5 Things to Know About Botox Injections

What is Botox?

Botox is a type of cosmetic Botox injection called a neuromodulator. It is well known and widely used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore a more youthful look. Botox is FDA-approved and considered safe and effective.

Botox injections affect how muscle contraction occurs. Naturally, muscle contraction happens when the nerves attached to the muscles release a neurotransmitter (or chemical messenger) called acetylcholine. This chemical binds to the muscle’s cell receptors causing the muscle to contract. Over time, repeated contractions of the facial muscles can cause wrinkles and lines to appear on the skin’s surface.

Botox injections reduce muscle contractions by blocking the signals from nerves to muscles. When the muscles cannot contract fully, the skin relaxes and softens, improving wrinkles. Botox can also prevent new wrinkles from forming and is used as a preventative treatment in younger populations, but it can also help existing wrinkles from deepening and worsening.

Work with an experienced practitioner

If you are considering Botox or any facial injection, you should always work with a qualified medical professional. For your safety and optimal results, look for an injector who has had the training and experience necessary to help you get the results you want as safely as possible. Not only has Kim earned the elite status of Master Injector from Allergan (the manufacturer of Botox), but she has worked in the medical field for over ten years.

It’s safe.

Many patients are concerned about the safety of Botox when they hear it’s a toxin. Botox is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can also cause botulism. However, minor doses of the toxin, such as those given during treatment with Botox, are considered safe. Botox has been on the market for over twenty years and has been FDA-approved since 1989. It is safe and effective.

It doesn’t erase your wrinkles.

Although Botox can do a lot to improve the look of wrinkles and even prevent wrinkles from deepening, wrinkles and lines form from muscle contractions under the skin. Injecting Botox blocks the nerve signals that trigger these muscle contractions. As a result, those muscles relax and appear smoother. For this reason, many patients use Botox to delay the signs of aging. 

Botox prevents muscles from moving temporarily. By weakening these muscles with Botox injections, the lines and wrinkles that typically form repetitive muscle motions cannot become etched into the skin. That’s why repeat injections of Botox can reduce lines and wrinkles and even prevent new ones from forming.

Of course, Botox is not a permanent solution; it does not stop the aging process forever. However, many patients opt to make regular Botox injections a normal part of their skincare maintenance. In addition, many patients often pair Botox with other treatments such as microneedling or dermal fillers to build back collagen or reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles even further. Call our office today if you have questions about which services would best meet your aesthetic needs!

It might be uncomfortable.

As with all cosmetic treatments, experiences can vary from person to person. Most patients would agree that pain from injections is typically minimal, especially with Botox because the needle used for injections is tiny. However, if you are sensitive to needles or uncomfortable with injections, your practitioner can apply numbing cream before the injections and an ice pack afterward. We want you to feel comfortable throughout your entire service, so don’t hesitate to ask during your consultation if you have questions. 

The good news about Botox is that as side effects are concerned, they are typically minor. However, it’s possible to experience some bruising or redness at the injection site, and at times injections spots are the most common side effects. Rare side effects include headache, nausea, or temporary facial drooping.

Results are not immediate.

Many patients assume that the results from their Botox injections will be immediate. However, that isn’t the case. It can take up to 7 days to see the full effects of your injections. Once your injections have settled, the results can last three to four months. Once movement begins to return to the treated area, you know it’s time to schedule your next appointment.

Why choose Coastal Aesthetics for my Botox injections

Kimberlee Smith, FNP, has worked in the medical field for more than ten years. She received advanced training at the Esthetics Skin Institute and National Laser Institute in Boston, MA, and private training throughout the country to continuously advance her skills and stay up-to-date on safety. She also earned the elite status of Master Injector from Allergan (the manufacturer of Botox). 

Since 2017, Kimberlee and her medical team have served the coastal York, Maine community. Patients love working with the staff at Coastal Aesthetics because of their thoughtful attention to detail, precision treatment, and attentive patient care. In addition, our team seeks to improve upon natural beauty. We have a reputation for excellence, and we can’t wait for you to see for yourself. 

Are you ready to see the difference Coastal Aesthetics can make for you? Then, call us today at 207-363-2300 to book your consultation. You won’t be disappointed.