Botox in Cincinnati, OH
Live is to age, and lines and wrinkles are proof of life that can show up along the way. Yet, with the help of an artistic cosmetic doctor and modern medicine, many signs of aging can be reduced. Botox in Cincinnati, OH may be something to consider if the story your face tells gives a little more information than you wish to disclose.
When we are younger, our skin is rich in fibrous strands of collagen and supportive elastin—the skin has a nice smooth tone and a nice level of resilience. However, the natural production of collagen slows down usually in a person’s 30s. The natural change, as well as the overuse of certain muscles in the face, exposure to the sun, and even laughing, frowning, squinting, and smoking can lead to wrinkles.
At Bee Aesthetics, we understand that some wrinkles can be more bothersome than others. The way your face wrinkles at certain points can even change how you are perceived or what kind of expression you appear to give. Botox in Cincinnati may be a way we can help you either retain or regain that youthful appearance.
What Is Botox?
Botox is actually Onobotulinumtoxin A; Botox is simply the brand name of the product. Onobotulinumtoxin A is a neurotoxin that is taken from a bacterium referred to as Clostridium botulinum. Botox is actually one of four medications of the type that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of wrinkles.
Because Botox is actually a neurotoxin, the medications cause a blockage between targeted nerves and certain muscle groups. In other words, the medication will prevent nerve signals so the muscle will not contract when you make certain facial movements. When the muscles are no longer contracting, you have a smoother, more youthful appearance because the usual pressure or pull of the skin is not taking place. For example, you may not see wrinkles on your forehead or between your eyebrows when you smile or squint your eyes.
Issues We Can Tackle with Botox in Cincinnati, OH
People seek Botox in Cincinnati, OH for an array of different cosmetic reasons. The most common use of Botox is to tend to wrinkles that show up around the forehead and eyes because these muscle groups respond best to the effects of the medication. For example, crow’s feet and forehead lines may be smoothed with Botox injections because the medication targets underlying muscle groups around the eyes and in the forehead. A few other issues that can be treated with Botox injections include:
- Glabella lines (wrinkles that form in the patch of skin between the eyebrows just above the bridge of the nose)
- Bunny lines (wrinkles that form at the bridge of the nose)
- Perioral lines (also called lipstick lines, which are vertical lines found on the upper lip)
- Marionette lines (wrinkles that stem from the corner of the mouth and stretch downward)
- Chin lines and dimples
Botox injections are sometimes paired with other treatments for the maximum outcome. For example, Botox may be paired with dermal fillers to help with marionette lines or lipstick lines to help plump the skin and give an even smoother appearance.
A Note About Botox for Migraines
Even though Botox is most often associated with reducing wrinkles and improving cosmetic appearance, the actions of the medication have proven useful to help with other ailments as well. Medical practitioners sometimes offer Botox injections for things like muscle spasms and bladder spasms. At Bee Aesthetics, we actually offer Botox injections for migraines, which involves targeting specific muscle groups in the face, neck, and head that may be related to migraine headaches.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox Injections in Cincinnati?
Contrary to popular misconception, Botox is not just for people over a certain age. While older adults may have more wrinkles and lines they prefer to smooth, Botox can also be a way to reduce the formation of deep-set lines and wrinkles. In fact, there has been a major shift in younger people coming to Bee Aesthetics for Botox treatments because these individuals are interested in avoiding issues with future lines and wrinkles. Generally speaking, Botox is good for adults of all ages, men and women, and just about anyone who wants to retain or regain a more youthful appearance. Botox injections are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How Long Does Botox Last?
The general timeline of Botox is three to four months, but some patients certainly see prolonged effects for as long as six months. People who receive Botox injections for the first time sometimes don’t see their results last as long, but the effects may be visible for longer with repeat treatments. The results you experience after Botox injections can vary depending on a number of factors. Each individual can have a different experience after the treatment. Since Botox is a neurotoxin, the nerve-blocking action will eventually wear away and the affected muscle groups and nerves will revert to their prior functions.
Is Botox Safe?
When Botox injections are done by a skilled practitioner, the treatments are considered to be generally safe. Most people have very few side effects and those that do occur pass quickly and are mild. However, all treatments can come along with a few side effects and risks. A few side effects that can come along with Botox injections include:
- Swelling or pain at the injection site
- Excessive tearing or dry eyes
- Mild headache or mild symptoms of the flu, such as achiness or chills
Some people can be more sensitive to Botox than others, and, very rarely, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the injections. For this reason, the doctor may perform an allergy test before administering the treatment or examine any prior allergic reactions to similar agents that could mean you are more likely to have an adverse reaction to Botox. For instance, people who are allergic to the protein found in cow’s milk may be more susceptible to having an adverse reaction to Botox.
What to Expect During the Botox Procedure
The Botox injection process is relatively simple and straightforward regardless of where the injections are being placed. Usually, the doctor will use a localized numbing agent to help reduce sensitivity to the injections. The doctor will use a very thin syringe to inject a predetermined amount of Botox into the muscles under your skin.
Most often, a series of injections will be placed, especially in larger areas where there can be several muscle groups that need to be targeted. For example, you may receive more Botox injections if you are looking for a reduction of forehead wrinkles than you would receive if you are being treated for bunny lines. In any case, it normally takes just 10 to 15 minutes to complete the treatment.
Recovery After Botox Injections
You can usually resume your day right after the Botox procedure in our office, but the doctor will give you a few safety guidelines to follow afterward. Most doctors will recommend:
- That you don’t massage or directly rub the affected area for about 24 hours
- No exercise for about 6 to 8 hours after the procedure
- That you keep your head level without leaning your head forward or backward for a few hours
You will likely have some soreness at the injection sites after the treatment. Using an ice pack can help to ease the discomfort, but avoid taking ibuprofen as this may encourage bruising.
When You Will See Results After Botox Injections
If you are only getting Botox injections and not Botox paired with other treatments like dermal fillers, you will not normally see results right away. The neurotoxin takes a little time to take effect once injected, so you will start to see a change within one to three days after the injections. We often recommend waiting a full week to see the full effects of the treatment because it can take that long for the muscles to completely relax.
When done properly, Botox does not generate stark and severely noticeable changes in your face like some other types of cosmetic treatments. Instead, what you will see is a gradual relaxing of the muscles that are contributing to the formation and appearance of deep wrinkles. Most people will not realize you have had anything done, but they may recognize that you appear younger, happier, less stressed, and refreshed.
Let’s Get Started On Your More Youthful Appearance with Botox in Cincinnati, OH
Botox is one of the longest standing cosmetic treatments, and millions have turned to this medication to give them a greater sense of self-confidence. If you believe you would be a good candidate for Botox injections, reach out to us at Bee Aesthetics to schedule an appointment. We offer individual appointments and Botox parties for groups of individuals looking to get their treatments together.