Top 8 Frequently Asked Questions About Botox Treatments
Wanting to have smooth skin and a wrinkle free face is a desire most can relate to, especially so when you start to notice fine lines appearing around your eyes or on your forehead as you age. Wrinkles can not only make you seem older than you are, they unfortunately also do a great job at dragging down your self-esteem. As you grow older and seek to regain your once youthful appearance, you may start to find the treatment options available to you grow slimer by the year as your wrinkles become more severe. For those who wish to avoid undergoing a surgical procedure due to the potential risks associated with surgeries, one procedure seems to stand out as an obvious treatment choice: a simple and non-invasive Botox injection.
Like acne treatments in Singapore, Botox procedures are among the most popular procedures done by locals today due to its efficiency, simplicity, and effectiveness. Since its approval as an aesthetic procedure in 2002, approximately 11 million Botox injections have been administered. Due to the high volume of patients opting for Botox, as well as its long track record on the market, you may rest assured that Botox is a well-established, safe, and proven treatment that works wonders for smoothing out wrinkles.
In this article, we share the answers to 8 of the most common questions asked about Botox by first-time patients.
#1: How does Botox work?
Botox is a neuromodulator protein injected into specific treatment locations via the use of an ultra-fine needle. Botox essentially works by inhibiting the nerve signals that cause facial muscles to contract – The neuromodulator, once injected, relaxes the muscles, and reduces their movement. As wrinkles and expression lines are caused by the repetitive contraction of facial muscles, this in turn minimizes the appearance of wrinkles or lines in the region. Over the next three to seven days after the injection, results can be gradually seen.
#2: How long do the effects of Botox last?
Results from a Botox injection typically lasts between three to five months from the injection date. Gradual recovery of muscular mobility, and hence the return of wrinkles, in the treated region is a result of Botox being naturally metabolized by the body over time. Patients who wish to maintain a wrinkle free look after their initial Botox treatment wears out may opt to do maintenance injections once every three to four months.
#3: Is it possible to prolong the effects of Botox?
The duration of muscle paralysis in the treatment region is dependent on a number of factors, such as an individual’s metabolic rate, their lifestyle, the kind of Botox used, and any potential immunological reaction to the Botox protein.
While you may not be able to control how long your body retains treatment results, there are certain ways to boost the rejuvenating effects of Botox. Although enhancing your skincare routine and applying sunscreen regularly may not directly extend the effects of Botox injections, they do assist in reducing your reliance on such treatments.
#4: What areas of the face can you treat with Botox?
The good news is that Botox can be used to treat wrinkles and lines in a variety of facial locations; this includes the eye area (crow’s feet), forehead, and lip lines. Additionally, it can be administered to soften chin dimpling or be injected into the jaw muscles to help relieve discomfort from conditions affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, teeth grinding, as well as to slim the jaw.
#5: How does a Botox treatment feel?
Botox treatments are relatively quick as it only takes about ten minutes to complete and cause minimal pain. As such, there is no need for an anesthetic, and there is little to no downtime for this procedure. In fact, it is common for individuals to get a Botox treatment done over their lunch break and return to work immediately after the procedure.
#6: When can I see results from a Botox treatment?
While each patient’s experience may vary, Botox typically takes anywhere from 24 to 48 hours or three to five days for results to be seen following the procedure. For some, it could take up to two weeks to achieve the full results.
#7: How painful is the procedure and are there any side effects?
Topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area prior to the injection, but some patients may experience a mild pinch of pain similar to an ant bite during the injection; the pain usually subsides once the treatment is completed.
Other side effects of Botox treatment side may include tenderness, redness, swelling, and/or bruising around the injection site. Such side effects typically take a few days up to a week to resolve after receiving the injection.
#8: When is an appropriate time to do a Botox treatment?
For some patients, age may be a concern as they deem themselves either too young or too old to receive a Botox treatment. But truthfully, there is no right or wrong age when it comes to doing a Botox. Botox can be done as early as when you are in your twenties if you feel that other types of treatments are not working out for you, or if you seek to use Botox as a preventative measure against the formation of wrinkles.
That being said, prior to the procedure, patients should be thoroughly assessed via a consultation with a certified doctor. Though Botox is a non-invasive treatment, it still carries with it some risks, and complications may arise if the treatment is done by a non-certified doctor. Possible complications include:
- Rashes or itching
- Headaches
- Difficulty enunciating words
- Drooping eyelids
- Muscle fatigue
- Breathing difficulties
- Swallowing difficulties
While the possible complications are considered mild and non-life-threatening, it is still advisable to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you are at greater risk of receiving a botched Botox treatment. Consulting with highly experienced and reputable doctors, such as the doctors at The Clifford Clinic, is the best way to avoid any Botox mishaps.
Minimize the appearance of wrinkles @ The Clifford Clinic
One of the biggest advantages of Botox is its ability to achieve subtle and natural-looking results when done correctly by a practiced and skilled doctor; most patients will notice fewer facial wrinkles and a smoother skin texture after the Botox is done.
Ultimately, it is imperative that you deal with a certified and experienced doctor whom you can trust to deliver a safe and effective Botox treatment. Our doctors at The Clifford Clinic have over 40 years of combined knowledge and experience in the aesthetics sector, with expertise in a wide range of treatments including acne scar treatment and hair transplant in Singapore.
It is time to put an end to the stress of erasing fine lines and wrinkles once and for all – contact us today to schedule an appointment!