Botox®

Botox®

Key Laser Institute is an Allergan Platinum Plus Level Provider.

Aging is a universal experience, but that doesn’t mean the wrinkles that develop as a result are universally loved. In fact, many individuals internally battle with the development and wrinkles, becoming insecure as a result. For other patients, the appearance of wrinkles may come premature due to past lifestyle choices and genetics. No matter the cause of your wrinkles, many individuals seek to reverse the clock to preserve their smooth, young skin. Fortunately, Botox can reverse these signs of aging and prevent further wrinkles from developing. 

Areas of Concern

Botox has been used for decades as a cosmetic enhancer and still stands as the most popular injectable for preserving youth. However, more recent research has revealed Botox also can help with certain medical concerns. Botox’s cosmetic and medical treatment options include:
• Frown Lines
• Forehead Lines
• Urinary Incontinence
• Crow’s Feet
• Hyperhidrosis
• Glabellar Lines
• Chronic Migraines

What is Botox?

Key-Laser-Botox-Before
Key-Laser-Botox-after

Botox is a neuromodulator designed to relax the underlying muscle contractions that cause wrinkles to form. Botox’s solution utilizes botulinum toxin, a protein intended to relax and limit muscle spasms and excessive movement.

While Botox was the first, most neuromodulators on the market incorporate botulinum toxins, and often get mistaken for Botox as a result. However, all these injections offer varying results and should not be used in replacement of one another.

Procedure Process

The process of Botox only takes around 15 to 20 minutes, and patients usually will not require any sort of anesthetic or downtime. Many patients choose to schedule their Botox appointment during their lunch break and continue their routine without interruption. 

Botox results commonly last about 4-8 months, depending on how you take care of your skin and a few other factors.

Before Your Procedure

There is hardly any prep work involved with Botox injections. On the day of your appointment, make sure the intended treatment area is clean and free of any makeup. If you have a low pain tolerance, you can ask Dr. Key about topical numbing anesthetics or other forms of pain management. If you are treating hyperhidrosis in the hands and feet, numbing cream will most likely be applied.

During Your Procedure

During the actual procedure, most patients report little to no pain. To inject the solution, small syringes with thin needles pierce beneath the dermal layer of the treatment area. Once properly placed, tiny amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the skin and muscles. Botox comes in two forms, botulinum toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B—the type chosen and the amount used is heavily dependent on your aesthetic goals and the severity of concerns. 

After Your Procedure

Patients can return to their everyday schedules immediately after their session but are encouraged to avoid a few activities for 24 hours. Firstly, patients should limit their contact with the treated area and should withgo makeup the next day. You should avoid lying down for two to four hours after surgery and limit rigorous exercise. For optimal results, you should follow Dr. Key’s instructions to the letter. 

Results

Minor swelling may hinder your ability to see results immediately after treatment, but swelling will subside in about two days. Once the swelling subsides, you’ll begin to see results usually about three days after your session, but full results will continue to develop for a week. The resulting appearance will last up to four months before beginning to fade. Regular maintenance is needed to keep results optimized. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Botox

Can Botox cause weight gain?

No, it cannot.

What age should I start Botox?

Using Botox before etched lines are present can be preventative. Many of our patients are starting to get Botox in their 20's and 30's in order to prevent wrinkles from taking hold.

Why cant you lay down after Botox?

Lying down increases circulation to the face which can contribute to migration of Botox to muscles we didnt intend to treat. This migration can cause lid droop or brow droop, or other unwanted side effects.

Can I go for a walk after Botox?

Yes! A gentle walk is fine. Do not do any type of exercise that gets you flushed or increases blood flow to the face on the day of Botox injection.

How long does Botox last?

Duration of effects averages 3-4 months.

Is 50 too old for Botox?

No! Botox is FDA approved for use in patients up to 75 years old, and is often used off label in patients older than 75.

What are the bad side effects of Botox?

Most, if not all of the bad side effects of Botox are related to poor injection technique or inappropriate dose of the product. We are fortunate to have experienced and talented injectors and our patients rarely have poor outcomes.

What is Botox used for?

Botox reduces muscle movement and reduces expression lines/wrinkles. Most common places to use Botox are between the brows for the 11 lines, in the forehead muscle, and around the eyes for crow's feet and brow lifting. Botox can also be used in the upper lip to achieve a lip flip, at the corners of the mouth to reduce a downturning mouth, in the masseter muscles for facial slimming, next to the nose to reduce a gummy smile, in the chin to reduce chin wrinkles and in the neck to reduce neck bands.

Can Botox lift eyebrows?

Yes! When injected at the tail of the brow, Botox relaxes the muscle that pulls down the brow and results in a brow lift. The results are dramatic or subtle in different patients, depending on the strength of the muscle.

Does Botox make you look older after it wears off?

No. Many times Botox makes you look younger after it wears off because the wrinkles that it has been targeting have lifted a bit during the Botox effect.

What should you not do after Botox?

We recommend you to remain upright (no lying flat) and do not rub the area of injection for at least 6 hours post treatment. Also, no aerobic exercise on the day of injection. Exercise can resume the following day.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are located in Portland, OR, and seeking remedies for your aging skin, Key Laser Institute is here to help. The incredibly talented staff is here to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect solution to your concerns. To learn more about Botox and other injectables, schedule a consultation with our online form. 

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