With the new year just around the corner, many of us are beginning to consider various self-improvement resolutions. Whether you resolve to exercise more, eat healthier or lose weight, it’s all about looking and feeling better. Despite the promise of these resolutions, some of us may be looking in the mirror wishing we could turn back time. Are you concerned that the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles has your face aging faster than you are? If your wish for the new year is to look younger, you might want to consider a Botox treatment instead of a New Year’s resolution.
Botox Treatment Benefits
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen which gives our skin its elasticity. In fact, by the time we hit our mid 20’s, the body loses 1% of its collagen each year. Over time, this reduction in collagen results in the loss of elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Each time the facial muscles move to laugh, smile or frown, they stretch the skin. Because of the reduced level of collagen, the skin can’t snap back the way it once did. During treatment, Botox is injected into the muscle. This blocks the signals sent from the nerves to the muscle that would normally prompt them to move. After a Botox treatment, the injected muscle can no longer contract, allowing wrinkles to relax and soften.
The treatment is non-invasive, with only minor discomfort from the injection. There is no downtime and you will see results in as little as 5-7 days of a Botox treatment. Wrinkles will start to soften and skin will look smoother, younger, and healthier. Botox will take full effect after two weeks and normally lasts 3-4 months.
Botox Treatment Areas
While there are numerous FDA approved applications for Botox, it is one of the most popular choices for the treatment of facial fine lines and wrinkles. These are the most common areas of the face where a Botox treatment can effectively begin to turn back the clock, giving your face a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Crow’s feet – This area around our eyes is often one of the first places where lines and wrinkles start to appear. As we age, they become more evident especially when we smile. Botox treatments can significantly reduce crow’s feet and for some people, it can eliminate them completely.
Forehead wrinkles – These horizontal lines develop as we age and are more pronounced with certain facial expressions like raising our eyebrows. If left alone they can get deeper and become permanently etched in the skin. Botox injections can help avoid this by preventing the forehead muscles from contracting.
Frown lines – These vertical lines appear just below the forehead area between the eyebrows. The presence of frown lines can give the impression of being tired or angry and can age your appearance. Botox injected into this area can smooth out frown lines and refresh your appearance.
Lipstick lines -These are fine vertical lines and wrinkles that appear around the mouth and deepen with age. In addition to minimizing the appearance of lipstick lines, Botox may even help lift the corners of the mouth back up.
Marionette lines – When it comes to facial lines and wrinkles, some would say these are the most aging. They start at the corners of the mouth and run downward on either side of the chin, drawing the corners of the mouth down. Treating marionette lines with Botox before they are too deep can effectively minimize their appearance.
Botox Treatments At Vive
At Vive Aesthetics and Wellness, our philosophy on facial aesthetics is to enhance one’s natural beauty. Dr. Pinto has extensive training in aesthetic medicine and can help you achieve a more youthful and natural appearance utilizing Botox.
With a precise yet soft touch, Dr. Pinto can help erase the evidence of aging while retaining the individual characteristics that makes you who you are. Let’s face it, we all want to look our best. If you’re considering a botox treatment, schedule a consultation today.