Anti-Aging, Articles, Blog

Botox® 101: Answering Our Patients’ FAQs

Act your age? Sometimes. Look your age? Never – and that’s where Botox® comes in.

Botox® is the most popular cosmetic treatment of its kind for a reason: it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within days and requires little to no downtime. But just as they would (and should) with any procedure, many of our first-time patients come to us with similar questions about Botox® before their first treatment.

Here are our most popular FAQs about Botox®. Don’t see your question here? Give us a call at 337-235-6886!

  1. How does Botox® work?

Botox® is a neuromodulator that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. It works by blocking the nerve signals needed for facial muscles to contract, as it’s the contraction of facial muscles that causes expression lines and wrinkles. Once injected, the neuromodulator relaxes the muscles and decreases their movement to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area.

  1. What areas of the face can be treated with Botox®?

The most popular treatment areas are the forehead, including the frown lines between the eyes, and the crow’s feet on the sides of the eyes. But Botox® can also be injected into the bunny lines on the nose, the fine lines around the lips, and even the TMJ for a jaw-slimming effect.

  1. Is Botox® painful?

Botox® injections are quick and come with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time. In fact, many of our patients are in and out in less than half an hour.

  1. What are the potential side effects?

Some patients experience minor bruising or redness right after their appointments, but those symptoms are temporary. If they persist or an injection site becomes painful, be sure to call our office right away.

  1. How long does Botox® last?

Many patients see results after only 3-5 days post-treatment, and those results can last for up to 3-6 months. The body metabolizes Botox® over time, which is why we recommend patients schedule maintenance treatments every 3-4 months.

  1. When should I start getting Botox®?

You’re never “too young” or “too old” to try Botox®, but all patients should receive a consultation before treatment to determine if Botox® is the right treatment for their cosmetic and wellness goals. Many of our younger patients have started using Botox® in their 20s and 30s as a preventative measure.

Learn more about Botox® or make an appointment with the Dermatology Center of Acadiana by calling 337-235-6886.