Tired of fine lines and wrinkles? BOTOX® may be able to help. This injectable is one of the safest and most reputable aesthetic treatments available today. It involves no downtime and can bring patients results that last up to four months.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, eSSe Plastic Surgery is committed to providing patients with cosmetic treatments that can help them feel more empowered in their daily lives. Contact us today to schedule your very own BOTOX® treatment, and take the first step toward a better you.
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is one of the most popular and extensively researched aesthetic treatments available today. Over 417 peer-reviewed studies have been conducted on this product, and it is available for use in 78 different countries. More than 10 million vials of this injectable have been sold in the United States alone.
Part of a class of injectables called neuromodulators, BOTOX® is FDA-approved to soften and smooth fine lines and wrinkles between the brows and around the eyes.
How Does BOTOX Work?
One of the most common causes of fine lines and wrinkles, especially on the face, is muscle contraction. Your facial muscles contract whenever you speak, laugh, smile, frown, or otherwise express nearly any emotion. While this expression is a healthy and inevitable part of life, the wrinkles and fine lines that result from it can be a source of stress for many people.
The active ingredient of BOTOX® and other neuromodulators like Dysport® and XEOMIN® is botulinum toxin, a substance naturally found in the body. When injected into the facial muscles, this substance temporarily relaxes them. This relaxation allows the wrinkles and fine lines above the muscles to soften and smooth, improving their appearance.
Because BOTOX® is usually flushed out of the body within four months of receiving treatment, routine injections are required to maintain any visible results.
What Are the Benefits of BOTOX?
Easy, Injectable Treatments
Botulinum toxin treatments fit easily into your day. Since the injections are quick and non-invasive, you won’t need to plan for long appointments or downtime. Most patients complete the treatment in under 30 minutes. This treatment also requires only small injections, and involves no incisions, stitches, or anesthesia, making it a comfortable option for many patients.
Temporary, Adjustable Results
With BOTOX injections, you have the flexibility to decide when you want to refresh your look. This adjustability is ideal for patients who are exploring different treatment options. BOTOX gives you control over how subtle or enhanced your results are. If you decide to maintain your look, regular injections can help you sustain smoother skin without a long-term commitment. If you want to try a different approach, the temporary nature of BOTOX injections means you can let the treatment naturally wear off.
Prevents New Wrinkles from Forming
Neuromodulators like BOTOX have the ability to prevent the formation of new wrinkles. While BOTOX softens existing wrinkles, it also helps minimize muscle contractions in targeted areas, which reduces the likelihood of new wrinkles forming. This can be helpful if you’re starting to notice early signs of aging or want to take a proactive approach to maintaining smoother skin.
Long History of Effectiveness
With over 20 years of use in aesthetic medicine, BOTOX® has earned its reputation for being both effective and reliable. Dermatologists and aesthetic specialists have relied on BOTOX because of its consistent results. When you choose this treatment, you select a proven method that has been trusted by both professionals and patients for years.
Additional Considerations
BOTOX is Limited to Dynamic Wrinkles
BOTOX treatment works best for dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements like smiling or frowning. BOTOX can’t address static wrinkles—those deeper lines and folds that remain visible even when your face is at rest. It also doesn’t add volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness over time like the cheeks or under the eyes. For static wrinkles or volume loss, treatments like dermal fillers may be a better option.
Results Need to Be Maintained
While wrinkle treatments with BOTOX offer impressive results, it’s important to remember that the effects are temporary. To keep up your smoother appearance, you’ll need regular maintenance sessions. Many patients schedule follow-up treatments every few months to keep results consistent. This ongoing maintenance is something to consider when planning your cosmetic routine.
Cannot Improve the Quality of the Skin
BOTOX doesn’t directly improve the quality or texture of your skin. To address concerns like uneven skin tone, rough texture, or pigmentation, you might need to explore other treatments like microneedling or chemical peels. While BOTOX can help you look more youthful by smoothing out dynamic lines, it’s not designed to boost collagen production or address surface-level skin issues.
What Can It Treat?
BOTOX® can be used to improve the appearance of a wide range of wrinkles and fine lines, including:
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Eyebrow furrows
- Drooping eyelids
- Vertical lip lines
- Dimpling of the chin
BOTOX Masseter Injections
BOTOX® can also be used for facial contouring. This injection helps create more of an elongated, v-shaped face. This style of injection is popular with patients who grind their teeth and have fuller faces.
What Are BOTOX Treatments Like?
Before we inject any BOTOX, we begin to develop an understanding of your facial structure and the results you are hoping to get from your treatment. We will start with a discussion about your medical history and then we will have you make a few facial expressions like smiling or frowning to observe how your muscles move and find the right areas for injection. We may mark the injection points and take “before” pictures to give you a frame of reference for your results.
Injections will be quick and come with a small pinch which is tolerable for most people. Let us know if you are nervous about injections. We can use a topical anesthetic or other strategies to make injections more comfortable. You will need multiple injections across the treatment area. The exact number will depend on how many areas you are having treated during the same appointment. This part of the appointment only takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Once the treatment is over, you may notice some redness and swelling where the injections were given.
Post-Treatment Care for BOTOX
After your treatment, stay upright for at least four hours and avoid anything that increases blood flow like hot tubs, saunas, or vigorous exercise. Avoiding these activities can also help to prevent swelling. To keep bruising at a minimum, stay away from blood thinning medications or supplements. Prioritize a skincare routine that keeps your skin calm and comfortable until the injection sites heal.
How to Make Your BOTOX Results Last
- Stay Consistent With Your Appointments: BOTOX treatments can provide you with smoother, younger-looking skin, but it’s helpful to keep up with regular appointments to maintain your results. Scheduling follow-up treatments every three months can keep your results consistent without letting the effects fully wear off. This consistency can also help prevent deep lines from forming again.
- Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: Sun damage can speed up the natural breakdown of BOTOX in your skin. After your treatment, wear sunscreen daily and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. By protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, you can maintain your smoother appearance for longer.
- Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Hydration supports overall skin health, and well-hydrated skin may help your BOTOX results last longer. Drink plenty of water and use a quality moisturizer to keep your skin soft and hydrated. This can help enhance the appearance of your treatment and make your skin more radiant.
- Manage Your Stress Levels: High levels of stress can increase muscle tension and facial movements, which may affect how long your BOTOX results last. Reducing stress can benefit your overall skin health while keeping your wrinkles away for longer.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help support your skin’s health. Eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can give your skin what it needs to stay firm and glowing, complementing your BOTOX results. Avoiding excessive sugar and processed foods may also help slow the aging process.
- Avoid Touching or Rubbing Your Face: After BOTOX, it’s best to avoid touching or massaging the treated area for a few days. Doing so may cause the BOTOX to move out of place, which can affect your results. Letting the treatment settle properly will help you achieve the full benefits.
- Incorporate Skincare That Supports Your Results: Using skincare products that contain ingredients like retinol or peptides may help boost the effects of BOTOX by supporting collagen production and overall skin elasticity. We can recommend specific products that can complement your treatment and keep your skin looking its best.
FAQs for BOTOX
Am I a Good Candidate for BOTOX®?
Nearly anyone interested in correcting fine lines and wrinkles around the forehead, eyes, and mouth is a potential candidate for BOTOX® treatments. However, all patients must be in good health and between the ages of 18 and 65 to receive these injections.
Before undergoing treatment, patients must schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Tracey Stokes or Dr. Laura Sudarsky. During this appointment, one of these doctors will discuss your treatment expectations and previous medical history with you in order to decide if BOTOX® is the aesthetic procedure that can best fit your needs.
How Long Does BOTOX Take to Work?
With neuromodulator treatments like BOTOX, you’ll start seeing results within a few days, typically around three to five days after the injections. You likely won’t see your full results for around two weeks. During this time, movement of key muscles will start to be reduced and your wrinkles will start to gradually relax. It’s always a good idea to allow for the full two weeks to pass before evaluating your final results.
How Long Will My BOTOX Results Last?
The effects of BOTOX injections usually last between three to four months, depending on how your body responds and how much was injected. As the BOTOX gradually wears off, muscle movement will slowly return, and you might start to see your wrinkles reappearing. To maintain the smooth look you want, we typically recommend scheduling follow-up treatments every three months.
Will BOTOX Make My Face Look Frozen?
A common concern about BOTOX results is that it will leave your face looking “frozen” or expressionless. While improper or heavy-handed injections can have this effect, results from a skilled injector are much different. We inject BOTOX to improve your wrinkles without freezing your expressions. You’ll still be able to smile, frown, and show emotions, but with fewer wrinkles. The goal is always a refreshed, natural look, not an overly stiff appearance.
Is BOTOX Toxic?
BOTOX is made from a toxin named “Clostridium botulinum”. However, it does not cause a systemic toxin response. BOTOX uses very small and controlled doses of the toxin and only the injected muscles will be affected by the BOTOX. This injectable has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use for over 20 years.
How Is the Cost of BOTOX Determined?
The cost of injectables like BOTOX is determined by how many units you need, which depends on the areas you want to treat and the severity of the wrinkles. We charge per unit, so someone treating their forehead may need fewer units than someone treating multiple areas like the forehead and crow’s feet. During your consultation, we’ll let you know how many units we recommend to achieve your desired results and give you a clear idea of the cost.
How Is BOTOX Different From Dermal Fillers and Other Anti-Aging Treatments?
While BOTOX is great for softening lines caused by muscle movement, dermal fillers do something entirely different. Fillers like JUVÉDERM® add volume to areas that have lost fullness over time such as the cheeks or lips, or they can smooth out deeper lines like nasolabial folds. Other anti-aging treatments, like skin tightening, target sagging skin and stimulate collagen production to improve skin elasticity. Many of these treatments can be used together to target all of the aging concerns from wrinkles to sagging skin.
Why Choose Our BOTOX Services?
- Expert Care from Dr. Tracey H. Stokes: With a background from Harvard and Ivy League medical training, Dr. Stokes brings decades of experience to your BOTOX treatments. Her expertise and refined technique allow for beautifully natural results tailored to your individual features.
- Comfortable and Personalized Consultations: From your very first appointment, we create a welcoming environment where you can comfortably discuss your aesthetic goals. Dr. Stokes listens carefully to understand what you’re looking for and works with you to create a plan that reflects your vision.
- A Balance of Art and Science: We combine advanced medical technology with a finely tuned artistic eye to provide results that naturally enhance your features. Our approach to BOTOX focuses on subtle enhancements that help restore a youthful appearance without making you look “overdone.”
- Dedicated, Compassionate Team: From start to finish, we support you with a friendly, experienced group of professionals who care deeply about your experience. Our licensed estheticians and nurses, with over 20 years of experience, are here to make you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
Treat Wrinkles, Contour the Face, and More With BOTOX in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re interested in experiencing the many benefits of this exciting, time-tested treatment for yourself, contact eSSe Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation appointment. With our treatments in Fort Lauderdale, FL we will guide you through the entire process, making sure you are informed every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines or refresh your overall appearance, BOTOX can help you achieve a youthful, rejuvenated look. Give us a call at (954) 533-1671 to take the first step towards revitalizing your appearance. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best.