What Does Botox Do?
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, offering a quick and effective way to address fine lines and wrinkles, as well as so much more. But what does Botox do when injected, exactly? How does it work? What can it accomplish? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss how Botox works, its uses, and why The Dermatology and Laser Group, led by Board Certified Dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD, is the premier choice for Botox in NYC.
Understanding Botox
Botox Cosmetic is a brand name for a product containing botulinum toxin type A, a protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In appropriate doses, Botulinum toxin injections can be used safely for various medical and cosmetic purposes.
How Botox Works
Botulinum toxin works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles. Botox is injected with a very small needle into specific muscles. The nerve endings that are associated with those muscles “absorb” some of the medication that is injected into the muscle. The Botox inside the nerve ending then prevents some of the signaling molecules for muscle contraction (acetylcholine) from being released by the nerve. Botox thereby prevents some muscle contraction and relaxes the muscle.
Botox Injections for Cosmetic Purposes
The main use of Botox in medicine is for cosmetic purposes. By targeting specific face and neck muscle groups, Botox can relax these muscles, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Let’s briefly discuss the benefits of Botox in aesthetics, the areas that can be treated, and what to expect in a Botox Cosmetic appointment.
Cosmetic Benefits of Botox Injections
Things we love about Botox Cosmetic Treatments:
- It’s only minimally invasive but has very high efficacy
- Quick treatment with no downtime and little to no pain
- Pairs well with other cosmetic procedures
- When done correctly, Botox not only rejuvenates but also has preventative anti-aging benefits
These benefits have made Botox the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world.
Common Areas Treated with Botox Injections
The great majority of Botox patients treat the glabella (between the eyebrows), the forehead, and around the eyes (crow’s feet). But Botox is also used in many other areas for aesthetic improvements.
- Glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows): These lines develop due to the repeated contraction of the muscles responsible for frowning. Some people hold these muscles under contractions when they are concentrating or tense. Others contract these muscles when they are angry. Botox can relax these muscles, reducing the appearance of glabellar lines. Interestingly, treating the area with Botox has been shown in studies to reduce feelings of tension.
- Forehead lines: Horizontal lines on the forehead result from raising the eyebrows repeatedly over time. Botox can help smooth out these lines by relaxing the underlying muscles. It is very important that forehead wrinkles are treated by an experienced physician in order to ensure long-term anti-aging results.
- Crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eyes): These fine lines appear at the outer corners of the eyes and are caused by repeated squinting and smiling. Botox can help minimize the appearance of crow’s feet by reducing muscle activity in the area.
Other Areas Treated with Botox
Other areas that we commonly treat with Botox on the face are the bunny lines on the nose, platysma muscle on the neck, and lateral eyebrows. Botox in the superior bridge of the nose relaxes the lines caused by smiling in around the nose called the bunny lines. Botox in the platysma bands of the neck can flatten the vertical bands some people have on the neck. This neck Botox can also sharpen the jawline.
Other areas that can be treated with Botox include chin dimpling, which is referred to as a “peau d’orange” appearance. Marionette lines (lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin) can also be treated with Botox. Botox helps reduce the appearance of these lines by relaxing the specific muscles that contribute to their formation. A short-term improvement in lip structure can also be seen with Botox placed along the upper lip line for a procedure called a lip flip.
Other Medical Uses of Botox
Besides its cosmetic applications, Botox is also used for various medical purposes, such as:
- TMJ Disorder: Botox in masseter muscles
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Trapezius Botox, aka Trap Tox
- Cervical dystonia (a neurological disorder causing severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms)
- Blepharospasm (uncontrolled eyelid spasms)
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Overactive bladder
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Chronic migraines
Botox Treatment Process
Consultation with Your Healthcare Provider
Before undergoing Botox therapy, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider like Dr. Arash Akhavan. During the consultation, we will assess your medical history, health conditions, and treatment goals to determine if Botox is the right option for you. Although rare, allergic reactions to the toxin may be possible.
The Injection Procedure
Botox procedures are quick and minimally invasive. Using a very fine needle, the TSK Invisible Needle, Dr. Akhavan will inject the Botox into the target muscles. The procedure takes about 5-15 minutes.
Post-Treatment Care
After receiving Botox injections, you may experience some temporary swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection sites. This typically resolves in a few minutes. We ask that our patients do not lay face down or press on the injected areas for 4 hours. We suggest not exercising for the remainder of the day.
Results and Duration of Botox Treatment
You can expect to see the effects of Botox within 1-2 weeks. The first effects are typically seen in a few days with full effect at 2 weeks.
Choosing the Right Botox Provider
In order to have a safe and effective treatment we suggest that your Botox is performed by a Board-Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. These physicians have the best training and the greatest experience with cosmetic treatments, including Botox injections.
The Dermatology and Laser Group: The Premier Choice for Botox
At The Dermatology and Laser Group all Botox injections of performed personally by Dr. Arash Akhavan. Not only does Dr. Akhavan have the benefit of having performed well over 10,000 Botox treatments, he is also an educator for Botox injections for Allergan Medical Institute (AMI).
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
