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Lacamas Life Magazine
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Botox Q & A
Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic provides Botox and Restylane treatments. Some of the most frequently asked questions are noted below.
Q: I’m considering having some Botox injected into some wrinkles on my face, but just what is Botox and how does it smooth out my wrinkles?
A: Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) is a purified protein made from the botulism bacteria. It works by attaching itself to nerve endings and thus preventing the release of the chemical transmitters that activate muscles. Botox is unique in that it decreases the ability to frown or squint, thereby preventing the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by “dynamic wrinkles”, or wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions. When injected into specific areas of the face, it relaxes the small muscles that cause frown lines, crow’s feet and other wrinkles. Although the injections affects movement, there is still feeling in the areas treated.
Q: Is there any pain or discomfort associated with a Botox treatment?
A: The Botox injection procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes. First the skin is treated with a topical anesthetic. A thin, fine gauge needle is then used to inject the Botox in the skin and muscles of a specific part of the face. Crow’s feet, for example, are treated with three or more injections on the side of the face close to the outer eye area. Although there is some initial discomfort involved with injections, the feeling is very much like any other injection and there is virtually no pain afterwards. The treatment can sometimes cause a brief headache and bruising can occur at the injection site. The application of an ice pack on the area to be treated before and after injections can reduce the discomfort, swelling and bruising. You can resume regular activities right after treatment. It is important, however, to keep the head upright for 4-6 hours and to avoid massaging the treated area during this time.
Q: Are the Botox treatment effects immediate?
A: No. It takes up to four or five days for the injected muscles to be completely affected and, in some areas, it can take up to two weeks to see the full effects. If timing is a concern, discuss this with your Botox provider.
Q: How long will changes caused by Botox last? Can they be reversed?
A: The effect of Botox injections last for 3 to four months although some patients with high metabolic rates report less time. However, there seems to be a “build up” effect after frequent treatments and some studies show that after at least five treatments, results can last longer. If you do not like the results of an initial Botox treatment, do nothing and your body will soon return to its pre treatment condition.
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