5 things you need to know about Botox

Should I get Botox?

Have you ever seen that wrinkle on your forehead, between your eyebrows, or around the eyes after a long summer of squinting and think to yourself – uh oh. Is this the time for Botox? Then you ponder the application of Botox in your life. “SHOULD I? SHOULDN’T I? PROS? CONS? IS IT PAINFUL? DOES IT WORK? CAN IT PREVENT THESE WRINKLES FROM WORSENING?”

These are all extremely common questions that apply to a wide variety of ages, from millennials to baby boomers. In any case, there are many questions a first-timer may have about the worldwide term called “Botox.”

1. Botox (botulinum toxin) is a brand name, similar to Advil (ibuprofen) or Kleenex (tissue). There are three brand names for botulinum toxin — Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. Botulinum toxin is a neuro-modulator, which is a fancy way of saying that is blocks the nerves in certain facial muscles from contracting. Without botulinum toxin A, facial muscles will hyper-contract, which causes the skin to pull, causing lines to appear. The most common places for Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are in the frown lines, forehead, and around the eyes. Applications can be applied to the lower face as well.
   
2. Botox and filler are different. Fillers are a gel that help sculpt the face when injected into your skin. The most common filler is hyaluronic acid (which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that draws water to the skin). Both address fine lines and wrinkles, but in different ways and complement each other well when both treatments are done.
   
3. Only go to a trained professional. As a cosmetic nurse practitioner with over five years of experience using the best techniques, Lindsay Jones, the owner and founder of Lift Clinic, uses her knowledge and skills to diagnose and prescribe botulinum toxin for cosmetic and therapeutic injections. Going to a professional that has a deep understanding of facial anatomy and who will not over-sell you on product is crucial to your experience with cosmetic injections.
   
4. It takes 1-2 weeks to see the full results. Sure, it’s more effective than simply moisturizing, but it’s onset is not immediate. You will walk out looking the same as you did walking into Lift. In 3-4 days you may notice a softening and restriction of movement, but the full effect becomes noticeable between 1 to 2 weeks after your treatment. The overall effects last between 3 to 6 months, depending on your metabolism.
   
5. Botox has therapeutic uses. It is not just cosmetic, but is also used for various conditions such as migraines, teeth grinding, and excessive sweating. When injected by a trained professional such as Lindsay Jones, NP at Lift, it can stop migraines, treat migraines, relieve TMJ disorder and significantly reduce excessive sweating in your palms and/or armpits. More recently, there has been evidence that associates Botox and reduced depression since it prevents frown lines (the 11’s in between your eyebrows).

“Invest in your skin. It will represent you for a long time. ”

— LINDSAY JONES, NP