The eyes, cheeks, lips, and forehead are the facial areas that will form wrinkles at the first signs of aging. To combat this problem, many individuals choose BOTOX® injections. BOTOX® was approved by the FDA in 2002 for treating fine lines and wrinkles. It was the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment for wrinkles in the United States in 2017 with 1,548,236 injections, which is a 30 percent increase since 2012.

BOTOX® is an effective way to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by facial muscle movement that occurs when you squint, smile, or laugh. Most of these wrinkles occur near the lips, between the eyebrows, or on the forehead, but they can also surface at the corners of your eyes (crow’s feet). Although we are all born with dynamic wrinkles, they will become deeper and more noticeable as we age.


How Does BOTOX® Work?

This treatment is developed from a purified protein solution, and it is administered in small doses that are extremely safe for treating fine lines and wrinkles. When it is injected into the skin, it will effectively block the nerve signals that cause muscle movement. As a result, the muscles will not be able to contract, which will reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The treatment typically lasts three months before the results begin to wear off repeat injections are necessary.


How is the Treatment Administered?

The injections are quick and can be administered in about 15 to 30 minutes. Before the injection, you may have an anesthetic cream applied to the treated area to ease any discomfort. When the area is numb, BOTOX® will be injected into specific facial muscles.

After the treatment is finished, you can resume your normal activities. One reason why it is so popular is because there is no downtime after the injections. Many individuals start to notice fewer wrinkles and fine lines after about three days, and the final results will be seen after about one week.


Who are Ideal Candidates for BOTOX® Injections?

Individuals who want these injections for wrinkles should be in good health and at least 18 years of age. It is important to discuss any medical conditions with your doctor before the treatment is administered. Those with droopy eyelids, uneven facial features, or deep scars may not be good candidates for BOTOX®. In addition, those who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have the treatment administered.

Many individuals are under the assumption that the treatment is only suitable for older people. However, there are many younger individuals who choose to have the treatment administered as a preventative way to combat aging. In 2015, there were more than 500,000 injections administered on individuals between the ages of 19 to 35.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation! Chase Lay, MD is conveniently located in San Jose, CA.