Every day, you make dozens of unconscious facial expressions. You may frown when you’re concentrating on a challenging problem or burst into laughter when your friend tells you a joke. Years of habitual smiling, squinting, and frowning leave their traces on your face in the form of wrinkles that deepen with age.
If you are unhappy with the signs of aging you see when you look in the mirror and want to look younger without resorting to surgery, you could be an excellent candidate for making Botox® injections part of your beauty routine.
What Is Botox®?
Botox® is a neuromodulator derived from botulinum toxin A. While the word “toxin” may give you pause, Botox® has turned out to be a remarkably effective treatment for a range of health issues, from migraines to excessive sweating.
Is Botox® a safe anti-aging treatment? You will be glad to know the FDA says yes. The authority first granted Botox® approval for cosmetic use in 2002, after a series of clinical trials proved it could safely and successfully improve the appearance of moderate to deep frown lines between the eyebrows – also known as glabellar or “11 lines.”
In 2013, the FDA approved Botox® for treating crow’s feet, and in 2017, the momentum continued, with Botox® getting greenlit for its third cosmetic indication, forehead furrows. Today, Botox® remains the only treatment of its kind to receive FDA approval for all three types of wrinkles.
What Can Botox® Do for You?
Think of all the ways you use your eyes and eyebrows to communicate without saying a word. For example, you might roll your eyes to indicate disbelief or quirk your eyebrows in surprise. In recent years, where wearing a mask has become a critical public health and safety measure, you likely rely on these facial expressions more than ever. As a result, you might notice the wrinkles in the upper third of your face have become more pronounced.
When a qualified injector injects precise amounts of Botox® into your eye and eyebrow region, it blocks the nerve signals that allow these muscles to contract. A few days after a Botox® treatment, you’ll notice your facial wrinkles look more relaxed. The temporary paralysis Botox® creates will also prevent the repetitive muscle movements that cause wrinkles. As a result, you will enjoy a smoother brow, less pronounced smile and frown lines, and a naturally younger appearance.
Since Botox®’s effects will wear off over time, you’ll want to schedule maintenance treatments every three to four months to maintain your results. Once you establish a routine of getting Botox® injections several times a year, your lines and wrinkles may start looking less noticeable because consistent Botox® use “re-trains” the muscles to remain in a relaxed state.
How to Choose a Botox® Provider in San Francisco
Botox®’s enduring popularity has inspired some people to jump on the bandwagon and advertise their services as Botox® injectors, even if they have minimal training and experience. While getting Botox® at your favorite spa or salon may seem convenient, be aware that Botox® injections performed by a less-than-qualified person may result in inconsistent results and dangerous side effects.
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, our board-certified dermatologists personally perform all Botox® treatments. Our physicians have completed training provided by Allergan, the company that makes Botox®. Their extensive experience ensures excellent anti-aging results for all our patients, so you can be confident about making Botox® part of your beauty regimen. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your consultation.
