BOTOX^®

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is intended to treat specific signs of aging on your face, known as dynamic wrinkles. For many people, these dynamic wrinkles may be the earliest signs of aging that they notice, starting in their 20s and 30s. These lines are primarily linked to muscle activity, as opposed to environmental stressors and intrinsic aging that cause other wrinkles to develop. Dynamic wrinkles can be seen while the face is in motion and usually occur on parts of the face where the skin is thinner and the muscles are used constantly during daily life, such as around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.

When we make habitual facial expressions—such as smiling, frowning, or squinting—or when we talk or chew, our facial muscles contract and pull the skin out of its resting state. At the same time, the skin is gradually losing collagen, resulting in it growing thinner and less elastic over the years, so it becomes less able to spring back to its original position as easily once the muscles relax again. The constant movement leads to deepening dynamic wrinkles that can be visible all the time, as well as asymmetry, facial imbalance, and other irregularities. These facial changes can make patients look older than they actually are, as well as tired, angry, or unapproachable.

Many people in the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas have heard about BOTOX^®, but might not know all of the benefits of the treatment. Our patients at South Jersey Skin Care and Laser Center often ask questions such as “What is BOTOX^® made of?” and “How does BOTOX^® work?”

BOTOX^® is a prescription injectable made with small, diluted doses of a protein called botulinum toxin type A, used for smoothing wrinkles.

The purified protein works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that contribute to major facial lines and wrinkles. BOTOX^® does this by preventing the signal that would otherwise cause the muscles to contract from being received. If the message does not arrive, the muscles don’t move and the skin stays smooth instead of pulling into folds and lines.

Before beginning your treatment, you will be assessed during a personalized consultation to determine whether BOTOX^® is the best option for you and where you would benefit from the injections. We will also discuss your medical history, including any previous cosmetic treatments you have had, to help you decide whether BOTOX^® is the right choice.

This is an excellent time to share with your injector what it is you are hoping to accomplish with your visit and your goals for cosmetic treatments. You can also ask any questions you may have about BOTOX^® or other aesthetic dermatology options available. This is when you’ll get to know your injector better, and they will advise you on everything that’s involved during each step of the BOTOX^® procedure.

BOTOX^® is primarily used to address the upper portion of the face, and the injections are precision targeted to impact only the key muscles that cause lines and wrinkles to form and appear between and above the eyebrows. BOTOX^® Cosmetic applications typically focus on the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles in the forehead and the orbicularis oculi to the side of either eye. These muscles create frown lines and crow’s feet, respectively. BOTOX^® is FDA-approved for moderate to severe glabellar lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet, but we also use it for several off-label applications. It is commonly used on other muscles to treat aesthetic problems that range from downturned corners of the mouth and eyebrows to neck bands. It can also shape the jaw for a slimmer look or overall face-slimming effect, smooth the chin, provide a brow lift, and reduce muscle-related wrinkles and bulges under the eyes.

Some people are interested in other uses, such as injections to relax the trapezius muscles, reduce underarm sweat, or manage migraines. South Jersey Skin Care does not offer these treatments, but we can explain more about how BOTOX® works to those who are curious.

You might be wondering “What is the procedure like for BOTOX^®?”

The treatment takes only a few minutes to complete. BOTOX^® Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscle layer to impact the nerves below the skin. The process is virtually painless, with some patients describing the injection itself as feeling like a slight pinch. Anyone concerned about the sensation of injections in the target areas can talk with Dr. Levin about ice or a topical numbing cream to be applied before any needles are used. Know, however, that the majority of patients tolerate the treatment quite well and do not need numbing.

Not only does a BOTOX^® appointment not take long, but most of our BOTOX^® patients from Philadelphia and South Jersey can resume their normal activities right after their treatment. The minimal time commitment, lack of a recovery period, and satisfying results all combine to make BOTOX^® a top choice for residents of New Jersey and beyond.

Patients report seeing results from BOTOX^® in as little as 24 to 48 hours after receiving their injections, once it settles into the targeted areas. If you’re searching for “How long does BOTOX^® last?” remember that the effects are temporary, and eventually you will need repeat injections to keep your face looking smooth and refreshed. Under optimal conditions, the effects can last up to four months, during which the targeted muscles will remain relaxed. Throughout those months, expressions involving those muscles—including frowns and smiles—can still be made. They simply will not produce the associated wrinkles and lines, from crow’s feet to forehead furrows. A lack of muscle activity during that time will also prevent such lines from deepening and becoming further etched into the face. Your face will still look like your face, just more energized and younger.

As the BOTOX^® effects fade, unrestricted motion will gradually return to the injected regions. Patients may also notice the return of some wrinkling and crinkling when they make certain expressions, but can choose to get another dose of BOTOX^® Cosmetic to continue enjoying its benefits. Injections should be made at least a few months apart, but patients interested in multiple or ongoing treatments should talk to Dr. Levin about specific timelines.

There is evidence that repeated BOTOX^® use has a preventative effect on wrinkles. In essence, it trains the targeted muscles to relax, which leads to longer-lasting results, an overall softening in the appearance of unwanted lines, and avoiding the formation of additional wrinkles.