What is Botox?
Botox consists of purified botulinum toxin that’s used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as conditions such as excessive sweating. It works by blocking nerve signals that stimulate muscle contraction. As a result, the muscle relaxes, and wrinkles caused by that muscle are significantly diminished or eliminated.
Which facial wrinkles are treated with Botox?
Over the years, you develop two types of facial wrinkles: dynamic and static. Repetitive muscle movements — like squinting and frowning — cause dynamic wrinkles.
Static wrinkles develop from natural age-related changes in your skin. As you get older, your skin thins out, becomes dehydrated, and produces less collagen and elastin. Together with damage from sunlight, the result is static wrinkles.
Since Botox affects muscles, Dr. Hurst uses it to treat dynamic wrinkles. It can effectively diminish or eliminate:
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines
- Forehead furrows
- Bunny lines on your upper nose
- Neck bands
Will Botox affect my natural facial expression?
Dr. Hurst targets small areas in specific muscles that control the wrinkles you want to eliminate. The vast majority of your facial muscles continue to work normally, so you can show facial expression and maintain your natural appearance.
What should I expect during treatment?
Dr. Hurst takes the time to explain the procedure fully and answer your questions, so you’ll be ready before your procedure begins. Botox treatment takes about 15 minutes, but the length of your session depends on the treatment area.
The injected areas may be slightly red, swollen, or bruised for a short time, but you can use makeup before leaving the office. While Dr. Hurst may ask you to avoid strenuous activities for several hours, you don’t need to take downtime after the treatment.
How long will my results last?
It takes about three to seven days to see the full results of your injection. Then, the results last for three to six months. Botox gradually wears off, but you can get another injection to maintain your results. The effects often last longer with future injections.
What other conditions are treated with Botox?
Dr. Hurst also uses Botox to treat excessive sweating.
- Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis, or severe underarm sweating, improves dramatically following Botox treatment. The affected sweat glands stop producing sweat for about six to seven months.
When you’re ready to learn more about using Botox to fight the effects of aging or treat hyperhidrosis, call Dr. Hurst to make an appointment today.