Botox is the number one minimally invasive procedure in the United States. The treatment can be used to improve the facial appearance if it is performed correctly.
In this episode of the Smile podcast, world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh discusses Botox with board-certified head and neck surgeon Dr. Jonathan Cabin. The doctors offer insights into Botox, how it works, and why it is a top choice for facial rejuvenation.
What Is Botox?
Botox, sometimes referred to as the botulinum toxin, is produced by bacteria. It works on the neuromuscular junctions that promote facial muscle movement.
Patients can undergo Botox treatments to reduce muscle movement in the face. Targeted Botox injections can be used in different areas of the face, including:
- Eyes
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Chin
Botox can also be used to treat synkinesis or other forms of facial paralysis. It can even be injected into the neck to reduce banding.
What Types of Botox Treatments Are Available?
On- and off-label Botox treatments are available. An on-label Botox treatment has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to Dr. Cabin. Comparatively, an off-label Botox treatment has not yet received FDA approval.
Off-label Botox treatments are not necessarily unsafe, Dr. Cabin says. An off-label Botox treatment has not met the testing requirements for FDA approval. Or, the treatment has already been studied extensively, to the point where scientific research has validated its safety and efficacy.
Why Do Patients Choose Botox?
Botox is commonly used to treat the forehead, glabella (forehead area above and between the eyes), and crow’s feet around the eyes, Dr. Cabin points out. It lets patients correct visible signs of aging in the face, without requiring them to go under the knife.
In addition, Botox treatments are nearly painless, Dr. Cabin notes. They can also deliver results that can last two to four months.
What to Expect During a Botox Treatment
A Botox treatment involves the use of tiny needles. Botox injections can relax muscles in the face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other facial blemishes.
The length of time it takes Botox injections to deliver the desired results can vary. Dr. Cabin notes patients typically start to see the initial results of Botox within 48 to 72 hours. The full results of Botox can become visible within about two weeks.
Which Is Better: Botox or a Facelift?
For patients who are evaluating the pros and cons of Botox or a facelift, they need to consider the cosmetic results of both treatments.
Botox has a safe drug profile, Dr. Cabin says. It is absorbed by the facial muscles and delivers results that last a few months.
A facelift can pose a greater risk of complications than Botox injections. But, the results of a facelift can last about 10 years.
Patients who are deciding between Botox or a facelift should learn as much as they can about both options. Then, they can make an informed decision about which treatment can help them achieve their facial rejuvenation goals.
How to Determine If Botox Injections Are Right for You
Patient education is key, particularly when it comes to Botox. Dr. Cabin points out patients should discuss their Botox concerns prior to treatment. This enables patients to learn how Botox can be used to enhance their facial appearance.
The amount of Botox can also have far-flung effects on the treatment’s effectiveness, according to Dr. Azizzadeh. Determining how much Botox to use and where to inject it into the face is paramount. By working with a facial plastic surgeon who possesses comprehensive Botox treatment experience, a patient can achieve the optimal results from their treatment.
Learn More About Botox Treatment
Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Cabin possess many years of Botox treatment experience. They understand the pros and cons of Botox and can help patients determine if this treatment can help them improve their facial appearance. Listen to the Smile podcast today to hear what Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Cabin have to say about Botox.