You’ve heard of Botox, but do you know what it is, what it does, and how it works? If you have wrinkles that you’d like to eliminate and think that Botox might possibly be a good treatment for you, there’s much for you to learn before you opt for this type of treatment. Working with a medical professional can help you decide whether Botox is right for you, but you should also do some independent research. Below, we’ve explained a bit about how Botox treatments work, who is a good candidate for Botox, and what you need to know before you decide to opt for Botox injections.

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable treatment that relaxes the muscles. Botox is used on parts of the face where muscles often contract to show expressions. Common places where people often get Botox include the muscles in the forehead and the space between the eyes.

By forcing the muscles of the face to relax, Botox prevents wrinkles from forming in the folds of the skin. Used over time, Botox can dramatically reduce the presence of wrinkles on the face.

Botox is a safe procedure that has been tried and tested for many years. Some possible side effects of Botox include pain and swelling at the injection site and flu-like symptoms. Talk to your physician to find out what you can expect from your Botox procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for Botox?

Traditionally, good candidates for Botox are people who have moderate to severe facial wrinkles. Placement of the wrinkles also makes a difference. Botox can’t treat wrinkles in all places on the face. In fact, the best places to inject Botox typically includes the forehead, the neck, and the area between the eyes.

Some people also benefit from preventative Botox, which is a type of Botox that is generally administered to people who do not have severe or moderate wrinkles. Preventative Botox can retrain the facial muscles to contract less, so that even when the Botox wears off, it still has an effect. Preventative Botox can be administered to people in their early- and mid-twenties.

Are there Alternatives to Botox?

Yes, there are alternatives to Botox. You may be a good candidate for some of these alternatives if you have good skin elasticity and light wrinkling on the face. Your medical professional can help you decide whether these alternatives are right for you.

• Dermabrasion. Think of dermabrasion like a sanding of the skin, which rubs down the wrinkles and improves the evenness of the face.
• Laser resurfacing. The purpose of laser resurfacing is to stimulate and promote development of collagen in the skin, which can boost the skin’s youthful appearance.
• Chemical peel. Chemical peel is used to treat conditions like skin discoloration and acne, but can also smooth out the face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Retinoids. Retinoids are a non-invasive method to reduce the signs of aging. Retinoids can repair wrinkles,

Interested in Botox? Get Started Today

Botox can improve your appearance, boost your confidence and reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face. If you think you’re ready to start Botox, contact  Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center in Columbia today for a consultation.