Botox Cosmetic ® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is the most widely recognized brand-name product among several available injectable medications used for reduction of wrinkles. Botox is most often used between the eyebrows to reduce the effect of a scowl in forming wrinkles in this area. Other common areas of use are for wrinkles across the forehead, squint lines at the outside corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), and scrunch lines on the sides of the nose (bunny lines).
Botox works by blocking the signal from a nerve to the muscle which causes the muscle to contract and wrinkle or pinch the skin. This paralyses the treated muscle. This action is irreversible once in place and its effect gradually wears off over time.
The strongest effect of Botox lasts for at least 2 months. Most people continue to have benefit in reduction in the formation of wrinkles for 4-6 months after Botox injection. Some people who repeat Botox injection regularly over several years or more report slightly longer duration of benefit. It is common to repeat Botox injection every 4-6 months depending on budget and treatment goals. People who have regular Botox injections over many years have less of an increase of the formation of fixed, resting wrinkles that occur during aging compared to peers who do not have routine Botox injections. In addition to sun protection, moisturizing, a topical retinoid, or topical antioxidants, Botox is often an important part of someone’s “anti-aging” skin regimen for the face.
Interestingly, some people who have regular Botox injection may require a slightly lower dose over time due to slight weakening of the muscles from lack of use. This means less medicine is required for similar cosmetic benefit for some people with repeated use.
Some people have stronger muscles of facial expression and may require larger doses than other people. For the area between the eyebrows, most men often require a slightly higher dose compared to most women for a similar desired effect.
Since Botox is not immediately reversible, it is important that you only go to someone you can trust for your injections. At Summit Dermatology, only our Board-Certified Dermatologists do Botox injections. We do not have any nurse injectors or aestheticians in our clinic. Call us for a consultation if you are interested in the benefits of Botox Cosmetic ®.