What is Botox?

Botox is the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure performed in

the world. In 2002, Botox Cosmetic was the first and only botulinum toxin approved by the FDA for temporary improvement of glabellar lines; wrinkles between the eyebrows known as frown lines. In 2013, Botox Cosmetic was FDA approved for temporary improvement in the appearance of wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, known as crow’s feet.

Botox is Onabotulinumtoxin A, a drug made from the neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In a highly purified form, it is extremely safe. Botox when injected into the muscle, blocks the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This effect relaxes and smooths the look of lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive movements on the face.

How Wrinkles are Formed?

Wrinkles result from a combination of many factors. Cellular changes that occur over time, loss of collagen, or damage caused by free radicals from sun exposure and the environment all contribute to the formation of wrinkles. In addition, when you frown or concentrate, the muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold. When you squint, the muscles around your eyes contract and cause crow’s feet.

Botox Cosmetic works beneath the skin’s surface and targets the underlying muscle activity that causes these frown lines, crow’s feet, and other facial wrinkles.

Botox Treatment

Botox is used to smooth:

Frown Lines – wrinkles between the eyebrows
Horizontal Forehead creases
Crow’s feet – wrinkles at the corners of the eyes
Skin and muscle bands on the neck
Bunny Lines – wrinkles around the nose when smiling
Lipstick Lines
Smoker’s Lips

Besides temporarily improving facial wrinkles, Botox Cosmetic is used to:

Sculpt and balance facial asymmetries
Prevent future formation of wrinkles
Improve a Gummy Smile
Improve masseter or jaw muscle spasticity
Reduce excessive perspiration of the underarms, hands or feet
Prevent chronic migraine headaches

How are Botox Injections Performed?

Botulinum injections can be done on the same day as the initial consultation. The number of injections required depends on the number of areas to be treated and the degree of wrinkling. It only takes a few minutes to perform and one can return to work immediately after. Initially, the injection site will be cleansed. Ice is then placed over the area to be treated to make the experience more pleasant and to constrict the surrounding blood vessels to minimize the chances of bruising.

Here are some images of patients after getting Botox injections to help you understand the results of this treatment.

Units of Botox Required for the Procedure

The needles used are very short and thin, causing minimal pain. Depending on your specific cosmetic concerns, a number of injections may be needed to achieve the desired result.

After the Procedure

Slight pain, short-lasting swelling, and minimal redness and bleeding may occur as a result of your procedure. Once the Botox Cosmetic has been injected, it will take several days to reach full effect.

What to Do After Botox Injections?

After the injections you can return to your regular activities immediately; however, strenuous activity is discouraged for the remainder of the day. Redness and swelling that occur at the time of injection usually resolve quickly. Any bruising that might occur will usually resolve over one to two weeks.

Quick Tips for Best Botox Results

Avoid massaging or touching the injected area afterward; this may inadvertently cause the botulinum toxin to spread to an unintended area.
Lying down or inverting the body shortly after injection can also cause complications.
Avoid strenuous or vigorous activities for the rest of the day.

How Long Does Botox Last?

Botox will last from three to 4 months. This depends on your age, skin condition, and habits.

How Long Does it take for Botox to Work?

Botox will begin to work in four to seven days. This allows time for the Botox to bind to the muscle receptors to get the full effect.

How can I make Botox last longer?

Botox injections are a popular cosmetic treatment that can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While the effects of Botox typically last for around 3-4 months, there are some strategies you can use to make it last longer:

Choose an experienced injector like Dr. DeConti: The skill and experience of the injector can affect how long the effects of Botox last. Choosing an experienced injector who is knowledgeable about the facial anatomy and injection technique can increase the chances of the treatment lasting longer.
Avoid excessive facial movements: Excessive facial movements, such as frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows, can cause the effects of Botox to wear off more quickly. Try to avoid making these movements as much as possible.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can help prolong the effects of Botox. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to better overall health, which may help the effects of Botox last longer.
Consider touch-up treatments: Some people may benefit from touch-up treatments between their regular Botox injections. This can help maintain the effects of the treatment and prevent the muscles from fully regaining their strength.
Follow your injector’s post-treatment instructions: Following your injector’s post-treatment instructions, such as avoiding strenuous exercise and staying upright for a few hours after the injection, can help maximize the effectiveness of the treatment and make it last longer.

What are Botox Side Effects?

Although all procedures have some degree of risk, FDA-approved injections of Botox are relatively low risk.

The most common side effects are:

Temporary muscle weakness
Risk of droopy eye or muscle
Redness, irritation, swelling or bruising at the injection site
In rare instances, patients may experience dry mouth, headache, dizziness,
nausea, and fever.

Can Botox be used for eyebrow lifts?

Yes, Botox can be used for eyebrow lifts. When Botox is injected into the muscles around the eyebrows, it can relax those muscles and prevent them from pulling the eyebrows downward. This can create a lifting effect on the eyebrows, which can open up the eyes and give the face a more youthful appearance.

However, it’s important to note that the results of a Botox eyebrow lift are temporary and typically last for three to four months. Additionally, the effects of Botox can vary depending on the individual.

Can Botox be reversed if I do not like the results?

If you’re not satisfied with the results of a Botox procedure, there are a few steps you can take:

Wait for the effects to wear off: Botox injections typically provide temporary results that last for several months. Over time, the effects will gradually fade as the muscle activity returns to normal. Depending on the individual, this can take around three to four months.
There are no specific medicines or injections that will reverse the effects of Botox. However, doing exercises to contract the muscles that are blocked by the Botox will help. Also a B complex vitamin may decrease the duration of the Botox.
Consult with a medical professional: It’s important to reach out to the healthcare professional who administered the Botox injections. They can assess your specific situation, discuss your concerns, and provide recommendations tailored to your needs. They may be able to adjust or modify the treatment in order to address your dissatisfaction.

What is jawline botox and masseter Botox?

Jawline Botox, also known as masseter Botox or jawline contouring, is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into the masseter muscles of the jaw. Here’s what you need to know about jawline Botox and masseter Botox:

Purpose: Botox jawline or masseter muscle Botox is primarily used to enhance the appearance of the jawline. It can help to reduce the size of the masseter muscles, resulting in a slimmer and more defined jawline. It is often sought after by individuals who desire a more V-shaped or contoured facial appearance.
Botulinum toxin: Botox is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into the masseter muscles, it temporarily weakens the muscles and reduces their activity. This helps to reduce the prominence of the jawline and create a softer, more balanced facial profile.
Procedure: Jawline Botox and Botox masseter is a non-surgical procedure performed by a qualified healthcare professional, typically a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. The treatment involves a series of small injections administered directly of Botox in masseter muscles on each side of the jaw. The procedure is generally quick, and most individuals can resume their normal activities immediately afterward.
Results and duration: The effects of jawline Botox and Botox masseter muscles are not immediate and usually take a few weeks to become noticeable. Over time, the masseter muscles gradually shrink, resulting in a more defined jawline. The duration of the results can vary among individuals but typically lasts around three to six months. Regular maintenance treatments are often required to sustain the desired jawline appearance.
Side effects: Like any medical procedure, jawline Botox carries some potential side effects. These can include temporary bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection sites. In rare cases, individuals may experience mild pain or headaches. It is crucial to choose a qualified professional with experience in administering Botox injections to minimize the risk of complications.
Considerations: Jawline Botox is not suitable for everyone. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your facial anatomy, medical history, and aesthetic goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Additionally, Botox injections should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding and by individuals with certain neuromuscular conditions.

What is the cost for Botox injections?

DeConti Plastic Surgery offers Botox Cosmetic injections for $12.50 per unit. Dr. DeConti personally performs all injections.

Dr. DeConti has performed over 10,000 injections since BOTOX Cosmetic was introduced in 2002. As a highly credentialed surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and training in Craniofacial Surgery, he is an expert in the intimate details of facial muscle anatomy. This knowledge allows Dr. DeConti to perform BOTOX® Cosmetic injections accurately and effectively for the finest and most optimum results with the least amount of risk.

Can Depression be Treated With Botox?

Can Botox effectively treat depression and the winter blues? A recent review article in the Journal of Psychiatric Research suggests that indeed it can; confirming that facial expressions play a role in influencing depressed moods.

Research Regarding Botox and Depression

Botulinum toxin has antidepressant effects

The authors found that botulinum toxin injected into the brow muscles has significant antidepressant effects as compared to placebo in randomized controlled studies.

Predicted by Charles Darwin

These findings may seem surprising, but over a century ago they were predicted by Charles Darwin. While it is evident that our emotions influence our facial expressions, the reverse is less obvious.

Emotional proprioception

Darwin made special reference to this facial feedback effect, which is called emotional proprioception, in relation to depression.

Omega sign

Darwin first observed the two vertical slit-like wrinkles between the eyebrows that are joined at the top by a horizontal crease. He described this as the omega sign because the wrinkles were shaped like the last Greek letter of the alphabet. He recognized the omega sign as an indicator of melancholy and noted its disappearance when patients recovered from their sadness.

Facial feedback hypothesis

Another famous scientist, William James, stated that he did not cry because he was sad, but rather he was sad because he cried. In both instances, the hypothesis was that external representations of sorrow or grief were actually signaling back to the emotional centers of the brain causing or exacerbating feelings of distress. This has become to be known as the facial feedback hypothesis.

Other Related Studies

Smiling and positive decision-making

Other studies showed that people rated cartoons funnier when smiling than when frowning. People also rated negative photos more aggressive when frowning than when smiling. It is felt that the simple contraction of the zygomaticus muscle which occurs when smiling gives a positive spin to decision making.

E.Finzi and N. E. Rosenthal study

In this study, E.Finzi and N. E. Rosenthal injected Botox into the glabella or frown muscles of depressed patients. Nearly 60% of patients had significant improvement in their depression and almost one-third of patients had complete remission.

How Does Botox Influence Emotional Brain?

How might injecting Botox into the glabella frown lines influence the emotional brain? Hennenlotter et al 2009 showed that subjects who received Botox injections to their frown lines had amygdalas that were less responsive to negative stimuli on MRI.

Botox has long been known to improve wrinkles and make one look younger. But now, Botox can have beneficial effects in reducing depression and the winter blues: giving one a better sense of well-being and happiness and making patients feel more positive about their lives and more confident.

Learn More

To learn how BOTOX® Cosmetic can help you look younger, call 804 673-8000 and schedule a facial rejuvenation consultation at DeConti Plastic Surgery today. Dr. DeConti participates in the Allergan Alle Loyalty Program to help benefit your aesthetic needs.