A Beginner's Guide to Botox

Botox® is the oldest, most reliable wrinkle-reducing procedure on the market. In fact, it’s the only FDA-approved treatment that minimizes deep frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.

The providers at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery in Passaic Park and Ridgewood, New Jersey, are experts in providing Botox. In this blog, they explain what Botox is and how it can erase wrinkles and make you look great.

What kinds of wrinkles does Botox treat?

There are two types of wrinkles: static wrinkles and dynamic wrinkles. Static wrinkles are caused by gravity. As you age, your skin can get lax and sink down due to gravity. 

Dynamic wrinkles, which is what Botox targets, are caused when muscles under the skin stay in a semicontracted state, thus pushing the skin above into folds. Facial muscles can get in a semicontracted state through years of making facial expressions.

Botox is often used to treat the following lines and folds:

• Forehead wrinkles
• Crow's feet
• Frown lines
• Bunny lines
• Lipstick lines
• Marionette lines
• Chin dimpling

How does Botox work?

Botox comes from a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in organic matter, such as soil. This bacteria is called Clostridium botulinum. It’s true that Botox comes from the same bacteria that causes the serious illness called botulism. However, it’s completely harmless when used in small doses as is the case with Botox.

Botox is a neurotoxin, which simply means that it disrupts nerve signals. When injected, Botox disrupts the nerve signals that cause facial muscles to stay contracted. When the muscles stop contracting, the skin above them will smooth out and the lines will disappear.

Benefits of Botox

Botox treatments are great for a number of reasons, including the following:

Treat unwanted lines without looking frozen

When you get a Botox treatment at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery, you won’t leave the office with a frozen-looking face. Only specific muscles are targeted, so your frown lines will disappear, but your ability to make facial expressions won’t.

Fast and nonsurgical treatment

Treatments normally only take 10-30 minutes, which means you can schedule a session around family or work obligations. Because Botox injections are a nonsurgical option to eliminate wrinkles and deep creases, it’s nearly painless. Plus, you don’t need any recovery time.

Treatments provide lasting results

You’ll likely see facial improvements within 1-2 days, and one treatment can last up to four months. Most patients who have Botox injections only need to visit us 2-3 times a year to keep up their youthful appearance.

If you’re tired of the lines you see every time you look in the mirror, Botox treatments may be able to help you. Botox can help improve your appearance, restore your confidence, and return your youthful glow. To learn more about Botox and to see if treatments can help you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery today.