At Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL, we offer a wide variety of anti-aging treatments to help our clients look and feel their best. One of our most popular anti-aging treatments is BOTOX Cosmetic, an FDA-approved injectable muscle relaxant. One of the reasons this neurotoxic protein-based treatment is so popular is that it provides rapid results. Read on if you’re on the fence about BOTOX treatments to learn more about it and find out if it’s right for you.
How Soon Do BOTOX Treatments Show Results?
Some people start to see the results of their BOTOX treatments in as few as 24 hours after their injections are administered. That said, most people start seeing their results roughly three days after their injections are administered. In rare cases, it can take up to five days to start seeing your results. All told, it may take 10 to 14 days to see your final treatment results.
Is There Anything I Can Do to See My Final Results Faster?
One of the most effective things you can do is exercise the treated muscles 120 times per day. For instance, if you’re treating crow’s feet, you should squint and relax your eyes.
How Often Can You Get BOTOX Treatments?
Most people need to get BOTOX treatments every three to four months. How often you’ll need to be treated depends on several factors, including the concerns you are trying to treat, the severity of your concerns, and your age. Generally, the more severe your concerns are, the more often you can expect to need follow-up treatments. Additionally, you can generally expect to need more frequent treatments if you are older or treating concerns in a very active area.
Note that the first time you get this injectable muscle relaxant, a smaller dose will be used so we can see exactly how the medication affects you. Sometimes, people need a follow-up session after just two to three months. However, you can generally expect that the more consistently your targeted muscles are treated, the longer you can go between sessions.
What Areas Can Be Treated With This Injectable Muscle Relaxant?
This injectable muscle relaxant can be used to treat virtually any concern caused by overactive muscles. One of the most common problems targeted for treatment is crow’s feet around the outer eye. This area is so often a concern because of how thin the skin in this area is. Dynamic wrinkles, lines, and folds appear on the skin due to excessive tension in the underlying muscles leading to the muscle wrinkling permanently.
Another area that is commonly targeted for treatment with this injectable is the forehead. The reason people come in so often for the treatment of deep forehead folds is that the glabellar muscles are very large, strong, and frequently used. This makes them extremely susceptible to wrinkling. Other common problems that can be treated with BOTOX include smoker’s lines, sagging eyebrows, and nasolabial folds.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
There is a good chance you will qualify for Botox injections if you are at least 18 years of age and concerned about problems caused by overactive muscles. However, there are contraindications.
For example, this injectable muscle relaxant is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, you may not be considered a good candidate for this treatment if you have a history of keloid scarring or anaphylaxis.
What Preparation Steps Will I Need to Take Before Treatment?
There are several preparation steps you will need to take before your treatment session. These will be delineated in full during your initial consultation. One of the most important guidelines to follow before your session is to discontinue the use of oral muscle relaxants. It is also extremely important that you do not consume any blood-thinning drugs or supplements. If your doctor advises you to take such a drug, ask them if you can safely stop taking them for a while.
You also need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol before your treatment. These substances can increase your blood pressure significantly and slow down the healing process. Moreover, you should take steps to prevent skin irritation, like not getting potentially irritating cosmetic treatments before your appointment. It is also important that you protect your treatment areas from sun damage.
Find Out Today Whether BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments Are Right for You
You can start to see the results of your BOTOX treatments in one to five days. You can expect your final results to become apparent in roughly 10 to 14 days. If you are in the Elgin, South Elgin, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, St. Charles, or Geneva area, contact us now at Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL to schedule an initial evaluation and find out if this treatment is right for you. We can’t wait to help you build the confidence you deserve.