We all frown sometimes. When we are young and our faces are full of elasticity, those frowns bounce back and smooth out when we relax. However, as we age, repeated muscle contractions from frowning, smiling or raising our eyebrows can become etched into our faces, leading to permanent lines between the eyes, around the eyes and on the forehead. These lines can make men and women appear older, tired and even angry.
The good news is that Botox Cosmetic injections can smooth your appearance, helping you appear years younger. Dr. Valerie H. Chen is our board-certified ophthalmic plastic surgeon on staff that helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals through these FDA-approved injections. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox Cosmetic and other botulinum toxin type A injections continue to remain the top minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure performed each year in the United States.
Botox Cosmetic is a 10-minute, in-office procedure that temporarily halts muscle contractions in targeted areas on the forehead, between the eyes and/or around the eyes (crow’s feet). For your comfort, the areas to be treated can be numbed with a topical treatment, although most do not require this. Botox Cosmetic injections are not painful for most patients, but you may feel a pinching sensation.
Multiple injections are typically necessary in different areas of the face to achieve the best results.
One of the most important tips is to choose a trained medical expert for Botox Cosmetic injections. As an ophthalmic plastic surgeon, Dr. Chen understands facial anatomy and is diligent about providing the right dosage in the proper locations on your face for the safest treatment and best desired results.
The right age for treatment is different for each individual. If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun, if you smoke or if you simply have genetics that have led to facial lines earlier in life, you may wish to have a Botox Cosmetic treatment in your 30s. Dr. Chen can analyze your appearance to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Here are some general tips to promote a successful procedure:
There is no downtime after at Botox Cosmetic treatment. You can return to work or normal activities immediately after your treatment.
Most patients start seeing results from Botox Cosmetic within 3 days. The full effect is typically achieved within 3 weeks and it typically wears off in 3 months. We call this the 3-3-3 rule. As muscle activity is reduced, your face will remain smooth in the areas that have been targeted. That means your facial lines will be minimized. It is important to note that these results are temporary, typically lasting 3-4 months for most patients. The treatment must be repeated to maintain your results.
To find out if you are a good candidate for Botox Cosmetic, call 704-540-9595 or complete the short form below.
