Facial expressions help us communicate our emotions but also pull and crease the skin. Over time, this activity leads to lines and wrinkles. Botox® smooths and can even prevent expression lines with no surgery or recovery time.
What is a Botox®?
Botox® is an injectable muscle-relaxing treatment that uses botulinum toxin. When injected, this neurotoxin stops muscles from contracting, releasing the skin from its creases and wrinkles. Botox® has been FDA-approved for decades as a medical and aesthetic treatment. Botulinum toxin injections can treat hyperhidrosis, muscle spasms, migraines, and lines and wrinkles.
How Botox® Work?
Botox® works by stopping the targeted facial muscles from contracting. Without activity from the muscles, your skin can relax, so it looks smoother and more youthful. Botulinum toxin interacts with nerves by stopping the release of a signal called acetylcholine. Without this signal reaching muscles, wrinkle-producing muscle contractions do not occur. As a result, Botox® can both relax existing wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming.
How Much is Botox®?
The cost of Botox® varies widely depending on several factors, including:
- The skill and experience of your injector
- Your location
- The number of areas treated
- The units of Botox® used
Botox® is typically measured in units, and a unit of Botox® can vary from $10 to $25. The size of the treatment area affects how many units you will need. In addition, men may need more units to achieve the same results since they tend to have more robust facial muscles than women. Your injector will adjust the number of units to achieve your desired look, whether you prefer subtle smoothing or more noticeable anti-aging results.
We also offer Dysport® and Xeomin®, different versions of botulinum toxin. During your consultation, we will discuss all available options, the advantages of each one, and treatment pricing.
What is the Best Age to Start Getting Botox®?
While people once considered Botox® a treatment for existing lines and wrinkles, many now consider it a treatment to prevent them from developing. Preventative Botox® prevents the muscle contractions that cause unwanted lines and wrinkles, keeping the skin smooth and even.
Many people start preventative Botox® in their 30’s. At this age, the creases that form during facial expressions often start to leave wrinkles, making this an ideal time to start Botox® treatment. Individuals as young as 25 may consider preventative Botox® at small doses. Prevention of wrinkles ensures that you continue to look more youthful in the future and that forehead, brow, and eye area wrinkles never get a chance to develop.
Is There Any Downtime With Botox®?
You can return to your usual activities immediately after your Botox® treatment. No downtime is required, and treatment takes about 15 minutes. You might notice spots of redness or bruising in the treatment area, but these will fade within a few days. You will start to see results a few days after treatment, with full results developing within seven to ten days.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about Botox®, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Scott A. Greenberg and his team at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137
*Individual results may vary
