always necessary. Some people have much higher pain reactions than others, so if a previous procedure was painful then numbing creams can be used to help mitigate it. Your medical professional will then inject small amounts of Botox into your face at very specific points. Once the injections have been completed, your procedure is finished.

There is essentially no long-term recovery associated with Botox treatment. You may resume your usual activities right away, but you should do your best to avoid rubbing the areas where the injection took place. Doing so may spread the toxin to unwanted areas in rare cases. This can result in facial drooping or weakness.

Some patients find they are sore in the injection areas for a day or two after their procedure. This is completely normal, as is a little redness or swelling. Many people find that they are able to resume their work routines immediately after the injection.

Generally, you can expect Botox to last anywhere between three and six months. But this is contingent on many different factors, such as your unique conditions, the size of the area treated, your lifestyle and environmental exposure, genetics, etc. Some conditions are more likely to recur or develop faster than others, so you should take time to develop a treatment plan with a medical professional at our office.

Maintaining regular treatments and getting monitored by our staff will help ensure that you are maintaining the most optimal results possible.

Botox is minimally invasive and injectable, which means you can combine a host of different procedures with it. Other injectables like Juvederm or Restylane are solid options, but you can also turn to laser treatments or peels for improved results as well.

If your aesthetic goals don’t seem to align with what Botox can achieve on its own, then one of our team members may suggest a companion procedure alongside your neurotoxin injection. Ultimately, the decision to have both performed is yours, but we want to make sure we provide you with all the tools you need to achieve your ideal appearance.