5 Quick Facts About Treating Wrinkles With Botox, If you’ve ever watched Bravo’s Real Housewives, you're familiar with Botox. But figuring out whether the anti-aging treatment (a preparation of botulinum toxin) is a scary or smart way to fight wrinkles can leave even the most skin-savvy woman with a furrowed brow. Botox works by relaxing the muscles in the face, but a small study published in JAMA recently showed that Botox may also improve the elasticity and pliability of skin after treatment. We tapped two experts to get the answers to the most common questions they get about Botox.
Will my expression look frozen?
When Botox was first introduced, it wasn’t uncommon to spot celebrities with perma-smiles and immobile foreheads because of the injectable’s muscle-relaxing effects. But doctors are now more experienced with strategically placing Botox to achieve natural-looking results.
“The extent of [the muscle] relaxation depends on the amount of Botox injected and where it’s placed. It’s more attractive to keep some natural movement so you look refreshed, not fake,” says Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California medical school and Daily Glow’s dermatology expert.
Today, Botox has a couple of competitors. Dysport is another formulation of botulinum toxin on the market, and Xeomin is a third rendition, just approved by the FDA. “Talk to your doctor to see which might work best for you,” advises Dr. Wu.
How much does it hurt?
Botox is injected by a needle, so you’ll most likely feel pinpricks at the injection sites. “Patients compare it to getting tweezed,” Wu says. If you’re especially sensitive, ask your doctor to use numbing cream or ice to reduce the discomfort.
When should I start Botox?
You can begin using Botox at any age, though many experts agree that after 30 is best. “Earlier is okay, though, if you have deep forehead lines, or the deep "11" sign between the brows,” says David Colbert, MD, founder of the New York Dermatology Group.
Is Botox a filler?
No — Botox relaxes the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid fillers, like Restylane and Juvéderm, add volume. Says Wu, “Fillers plump lips, fill in acne scars, and fill up sagging wrinkles like the ones that go from the nose to the corners of your mouth.”
How expensive is it?
While the cost corresponds to the amount used, a general range is from $250 to $500 for the most commonly treated area — the frown lines between the eyebrows. Price also varies depending on where you live.
How long will the results last?
Results last about four months, although this depends on the area treated and each how long each person’s body metabolizes the treatment.
Will my expression look frozen?
When Botox was first introduced, it wasn’t uncommon to spot celebrities with perma-smiles and immobile foreheads because of the injectable’s muscle-relaxing effects. But doctors are now more experienced with strategically placing Botox to achieve natural-looking results.
“The extent of [the muscle] relaxation depends on the amount of Botox injected and where it’s placed. It’s more attractive to keep some natural movement so you look refreshed, not fake,” says Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California medical school and Daily Glow’s dermatology expert.
Today, Botox has a couple of competitors. Dysport is another formulation of botulinum toxin on the market, and Xeomin is a third rendition, just approved by the FDA. “Talk to your doctor to see which might work best for you,” advises Dr. Wu.
How much does it hurt?
Botox is injected by a needle, so you’ll most likely feel pinpricks at the injection sites. “Patients compare it to getting tweezed,” Wu says. If you’re especially sensitive, ask your doctor to use numbing cream or ice to reduce the discomfort.
When should I start Botox?
You can begin using Botox at any age, though many experts agree that after 30 is best. “Earlier is okay, though, if you have deep forehead lines, or the deep "11" sign between the brows,” says David Colbert, MD, founder of the New York Dermatology Group.
Is Botox a filler?
No — Botox relaxes the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid fillers, like Restylane and Juvéderm, add volume. Says Wu, “Fillers plump lips, fill in acne scars, and fill up sagging wrinkles like the ones that go from the nose to the corners of your mouth.”
How expensive is it?
While the cost corresponds to the amount used, a general range is from $250 to $500 for the most commonly treated area — the frown lines between the eyebrows. Price also varies depending on where you live.
How long will the results last?
Results last about four months, although this depends on the area treated and each how long each person’s body metabolizes the treatment.
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