When considering Botox(r), patients should, not only understand the process and results of Botox, but the full capability of the procedure. Today's article will discuss the basics of Botox, the procedure, results, and the difference between a partial and full correction.
Botox, or botulinum toxin , is an injection of the cosmetic form. The Botox relaxes neuromuscular activity, which reduces the repetitive movements that cause wrinkles and fine lines around the face, improving the appearance of these lines. Neither local nor general anesthesia is needed for the small injections, which can take from a few minutes to an hour to fully complete. Though some patients have reported a temporary sensation, the procedure induces very little pain. The procedures requires very little to no downtime, and patients are able to resume normal activity almost immediately. Because it is a foreign chemical being injected into your body, Botox may cause an allergic reaction to the skin, however, this is something you and your doctor will both be sure is not a problem before you proceed with the injections. Local numbness, burning, swelling, or bruising can occur but very rarely and only during the injections.
The results can be astounding, within 3-5 days (although it can take as long as two weeks) your skin will look smoother and your fine lines and wrinkles will diminish. Botox is very effective in reducing heavy vertical creases between eyebrows, flatten deep forehead wrinkles, and smooth out crow's feet in the areas of the eyes. In addition, wrinkles around the mouth, nose, and thicker muscle bands of the neck can be treated as well.
There are many uses for Botox other than cosmetic, which we've discussed previously, however, today's article focuses solely on the cosmetic uses for Botox. Concerning cosmetic Botox or Dysport(r) (an alternative to Botox) treatments, many may be confused with the difference between partial and full Botox correction. This is a simple difference that one must analyze when discussing the possibility of Botox with your doctor. Let's start with partial.
Partial Botox does not refer to the amount of Botox used, but rather, the area it is used on. When someone receives partial Botox at SDMD, your provider is pinpointing one specific area on the top third of the face (forehead, glabella, and crow's-feet) that needs the highest concentration of Botox. You can also have a say in the areas of the face on which you would like your provider to focus. Say, for example, you have a noticeable amount of fine lines and wrinkles around your crow's-feet but very little between the brows. You may choose to ask for partial Botox concentrated on the crow's feet. Partial Botox is typically used on younger patients, in the 21 - 30 range, as a preventative measure for future wrinkling. Although, many younger women opt for prevention via full correction to optimize results.
Full Botox, on the other hand, is then when you are receiving Botox at more than one specific area of the upper third of the face. The doctor will usually inject the Botox according to an even map of distribution to that of the contours of the face. This includes the forehead down to areas of the neck. Men and women older than 40 are more likely to opt for full Botox to experience the entire advantage of the procedure. Although partial correction and full correction exclusively refer to the upper third of the face, additional areas, such as Botox for masseters, are available. and pricing for these treatments is determined separately.
Whether you choose full or partial Botox, the procedures are not permanent. Botox will typically wear off between 3-4 months but in some cases can last up to 6. Choosing full correction typically contributes to the total rejuvenation fo the areas as opposed to focusing on one area or specific number of units. With the results fading after a certain time period, a patient is able to determine if they wish for the same partial areas to be treated or for the doctor to perform a full Botox procedure. Whatever your choice is, always consult with your physician to be sure you're a good candidate for Botox.