Brooklyn, NY dermatologist explains how Botox works for wrinkle reduction

With the dramatic rise in Botox popularity, there is no shortage of information and pictures on the internet about the transformation it can make in wrinkles on your forehead, around your eyes, or in other areas on your face. Having an understanding of how Botox works to provide such a dramatic wrinkle reduction and what to expect from the treatment can help you determine whether Botox injections are right for you. Below, Dr. Tatiana Khrom, a board-certified dermatologist at the KHROM MEDSPA & WELLNESS in Brooklyn, NY, explains what you need to know.

What Botox is made from and how it reduces wrinkles

Botox is a type of cosmetic injectable treatment called a “neuromodulator” that is made from the toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. While this is the same toxin that can cause the deadly disease called botulism that is acquired from certain foods, when it is used in cosmetic injectable treatments, it is done in a controlled dose to provide safe and effective wrinkle reduction.

The way Botox works is by selectively weakening the muscles that cause wrinkles to form by using small doses of the Clostridium botulinum toxin to block the nerve signals that are sent to those muscles. For example, if you have visible folds in your forehead due to raising your eyebrows or furrowing your brow, Botox can be strategically injected to prevent those muscles from contracting, which in turn prevents the wrinkles from being formed and leads to smoother skin. Botox can be a great treatment option for the following types of wrinkles:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
• Bunny lines by the nose
• Bands around your neck

It can also be used to change your facial contours, such as:

• Jawline adjustment by reducing the width of the jaw
• Chin extension
• Reduction of a “gummy” smile

Other injectables with a similar mechanism of action, such as Dysport and Xeomin, are also available. Injectable neuromodulators are also used in a variety of other medical applications, such as to correct a “lazy eye,” treat migraines and even control excessive sweating.

How long it lasts

Patients often notice their results from Botox injections about three to five days after treatment, but in some cases, it can take a couple of weeks to see optimal results. The length of time your results last will depend on a variety of factors, including your skin and what area is being treated. For example, Botox for wrinkle reduction typically lasts a few months before you need to have maintenance injections done. However, with repeated treatments over time, the muscles become slightly atrophied, leading to less natural wrinkle formation and the opportunity for your skin to naturally heal itself, so patients often need fewer injections to maintain the same great results.

What the injection procedure is like

One of our skilled technicians will start by numbing the area of your face that will be treated so that you feel minimal discomfort during the injection procedure. Then, a very fine needle will be used to administer small doses of Botox into strategic locations for the best wrinkle reduction effect, yet natural-looking results. We typically recommend that you rest immediately following the injections, but then you can resume your normal activities later the same day. It is best to avoid intense exercise for at least 24 hours after your injections. 

Who is a good candidate for Botox

It is important to understand that Botox does not work for all types of wrinkles. Because of the way Botox works, patients who have wrinkles caused by active muscular contractions will achieve the best results. Some patients with medical conditions, such as neurological diseases, should not receive Botox injections, nor should women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Questions? Call us!

If you have any questions about Botox and whether it is right for you, the team of professionals at the KHROM MEDSPA & WELLNESS is here to help. In a free personalized consultation, we will evaluate your skin and discuss what you would like to change about it and provide honest feedback about what treatments will work best for your particular needs and preferences. Call our Brooklyn, NY office today at 718-521-2912!

KHROM MEDSPA & WELLNESS helps patients preserve and regain their natural beauty thorough advanced technology and expert quality treatments.

The team is led by board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Tatiana Khrom who has years of expertise in cosmetic and surgical dermatology. The team consists of qualified medical professionals in the field and expert admin staff to guide patients throughout the process. Connect with Dr. Tatiana Khrom on Linkedin

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