When it comes to cosmetic treatments, noninvasive procedures continue to be popular and Botox® is still among the most popular options available.
Originally used in 1978 to treat an eye condition called strabismus, Botox’s unique properties have become useful in many medical treatments never dreamed of in the 1970s.
In 1992, Botox started being used for cosmetic treatments; it’s since become a phenomenon, with the number of procedures involving Botox and similar injectables increasing over 450% between 2000 and 2020.
At Skinworks Dermatology, with three New York City locations, Dr. Javier Zelaya provides an array of medical and cosmetic services, including Botox treatments. If you’ve never experienced the benefits of Botox, Dr. Zelaya shares three reasons why you should give it a try.
Botox is a neurotoxin that can temporarily relax the muscles in the areas where it’s injected. This unique property makes it effective at smoothing out wrinkles and creases in your forehead, around your eyes, in the corners of your mouth, and on your chin.
The FDA-approved protein in Botox that creates this effect is onabotulinumtoxinA, which is derived from the toxin that causes botulism but is designed only to relax muscles. Depending on the treatment, results can last from three months to a year.
Whether you’re getting a single shot or several, all Botox injections are outpatient procedures and noninvasive, meaning you can get treated and then go out and enjoy the rest of your day.
And because no surgery is involved, there’s little to no recovery once you’re done. There’s not even much preparation needed for the injection, outside of a local anaesthetic being applied.
Once the treatment is complete, avoid rubbing or massaging where you’ve been injected to avoid spreading the Botox to other areas. You can expect results 1-3 days after the procedure, and you need follow-up injections to maintain the results.
As mentioned above, the muscle-relaxing properties of Botox aren’t just useful for cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. It can treat many medical conditions, including:
A 2017 review indicates Botox might also help with facial redness and flushing during menopause, keloids (overgrown scars from minor wounds), and hidradenitis suppurativa (an inflammatory skin disease).
Botox injections are a medical and cosmetic tool that can help with a variety of conditions. If you’re ready to try Botox today, call or use the online booking tool today to make your appointment at a Skinworks Dermatology location in Maspeth, Chelsea, or Park Slope.
