BotoxThe skin on your face is exposed to a lot every single day. Between the sun, the wind, cold temperatures, and other impurities in the air, it endures a significant amount of abuse. While your skin naturally changes as you get older, everything that your skin is exposed to can cause your skin to age faster. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to form, which can cause you to appear years older than your actual age. In addition to aging you beyond your years, lines and wrinkles can also impact your confidence. At Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we can help to reduce, and even eliminate, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with Botox. What Exactly Is Botox?Botox is an FDA approved cosmetic treatment. It is a form of botulinum toxin A, which is derived from the neurotoxin Clostridium botulinum. It is a purified form, which makes it safe for us to treat some cosmetic issues. Botox is a liquid that we inject directly into your skin into specific areas to reduce, and even eliminate, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Like skin resurfacing with CO2 laser, Botox we can help you to achieve a smoother, younger, more radiant appearance. Uses for BotoxBotox can be used to treat some different issues, including:
In addition to treating these cosmetic concerns, Botox can also be used to treat other issues as well, including such things as:
How Does Botox Work?Botox is a fairly simple procedure that involves the injection of a liquid treatment into your skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a local anesthetic. At most, you may feel some minor discomfort during the injections. Botox is strategically injected into the skin in specified treatment areas. Once in the skin, Botox goes to work blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles in the area. This prevents those muscles from contracting. The lines and wrinkles in the treated areas eventually begin to lessen in severity and may even disappear completely. After getting your injections, it can take 3 to 7 days to see the full results of your treatment. Many patients do experience minor bruising after injections, but it typically disappears in just a few days. Is Botox Permanent?The results of Botox are not permanent. The results typically last for 4 to 6 months. Over time, signals between your nerves and your facial muscles are restored, and the muscles can contract once again. When this happens, the lines and wrinkles that once plagued your appearance can return. To maintain the results of your Botox injections, you will need to have periodic treatments. How Safe Is Botox?Botox is an FDA approved injection and is safe to use. Just like any other treatment, however, there are some risks associated with treatment. These risks include muscle freezing, eyelid drooping, and uneven results. More serious, yet rarer, risks include difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. We are highly trained in administering Botox, minimizing any risks that might occur. With Botox, we can help you to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restoring a much more youthful appearance and your confidence. For more information, and to find out if Botox is right for you, call Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at (610) 435-6161 today. |