In our quest for younger-looking skin, Botox has become one of the most popular injectable procedures. Men and women of all ages and stages of life have sought Botox injections to help reverse signs of aging and achieve a more youthful, relaxed appearance. Despite what you may have heard, there is no “right” age for Botox. There are benefits of getting it at any decade, as we highlight in a blog about the right age for Botox. With virtually no downtime required, Botox offers a convenient and comfortable way to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, and restore a less worn, more well-rested appearance.
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, skincare expert Dr. Leslie Smith is highly experienced in performing Botox treatments. Due to its convenience, affordability and proven effectiveness, Botox has become one of the most popular contouring procedures at our clinic in Wayzata, MN. As a premier cosmetic doctor, Dr. Smith works with patients all over Minneapolis and beyond to help them reduce the appearance of wrinkles and feel more confident about their skin.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is an injectable neurotoxin derived from botulinum toxin type A, a protein byproduct that is safe for the body. When administered in small controlled doses, this toxin works to block nerve signals and prevent facial muscles from contracting, which is the primary cause of wrinkle formation. By temporarily relaxing the muscle tissues, Botox safely inhibits muscle movement to prevent and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. The result is a more youthful, well-rested profile to compliment your overall appearance.
Preventative Botox
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, we often perform Botox injections for patients seeking to prevent the formation of wrinkles. Though they are often related to aging, fine lines and creases can develop naturally at as young as 20, adding years to your complexion or making you look more tired and stressed than you feel. Some patients may be genetically predisposed to forehead lines, while others may have developed a frown due to years of concentrating. Botox can reduce the stress that muscles have on your skin, preventing both the onset of new wrinkles and the deepening of existing lines. Dr. Smith has worked with many patients, each with their own reasons for seeking preventative Botox. Though not for everyone, preventative Botox offers patients the chance to counter the issue early-on and keep invasive procedures at bay for years to come.
What Concerns Can Botox Treat?
Botox has been used for over four decades in the medical field, initially to treat disorders of the neck and eyes. Today, its primary use is to eliminate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, including:
- Horizontal lines across the forehead (forehead lines)
- Vertical lines between the eyebrows (frown lines)
- Lines around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet)
- Horizontal wrinkles at the top of the nasal bridge (bunny lines)
- Lines around the edges of the mouth (marionette lines)
Alternatively, there are also non-traditional uses of Botox injections that are just as effective, including treatment of the gummy smile. This concern refers to the excess show of gum upon smiling. To address this issue, Botox can be injected into the hyperactive muscles of the upper lip to ultimately relax the muscle and reduce the upward movement, resulting in less of a gummy smile.
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, Dr. Smith and her expert team will take the time to understand your reasons for treatment and determine the most suitable way to achieve your aesthetic goals. After examining your facial proportions, Dr. Smith will design a treatment plan tailored specifically to you, your needs and stage of life. It is this thorough process and exceptional aesthetic vision that allows her to achieve beautiful, personalized results for her patients.
What To Expect During The Procedure
Botox appointments are generally quick and take no longer than 30 minutes. Once the injections sites have been mapped and cleansed, Botox will be injected into the target areas using a very fine needle. The treatment is comfortable, and patients experience little discomfort. After the procedure, it takes approximately four to seven days for the results to set in. Botox is a highly advanced FDA-approved wrinkle treatment that can provide transformative benefits without the discomfort, recovery time and side effects associated with surgical procedures. It is the go-to treatment for those seeking quick wrinkle relief and noticeable results.
The Botox Advantage
When performed by a qualified and experienced injector like Dr. Leslie Smith, Botox offers a myriad of benefits for patients of nearly all ages and skin types, including:
- Non-surgical treatment to improve aging skin
- No sedation or anesthesia required
- Targets the muscles that cause wrinkles to form
- Minimizes the appearance of crow’s feet and laugh lines
- Highly customizable treatment
- Can reduce headache symptoms for some patients
Botox FAQs
Is Botox right for you?
Upon consultation, Dr. Smith will examine your skin and medical history to ensure Botox is a suitable procedure for you. Generally, she recommends Botox to men and women who have mild to moderate frown lines around the eyes and forehead. Botox is not for pregnant women or patients with neurological disorders. If you are unsure about whether Botox is right for you, Dr. Smith will be happy to work with you and help you determine the best course of treatment for your concerns and cosmetic goals.
Is Botox Safe?
Yes, Botox has a long record of safety and is FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes. The product has been used for decades all over the world. Common side effects are only temporary and localized to the area of injection.
When will I see results?
Patients generally see the results beginning to show around four to seven days after treatment.
What should I expect after my Botox treatment?
There is virtually no recovery associated with Botox. You may experience some minor swelling or redness in the treatment site. However, most patients who receive Botox can resume work or regular activity immediately following the procedure.
Which wrinkles are best treated with Botox?
Dr. Smith uses Botox to target various lines and areas of the face. Most commonly, this includes frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes.
How long do results last?
The longevity of results will depend on your skin type and initial condition. Most patients can enjoy their results for up to four months. Dr. Smith can work with you to determine the number and frequency of Botox treatments required to maintain your ideal look.
Do Botox injections hurt?
During the procedure, you may experience a slight sting as Botox is administered. Treatment is generally comfortable and easily tolerable. There is usually no discomfort after the procedure.
Botox is a safe, comfortable and effective anti-aging treatment that has helped countless patients achieve smoother, younger-looking skin. If you are seeking to eliminate fine lines or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, schedule a treatment session with Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics – one of Minneapolis’ leading cosmetic clinics. Book a consultation by calling us at (952) 460-1970 and begin your Botox treatment today.