Botox: How, Why and When?

By Hema Sundaram, MA, MD, FAAD

Sundaram Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center

. http://doctorhema.com

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Botox: How, Why and When?

Botox has now overtaken Viagra to become the most publicly recognized medical treatment.

Did you know that, in addition to its much advertised wrinkle-smoothing effects, Botox is approved to treat many non-cosmetic conditions? These include cerebral palsy and neck spasms (cervical dystonia) as well as lazy eye, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

The primary action of Botox is to relax overactive muscles. Its safety and effectiveness have been studied over the past 40 years.

When Botox is used for wrinkle-smoothing, it rebalances facial muscles that have become overactive with age. There are now three other treatments that work in the same way – Dysport, Xeomin and Jeaveau (Newtox). The American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes board certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons and oculoplastic surgeons as the core four aesthetic specialists who are qualified through their training and knowledge to be performing all cosmetic procedures including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeaveau.

These days, many men and women are having Botox treatment. In 2017, over 1.5 million injections were carried out, and this number rises every year. When performed properly, Botox should look completely natural and never give you a “frozen face.” The key to natural-looking results is to consult an expert.

The most expert doctors are national and international teachers at dermatology and plastic surgery academies and researchers for the clinical trials that bring new treatments to our country. Here are some important teaching principles that are also useful for men and women who are considering having treatment.

1. Understand the Science

As we age, some of our facial muscles become overactive. The wrinkles that result can send signals that we don’t intend. Frown lines between the eyebrows can make us look angry, lines across our forehead communicate worry, and a sagging mouth or neck can look sad. With expert technique, tiny amounts of Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Jeauveau are precisely placed just beneath the skin to give a smoother, more lifted appearance. This must be done with exact understanding of your facial anatomy and structure. Patients can return immediately to regular activities with no sign of having had treatment. On average, it takes 5-7 days to see the results.

2. See the Whole Picture

When you receive advanced Botox treatment from a true expert, she or he isn’t just smoothing individual lines or wrinkles, but understands how to go beyond this to reshape your whole face and restore youthful contours. You will still look like yourself, just more like you did when you were years or even decades younger.

For instance, if your eyebrows have dropped and flattened, making your eyelids heavier, a little Botox in the right places can lift and subtly shape your brows. This adds definition and sparkle to your eyes.

Expert treatment is the key to making you look better without anyone realizing you have had anything done. Ironically, some celebrities who are criticized for being “over-Botoxed” are really victims of over-zealous surgery, whereas many who are most admired for their beauty, or for aging gracefully, look this good because they are having regular, expert treatments with Botox, fillers and other non-surgical rejuvenation.

3. The Power of Combination

One of the newest concepts is combining Botox with natural fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma and Sculptra, and state-of-the-art lasers such as Ulthera, Fraxel or Exilis Ultra. This can achieve a scar-free, more natural-looking, non-surgical facelift that prevents you from ever having to go under the knife.

Advanced techniques can stimulate your skin to produce new collagen and elastin. This lifts and tightens it from within to give longer-lasting results.

4. Looking Good in the Long Term

Many of these treatments require maintenance. This is a good thing as your doctor can adjust your treatments to fit your face as you age. This allows you to always look completely natural, and you may even be told that you never seem to age. Maintenance treatment not only smooths out your wrinkles, it also prevents them from deepening.

When comparing pricing, make sure you know how well-qualified your doctor is, and that the Botox is not over-diluted, It is a false economy to pay less for bad Botox, or for over-diluted treatment that won’t last as long as it should.

Select a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with years of experience who can individualize your treatment to address your own unique patterns of facial aging. The most expert doctors are actively involved in cutting-edge teaching, research and public education. This is the real secret to achieving the best results and looking as good on the outside as you feel inside.