Curious about Botox?
What age should you consider Botox?
It’s less about the AGE that you need to start getting neuromodulators, but more about wrinkles that are “set”. If you are bothered by makeup getting creased after a day at work because you talk with a lot of animation or are frowning at a screen all day, it’s probably time to get some tox. After two weeks from your neurotoxin, the medication will be at full peak and you should have no movement. This typically lasts about 6-8 weeks and then you will slowly get movement in those muscle back. Typically, tox lasts about 3-4 months but this can depend on a lot of different factors.
If the wrinkles bother you, treat them. If you’re okay with a little crows feet, by all means, don’t! I only like to treat patients in areas that bother them. Of course I can give you my opinion, but for some, the crows feet aren’t an issue. Especially if the lines aren’t set into place yet.
If the line is there, even if you aren’t making an expression, this is when I encourage a neuromodulator, like Botox, Dysport, or Jeuveau. They can help stop that muscle group from moving, and eventually, that line will pop out. Over time, these “creases” start to act like a scar and they are more difficult to fully remove.
Do you have to use Botox to get rid of wrinkles?
If your wrinkles are caused from muscle movement, then Botox or similar neuromodulators (Jeuveau, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify) stop the muscles from moving temporarily. So over time, if you have wrinkles that are being caused by repeated muscle movement, those wrinkles have a chance to “pop out”. If your lines are really deep, they act a lot more like a scar so it may take awhile of "non-movement” to get those creases out. Procedures like microneedling can help break up some of that scar tissue as well to expedite the process.
In order to make your neuromodulator be effective for longer, it is important that once those creases “pop out” you prevent them from coming back. You can do this by stimulating collagen with chemical peels & nightly retinol.
Where can I put Botox?
Botox, or any neuromodulator, can be placed in muscle where you want to stop movement. Traditionally, tox can be placed between the brows, forehead, and crows feet. In addition, it can be used for nasal slimming, down turning mouth, masseters, jawline, and neck.
In addition to stopping muscles from moving, tox can be placed under the arms to stop sweating (hyperhidrosis), in the t-zone to decrease pore size, and in your traps to slim/decrease tension.
Does Botox migrate?
Migration is more of an issue when it comes to filler, not neurotoxins. Botox is a powder that is reconstituted by the provider. You can add more liquid in order for the tox to “spread more” or less to make it “more concentrated”. I prefer using a more concentrated solution in order to prevent spread into other muscles. I like to have control over where the tox is going so that it treats the muscle that I want. If it gets into a muscle that I’m not targeting, there can be complications that arise.
Botox for masseter slimming?
You need to be the right candidate for master tox because it may cause your jowls to worsen. I always encourage patients to have a consultation before getting tox in order to see if they are a candidate. It can help with clenching and can create a more slim or “heart-shape” to the face. Although this typically takes time for the muscle to atrophy and may take multiple sessions. The masseter muscle is large and especially if the patient clenches a lot, it is very strong and requires a significant amount of units.
How does Botox help with marionette lines?
Neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau help with marionette lines if the lines are caused from the constant downturning (frown) of your mouth. By placing 4-8 units into the muscle (DAO), you are able to stop that movement and decrease the shadowing. Once the tox has kicked in, you can get a better idea if the marionette then needs to be treated with filler. This region is often called the “chin shadow”.
How long does Botox normally last?
Neuromodulators like Botox typically last 3-4 months. This can depend on many different factors. A common phrase in aesthetics is that “dose equals duration”. This means that if you get half of the recommended units, you can’t expect the tox to last the FDA tested 3 months.
Because the neuromodulators are all made slightly differently, people will react to them differently. Although my favorite tox is Jeuveau because it lasts longer on me and kicks in quickly, you may like Dysport and it lasts longer on you! Just like I prefer Alieve for my headaches and you prefer Tylenol.
Another factor that goes into how long it lasts is the individual’s metabolism. If you are consistently working out, doing hot yoga, actively trying to lose weight, or exposed to a lot of sun, you will more than likely “go through” your tox quicker than most. This is something that we can discuss when you come in and at each appointment so that we can find the best dosing and brand for you!