What is Botox?
Botox injections contain botulinum toxin, a purified protein that’s primarily used to treat wrinkles and other lines. This simple injection temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause deep lines, giving your skin a more youthful appearance. Botox injections can address the following cosmetic concerns:
- Chin softening
- Lip lengthening
- Marionette lines
- Eyebrow asymmetry
- Upper/lower lip creases
- Brow elevation
- Brow shaping
- Softening facial scars
Though Botox isn’t permanent, it can be used as part of an ongoing treatment plan. For permanent cosmetic solutions, explore our various plastic surgery options.
If you want to learn more about Botox therapy—or schedule a consultation with a Botox doctor in the Lehigh Valley—then contact St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
Overview
Botox candidates include adults who want temporary relief from frown lines, crow’s feet, or other cosmetic concerns—especially those that cause lines, wrinkles, and sagging. This non-invasive, quick procedure is an affordable way to temporarily treat signs of aging.
While Botox is a popular way to treat lines and wrinkles, it can also be used preventatively. If you start getting injections when your muscles are weak, your Botox will last longer and require fewer treatments.
To determine if Botox is right for you, schedule a consultation with a St. Luke’s Botox specialist.
Getting Botox can positively impact your wellbeing and self-confidence. The following list includes some of the most commonly reported benefits:
- Rejuvenated skin appearance
- Fewer wrinkles
- Softened lines
In addition to its anti-aging effects, Botox can be used for ongoing medical treatments. Having Botox can dramatically improve your body image, prevent visible signs of aging, and give you a more youthful appearance.
As with all cosmetic procedures, Botox has risks. Some of them include the following:
- Allergic reactions
- Itching
- Headache
- Muscle weakness
- Neck or back pain
- Eyelid or eyebrow drooping
- Asymmetrical result
Your Botox specialist will review a complete list of risks before getting your consent.
Before the procedure
Before Botox at St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, your Botox specialist will answer questions you have and address your expectations. Additionally, they may review your overall health–including the following:
- General health
- Risk factors
- Medical conditions
- Drug allergies
- Current medications
- Herbal supplements
- Drug or tobacco use
- Past treatments with injectable fillers
On the day of your Botox, your doctor may take photos for your records.
During the procedure
Botox for forehead wrinkles
Forehead wrinkles develop when the frontalis muscle in your forehead repeatedly contracts—an action that occurs when you raise your eyebrows. Botox for forehead wrinkles relaxes this muscle, softening forehead wrinkles and preventing future wrinkle lines from developing. To treat forehead wrinkles temporarily, Botox is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift.Botox for crow’s feet
Crow’s feet develop when the orbicularis oculi muscle in your eyelids repeatedly contracts—an action that occurs when you close your eyes. Botox for crow’s feet relaxes this muscle, softening wrinkles around your eyes and preventing future wrinkle lines from developing. To treat crow’s feet temporarily, Botox is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift.Botox for hooded eyes
Hooded eyes have various causes, including strong depressor muscles in your forehead—which pull your eyebrows and eyelids down. Botox to lift your brow and improve hooded eyes relaxes these depressor muscles, allowing the elevator muscles to naturally raise your eyebrows. To treat hooded eyes temporarily, Botox is a non-surgical alternative to a brow lift.Botox for lip lines
Lip lines develop when the orbicularis oris muscle around your lips repeatedly contracts—an action that occurs when you pucker your lips. Botox for lip lines relaxes this muscle, softening lines around your mouth and preventing future lines from developing. This treatment can be combined with other non-surgical cosmetic treatments for enhanced results.Botox for frown lines
Frown lines develop when the muscles between your eyes repeatedly contract—an action that occurs when you frown. Botox for frown lines relaxes these muscles, softening lines between your eyes and preventing future lines from developing. To treat frown lines temporarily, Botox is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift.After the procedure
For fine lines and shallow wrinkles, you’ll notice improvements within a week of your injections. For harsher lines and deeper wrinkles, it may take over two weeks to see results.
Because Botox is a temporary solution for cosmetic concerns, you’ll need ongoing treatments to maintain your results.
Botox injections are minimally invasive, so there is no downtime or recovery period. While there may be bruising and swelling, they should subside within 24 hours–and you should avoid lying down for the first several hours after your treatment.