BOTOX® in St. Louis
Fine lines and wrinkles tend to form when we make facial expressions like squinting, frowning and furrowing our brows. These are known as dynamic wrinkles or expression lines. Our nerves send signals to our muscles to create physical displays of certain emotions, and the movement of these muscles causes our skin to crease.
When we’re young, our skin is resilient enough to restore its smooth, unwrinkled texture when our muscles are no longer contracted. However, as we lose collagen and elastin over time and our skin becomes thinner, dynamic wrinkles become etched into our skin and remain even when our faces are relaxed. BOTOX Cosmetic offers a fast and effective treatment for smoothing dynamic wrinkles in the upper face and around the mouth.
What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX Cosmetic is an FDA-approved prescription medicine for improving moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles. This injectable neuromodulator formula temporarily smooths the skin for age-defying results.
How Does BOTOX® Work?
After being injected into the target muscles, BOTOX blocks nerve signals from being sent to those muscles. This reduces the movement of the muscles, which prevents the skin from creasing. In this way, BOTOX can prevent wrinkles from developing and allow existing wrinkles to smooth out.
What Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Treat?
BOTOX Cosmetic is designed to treat dynamic facial wrinkles, including: Frown lines (vertical creases between the eyebrows), Forehead lines (horizontal wrinkles across the forehead), Crow’s feet (fine lines that extend from the outer corners of the eyes), Bunny lines (wrinkles on the bridge of the nose) and Lip wrinkles (vertical lines around the mouth).
What to Expect During BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment
BOTOX is administered using tiny 31-gauge needles. Your specialist will determine your injection locations based on your specific needs.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The injection process for BOTOX takes approximately 10 minutes.
What Age Should You Start BOTOX®?
We generally recommend that patients be in their mid to late 20s before starting BOTOX. However, patients as young as 18 can undergo BOTOX, which might be suggested if the patient has early signs of aging, especially if they are genetically prone to developing visible or deep dynamic wrinkles. This can be determined if multiple members of their family have significant aging concerns that could be treated by BOTOX.
Is BOTOX® Painful?
You may feel a slight sting during treatment, but most patients say BOTOX injections are not painful. At the Lifestyle Center, we use a gentle technique to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Need Downtime After BOTOX® Cosmetic?
No downtime is needed after this quick, non-surgical injectable treatment. You may notice some slight redness that should disappear within 15 minutes.
What Should I Avoid After BOTOX® Treatment?
To prevent spreading the BOTOX formula after your treatment, avoid the following:
- Lying down within the first four hours
- Strenuous exercise for the rest of the day
- Rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours
When Will I See Results After BOTOX®?
You’ll see some results immediately after your BOTOX treatment that will continue to improve over the next one to two weeks.
How Long Does BOTOX® Last?
The results of BOTOX generally last between three and four months. You will notice a gradual restoration of muscle movement in the area as the effects of the neuromodulator wear off.
How Often Should I Get BOTOX®?
Most patients schedule BOTOX maintenance treatments every three to four months. You might notice that your results last longer with each subsequent BOTOX treatment, meaning you may be able to undergo treatment less frequently with each repeat treatment.
How Much Does BOTOX® Cost in St. Louis, MO?
Your BOTOX treatment cost will vary depending on how many areas you’re having treated, the extent of correction needed and other individual factors. At your consultation, we can provide you with the specific price of your BOTOX treatment after evaluating your concerns and determining how many units are needed.
Will BOTOX® Make Me Look Frozen?
BOTOX can provide very natural, subtle results if that’s what you choose. Most patients desire natural-looking results and the ability to maintain some muscle movement, while others prefer no muscle movement in the treatment area. Your BOTOX treatment will be tailored to your personal goals.
Are There Any Side Effects With BOTOX®?
As with all cosmetic treatments, BOTOX has a risk of side effects. Most of these are rare and not a cause for serious concern.
Potential BOTOX side effects include:
- Skin rash
- Skin bumps
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Eye irritation
If any of these side effects occur, they typically develop within hours or a few days of BOTOX treatment and are temporary. At The Lifestyle Center, we review possible adverse side effects to look out for with each patient.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic Safe?
BOTOX is considered a very safe treatment. There have been no severe confirmed cases of the toxin effect spreading when BOTOX was used in the designated treatment areas and with the recommended amount.
What Is BOTOX® Made Of?
BOTOX is made from botulinum toxin type A, a purified substance derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
How Is BOTOX® Different From Other Neuromodulator Treatments?
BOTOX, Dysport and Jeuveau are all neuromodulator treatments offered at our St. Louis medical spa. All are made from botulinum toxin type A, but their properties vary based on the molecular weight and thickness of the formula, which affects how much each will spread in the treatment area. Therefore, the dosing amounts (units) for BOTOX are not comparable to other neuromodulator products, and the length of the results and treatment areas vary between products.
At your personalized consultation, we will be able to evaluate your goals and suggest the best neuromodulator option for your needs.
Can I Combine BOTOX® Treatment With Other Cosmetic Procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to combine their BOTOX treatment with another cosmetic procedure for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. If you are bothered by dull skin, dark spots or wrinkles in your lower face, you may wish to undergo dermal filler treatment, radiofrequency skin treatments or laser treatments before or after your BOTOX procedure.
Smooth Your Dynamic Wrinkles With BOTOX® in St. Louis
The Lifestyle Center in the Ladue-Frontenac area of St. Louis offers a wide selection of aesthetic treatments. With our holistic approach, we can help you choose the best procedures for your goals. Schedule your complimentary BOTOX Cosmetic consultation to see if this injectable is the ideal treatment for smoothing your wrinkles and achieving age-reversing results.
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