Is Botox Safe for the Face?

Nobody likes to look in the mirror and immediately be drawn to the fine lines and wrinkles that are starting to show on the skin surface. Unfortunately, the visible signs of aging will happen whether we like it or not, so the only thing we can do is try to reduce their appearance. At Radiant Reflections in Hattiesburg, MS we understand that one of the most effective anti-aging treatments available are Botox injections, which can smooth out wrinkles and help you look younger – and feel more confident when you see your reflection.

Is Botox Safe for the Face?

Yes, Botox is considered a safe treatment for the face. Although sometimes used to treat TMJ or migraines, the true purpose of this injectable treatment is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment has been approved by the FDA for well over a decade and enjoys a sterling reputation as one of the most reliable and effective anti-aging aesthetic treatments.

This injectable treatment is safe for the face for a variety of reasons. The first is because this treatment uses a very fine needle to inject the neurotoxin into the muscles of the face, which means that you will not need to worry about any scarring after your treatment. Another reason this treatment is safe for the face (and safe in general) is that the neurotoxin used is a purified form of botulinum toxin, which is well-tolerated by most people.

How Does This Treatment Work?

The foundation of this treatment can be found in the way that neurotoxins like botulinum toxin interact with the human body. A neurotoxin is essentially a substance that cancels out the normal function of nerves in the body. In other words, once injected into a muscle, the neurotoxin blocks the natural communication between the brain and the neuron delivering messages to the muscle, which then inhibits communication that will tell muscles to move.

Because muscles in the face will no longer contract since they will not be able to receive movement messages from the brain, the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and fine lines will be reduced. Dynamic wrinkles are deeper wrinkles that are caused primarily by repeated facial expressions; over time, wrinkles from emoting create permanent creases in the skin and will gradually appear worse. With a neurotoxin, because your muscles will be less responsive, wrinkles will not appear as deep or severe while the treatment is still active.

Will You Be Able To Feel Your Face After Treatment?

One of the most common misconceptions first-time patients have about this treatment is that they will not be able to feel their face after the treatment is complete. But this couldn’t be more untrue. The fact of the matter is that our body has two different types of nerves – sensory nerves that process sensation and motor nerves that control movement.

The neurotoxin used for this treatment only affects motor neurons, which means that sensory neurons will not be “numb” after this treatment. You will still be able to feel all sensations on your face immediately after your treatment and while this treatment is still in effect. Any temporary numbness you feel will be associated with topical creams containing lidocaine that are applied to your skin before your treatment.

Will You Be Able To Move Your Face?

This is the second most common misconception patients have about this treatment. Your face will not be “frozen” after your neurotoxin treatment is complete. Although this neurotoxin will prevent most muscle contractions in the facial muscles that are exposed to the neurotoxin, you will still be able to express emotions. The difference will be that your emotional expression will be more subtle during the first few days or weeks after your treatment.

Where Can Botox Be Used?

Neurotoxins are unique treatments that were originally used on the upper face. Because the upper face has thinner skin, injectables such as dermal fillers are usually not compatible to treat issues such as glabellar lines or forehead wrinkles. However, because these wrinkles are primarily caused by muscle movements, a neurotoxin can relax these muscles to reduce wrinkle appearance easily. Today, this neurotoxin is used in other areas of the face to treat concerns such as:

• Crow’s feet
• Bunny lines
• Smile lines
• Downturned mouth corners
• Gummy smile
• Chin dimpling
• Tense neck bands

Over the past several years, there have been a few common medical uses for this neurotoxin as well. In addition to treating migraines and TMJ, this injectable can also be used to control excess sweating.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Can You Expect From Treatment?

Your neurotoxin treatment will be very simple. Most appointments take about 30 minutes to complete. Your treatment will consist of several injections made into different zones of the affected muscle until the appearance of your wrinkles relax or your aesthetic goal is achieved. Because this treatment requires no general anesthesia or recovery time, most patients return to their regular day immediately after this treatment with very few restrictions.

After your treatment, you should avoid rubbing or massaging your skin so that your neurotoxin does not migrate to other muscles in your face. You should also not lie down for at least four to six hours after your treatment. Please avoid excessive movement or sweating, including strenuous exercise or direct sunlight. We may give you additional instructions to follow.

2. How Soon Will You See Results?

Every patient experiences result onset somewhat differently. For most people, you can expect to wait three to five days for the effects of this treatment to be visible, while others may need to wait for two or more weeks. Many patients will see results that gradually improve for the first week after treatment. During the first few days, your facial movements may be relatively “stiff”, but this will wear off as the neurotoxin settles and activates.

3. How Long Will Results Last?

Most people can expect results to last for three to five months at a time. Factors such as how vigorously you work out and how quickly your body metabolizes this dermal filler may affect how long your results last. Ultimately, because these results are temporary, many people choose to use this treatment every three to four months to maintain results.

4. Is There a Best Age for This Treatment?

To be honest, there is no “perfect” age to start using neurotoxin injectables. Based on your skin condition and your ultimate appearance goals, sometimes it makes sense to start using this treatment when the visible signs of aging are already severe, such as when you are around ages 40 or 50. For others, this treatment can work as a preventative measure to slow down the entire aging process, which is why many people in their late 20s and early 30s use this treatment.

5. Should You Combine This Treatment?

You may want to combine this treatment with other injectables or facials to achieve your specific appearance-related goals. For example, because neurotoxins can’t help treat age-related volume loss that causes hollow spaces beneath the eyes or in the cheeks, you may want to use a dermal filler to appear more youthful. Additionally, certain facial treatments can also enhance your appearance or reduce superficial concerns like dryness, blemishes, or dark spots.

6. Who Are Good Candidates?

Good candidates for this treatment include those who want to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, particularly on the upper face. Your age, skin tone, and skin type are not factors for eligibility. As long as you are not allergic to botulinum toxin A, then you are likely eligible for this treatment.

Smooth Out Wrinkles With Botox Injections

When you look at your reflection, you should be happy about what you see. If fine lines and wrinkles are making you feel less confident about your appearance, then an injectable treatment like Botox may be an ideal fit for your aesthetic concerns. Please call Radiant Reflections In Hattiesburg, MS today to schedule your consultation.