Botox for Wrinkles

What Is Botox?

Botox is an injectable muscle relaxant that is FDA-approved for cosmetic treatment of fine lines on the forehead and around the eyes. It is derived from the bacterium C. botulinum, which produces the neurotoxin that leads to food poisoning. However, for therapeutic purposes, the toxins present in Botox injections are in very small doses, making Botox quite safe.

When injected, Botox Cosmetic relaxes the targeted facial muscle and prevents it from contracting. This leads to the softening of wrinkles and age lines, making it effective against the stubborn “elevens” between the brows.

Am I an Ideal Candidate for Botox?

If you want to get rid of the horizontal furrows on your forehead or the vertical lines between your eyebrows, then you may be a good candidate for Botox injections. If you want to smooth away the crow’s feet around your eyes, you may also opt for Botox treatments. Additionally, this procedure can address chin wrinkles, vertical neck bands, and perioral lip lines.

It is important that you are in good overall health before undergoing this procedure. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, these injections are not recommended. If you have had previous allergic reactions to Botox, you may want to explore other facial-rejuvenation options.

Your Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Ralph A. Massey, you will be asked about your cosmetic goals and can express your expectations candidly. Dr. Massey will tell you about Botox, including preparation and aftercare steps.

A physical examination of your face will be conducted to evaluate the wrinkles that you want to be treated. A discussion of your medical history will also take place; this will ensure you have no underlying conditions that may inhibit proper healing.

The Botox Procedure

Since Botox treatments are only minimally invasive, there will be no anesthesia or incisions needed. Like all of our procedures, no general anesthesia will be utilized. Avoiding general anesthesia lowers risk factors and leads to a faster and easier recovery process for procedures.

Injections of Botox will be delivered to marked areas on your face. Depending on the evaluation of your target areas, it may take several injections for each region to achieve the desired results. The whole process can take only about 10 to 20 minutes.

Aftercare

Following your Botox injections, there is no recovery time or downtime needed. You may experience some mild discomfort and bruising, but these should go away in a few days. Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas to prevent spread of the Botox substance to other areas. In most cases, it is possible to resume normal daily activities right away.

Cost of Botox Injections

The cost of Botox treatments varies from one patient to another, since treatment is tailored for specific concerns. The total price will depend on the number of injections used during your procedure, along with the number of units of Botox administered.

Schedule Your Consultation

Smooth away wrinkles and achieve a younger-looking appearance with Botox in Santa Monica. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Massey.