It’s no secret that our appearance can impact how we feel about ourselves. Having wrinkles or lines around your mouth, nose, eyes, or forehead can adversely affect your self-esteem.

Botox is a common face wrinkle treatment that can help you regain your youthful, glowing appearance. As one of the leading authorities on cosmetic treatments, we at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we are often asked about just how many different cosmetic issues can be treated by Botox. The answers may surprise you.

All of our board-certified dermatologists handle your Botox treatment injections, so you can rest assured that you will be receiving high-quality care during your appointment with us.

We also have answers to questions you may have about Botox treatments.

How Does Botox Work?

It works by blocking the nerve impulses that contract certain muscles in your face, making the targeted area more relaxed and wrinkle-free. The treatment affects only the targeted muscles, leaving the untargeted muscles to sustain normal facial expressions.

We use a fine needle for the injection, which many patients report helps reduce pain. The amount varies with each patient’s specific needs, allowing for natural-looking results without disturbing your normal facial movement.

Is Botox Treatment Safe?

Although your treatment is derived from Botulium toxin, it is completely safe for cosmetic injections because of the low dosage. It has an excellent reputation for safety and is considered safer than aspirin.

As for pain during treatment, most patients report none, but some have reported tingling or soreness at the injection point. And treatment usually takes less than an hour, and with only a few side effects, you can return to work or your daily routine right after injections.

The effects last about six months, after which additional treatments are suggested to maintain your youthful appearance.

Botox Side Effects

Let’s tackle the most common question immediately – no, Botox will NOT cause your face to become frozen. Any so-called “frozen face” mostly comes about due to unskilled practitioners performing the injection or getting additional maintenance treatments too frequently.

Complications depend on where you have the injections, but they include mild nausea, pain or soreness, numbness, and blurred or double vision. Injections into the forehead can sometimes lead to droopy eyelids, and ones into your neck or head for migraines can result in mild neck discomfort. Some patients have also reported dry mouth.

Before you decide on this or any other skin treatment, consult with the specialists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology for the best advice about your particular circumstances.

Treatment Areas

You probably already know that Botox treatment is effective for reducing wrinkles on your face. Everyday facial movements or expressions such as frowning, smiling, or squinting are responsible for causing unwanted deep wrinkles and lines.

It’s also effective for smoothing creases or lines on your forehead, crow’s feet around your eyes, and bunny lines on your nose. We also recommend it for lifting sagging eyebrows, relaxing neck bands, and reducing a “gummy smile” – a smile that shows too much of your gums.

You might be surprised, though, to learn that Botox is used to treat migraines and excessive sweating. For migraines, injections are made into the head or neck to numb current and even future headaches. For hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), the treatment can reduce uncontrollable sweating in your fingers, palms, and the soles of your feet.

So if it can be used to treat a gummy smile, does that mean it’s also effective as lip augmentation?

How About Botox for Lips?

Botox treatment does not stimulate collagen growth or fill in empty pockets below your skin’s surface; it merely paralyzes muscle activity that can lead to wrinkles or lines.

As a result, if the red part of your lips has vertical lines or wrinkles that are associated with aging, then it can be an effective treatment, especially if the wrinkles or lines are caused by overactive lip muscles. Small amounts are injected into the muscles around the lips to reduce these lines and possibly widen your lips. But it does not augment them.

On the other hand, if thin lips due to lack of, or loss of, collagen has caused the development of lines or wrinkles, Botox is not the best injectable for plumping your lips. Other injectables are more effective because they often promote the growth of new collagen.

Consult a Specialist at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Today!

Because there are many variables that go into using Botox or any other cosmetic dermatology treatment, you should consult with the specialists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego for the best treatment for your unique circumstances.

There are many misconceptions about Botox, so contact us today with your questions or to schedule a confidential, personalized consultation. We are located in San Diego’s UTC area, just minutes from Downtown, La Jolla, and Del Mar.

Next, read When Is “Early” Too Early to Start Anti-Aging.