BOTOX – The Most Popular Cosmetic Procedure to Improve Wrinkles!

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.

Also, check out this research regarding Botox and how it helps fight depression!

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.

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.

Botox Cost

DeConti Plastic Surgery offers Botox® Cosmetic injections for $11 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 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.