Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Botox

Your Botox questions answered!

Popular aesthetic dermatological treatments, once considered exclusive, are now accessible to everyone. Possibly the most well-known among these treatments is Botox, the revolutionary wrinkle-reducing treatment that’s been helping everyone from celebs to soccer moms defy the aging process for decades. But what exactly is Botox, what does it do for your SkinFitness™ routine, and when should you start getting it?

Dr. Will Kirby, renowned dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer of LaserAway, is here to answer all your questions and help you understand the benefits and science behind Botox, as well as Xeomin SmartTox, a similar neuromodulator.

1. When should I start Botox?

“The answer to this question is clinical need — a patient-specific clinical need,” says Dr. Kirby. To assess your clinical need, look at your relaxed face in the mirror. You’re a good candidate for Botox and Xeomin if you see lines while resting. If you move your face around and see deep lines, you can also prevent those lines from getting worse and more pronounced by using Botox.

2. At what age should I get Botox?

“That again depends on clinical need, and it all depends on what you need. Anyone in the 18 to 60 age range is a great candidate for Botox,” explains Dr. Kirby.

3. How long does Botox last?

“The answer is: it’s dose-dependent. Very generally speaking, Botox will last two and a half to three and a half months,” Dr. Kirby states. If it doesn’t last that long, you may not have received enough Botox. And if it lasts four or even five months, you got a “really great” dose.

“But you have to be very careful,” Dr. Kirby warns. “You’ll have no facial expressions if you get too much Botox injected. And you won’t see a great clinical result if you get too little Botox. It’s a delicate balance!”

4. How often do you need to do Botox?

It depends on how long the Botox lasts. For most people, it lasts two to three and a half months. That means you’ll probably need to get Botox three to four times a year to maintain results.

5. Is Botox preventative?

“Botox and Xeomin are absolutely preventative, meaning you can not have any wrinkles right now, and you can get Botox periodically in small doses infrequently, and it’ll sort of lock in your current age,” Dr. Kirby explains. Starting Botox early on will help prevent you from developing deeper lines and wrinkles over time.

6. Is Botox only for old people?

“Of course, Botox is not just for old people,” Dr. Kirby exclaims. “It can be used preventatively so that you don’t develop deep wrinkles and lines over time as you age. Botox can also help correct existing dynamic lines and wrinkles.”

7. I heard you can use Botox to stop yourself from sweating; is this actually true?

“That’s actually completely true,” Dr. Kirby explains. “Botox can be injected into the armpits to prevent sweating temporarily, and this is a highly effective treatment for excessive sweating.”

8. Are there alternatives to Botox?

“Botox has the most brand name recognition. However, there are multiple neuromodulators to choose from, like Xeomin,” says Dr. Kirby, and advises patients to discuss with a clinician which one is right for them. “The truth is that they are all very similar and produce outstanding results!”

9. Is Botox safe and natural?

“Botox is a synthetic derivative of a naturally occurring substance, the botulinum toxin,” Dr. Kirby states. It is a natural product tested for over 20 years, meaning Botox and other neuromodulators like Xeomin are safe.

10. Are there side effects to Botox?

“Absolutely, there are good side effects and bad side effects, and that’s true of anything in the world — anything you use and any product that you purchase,” Dr. Kirby elaborates. One of Botox’s side effects is that it hurts slightly when injected but is usually well tolerated. There’s also a five-to-ten percent chance that you’ll experience some temporary bruising, but it’s nothing that makeup can’t cover up.

The good news is that Botox and Xeomin are affordable, you only need them a few times a year, and they kick in quickly. Results from Botox and Xeomin are noticeable as well.

11. If I get Botox, will I have a frozen face?

“Absolutely not. If you get too much Botox, you’ll lose expression. But if you get the appropriate dose that’s done in accordance with policies, procedures, and protocols, no one else will notice,” Dr. Kirby says. “You’ll simply look like a more well-rested, slightly more youthful version of yourself.”

12. Does Botox hurt?

“Barely! It’s a little tiny 32 gauge needle, a couple of little pinpricks, extremely well-tolerated — I promise it doesn’t hurt,” Dr. Kirby exclaims.

Ready to make your Botox dreams a reality?

If you’re interested in learning more about Botox or ready to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to get started, contact the skincare experts at LaserAway. As the nation’s leader in aesthetic dermatology, all treatments are performed by registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or physician associates and overseen by board-certified dermatologists.

Have more questions about aesthetic dermatology? Please reach out to Dr. Kirby by contacting LaserAway directly.

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