Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for both women and men, but can they actually make your wrinkles go away?
The answer is: It depends.
While Botox can be highly effective at smoothing the skin and eliminating certain types of fine lines and wrinkles on a temporary basis, it’s not the right treatment option for every patient or circumstance.
Below we’ve provided an overview of how Botox injections work, the types of wrinkles they’re most effective at reducing, and what you can expect from a Botox appointment. Ready to learn more? Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Ros and our world-class dermatology team today!
How Botox Reduces Wrinkles
Botox is derived from Clostridium botulinum, a naturally occurring neurotoxin. When precisely injected, it interrupts the nerve signals responsible for muscle contractions in targeted areas of the face. As facial muscles relax, wrinkles on the skin above them have the opportunity to smooth out, restoring a more youthful appearance. Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet (the wrinkles that appear at the outer corners of the eyes) but is also commonly used off-label to treat a wide variety of wrinkles in other parts of the face.
Botox is not a permanent treatment option and typically needs to be re-administered every 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient. That being said, many patients who receive Botox injections continually over an extended period find that treatment results begin to last longer and the need for maintenance appointments becomes less frequent over time.
Types of Wrinkles: Dynamic Vs. Static
Wrinkles are separated into two main categories: Dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles. Let’s take a closer look:
Dynamic Wrinkles
Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles caused by muscle movements. In the face, they are commonly associated with smiling, laughing, concentrating, or squinting, but may also result from a range of other habitual expressions or muscle activities.
Examples of dynamic wrinkles include:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the eyes (11s)
- Laugh lines around the mouth
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
Botox is often a highly effective treatment option for dynamic wrinkles, particularly those that are mild to moderate.
Static Wrinkles
Static wrinkles are wrinkles caused by a loss of elastin and collagen in the skin. They often occur as a natural part of the aging process but can also be exacerbated by sun exposure, smoking, or other factors. Once static wrinkles form, they won’t go away.
Examples of static wrinkles include:
- Marionette lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the jawline
- Nasolabial lines that run from the nose to the mouth
- Cheek wrinkles
- Neck wrinkles
Though Botox may occasionally be used to treat static wrinkles, dermal fillers are often the preferred treatment option. In many cases, a combination of Botox and dermal fillers is recommended to effectively target multiple types of wrinkles simultaneously.
Can Botox Make Wrinkles Go Away Completely?
Yes, Botox can make wrinkles go away completely. However, it can’t make all types of wrinkles disappear and it isn’t a permanent wrinkle solution. If your goal is to make your wrinkles go away completely, Dr. Ros and the team at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center are ready to tailor a treatment plan to your specific situation. Book an initial consultation to learn more about Botox injections as well as various other treatment options that can help you achieve smooth, flawless skin and a revitalized complexion.
Long-Term Benefits Of Botox
Wondering about Botox injections over an extended period of time? Here are a few of the potential benefits:
- Wrinkle Reduction – Reduce the appearance of wrinkles with ongoing Botox treatments.
- Fewer Treatments Required – You’ll likely require fewer treatments to achieve the same results if you use Botox over the long term.
- Wrinkle Prevention – Regular Botox treatments can help prevent the formation of new wrinkles over time.
What To Expect From A Botox Appointment
Here’s what you can expect from a Botox appointment at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center:
- During your initial consultation with Dr. Ros, she’ll take time to get to know you and understand your treatment goals, help you set realistic expectations, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- If you’re a suitable candidate for Botox, injections may be administered at the initial appointment. In complex cases or those involving multiple treatment types (e.g. Botox and fillers), another treatment appointment may be scheduled.
- Most patients don’t find Botox injections to be painful, but a topical anesthetic can be applied prior to treatment, depending on the circumstances. Botox treatments typically take less than 15 minutes and patients can usually return to their normal daily routine immediately afterward.
To learn more about Botox in Clifton or Rockaway, New Jersey, contact us at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center today. We look forward to meeting you and helping you to turn back the clock!
