Botox has become one of the most common and popular forms of cosmetic procedures in the United States. However, despite its popularity and positive reviews, there are still many myths that surround Botox. One such myth states that people are being injected botulism, a bacterium that causes food poisoning. It’s information like this that drives away potential customers or leaves them conflicted on whether or not they should have it. We want our patients to be aware of the myths and the actualities of the Botox treatment.

Botox is the trademark name for the toxin that is produced by a bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. Aside from Botox, this toxin is used for various medical purposes depending on the type. There are various types of this toxin ranging from type A to type G. With type A being the most potent, it’s labeled with the name Botox. There’s also another product that uses type A known as Dysport. Both of these cosmetic treatments have been certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for its ability to reduce facial wrinkles. Another version of this toxin is type B, which isn’t as potent as type A and is used for a product called Myobloc. Botox has become the term to describe all of these products, even those who prefer getting Myobloc or Dysport. New products like Xeomin and Jeaveau have recently entered the market. Regardless, all five of these cosmetic treatments are extremely similar, however, the results can vary. Dr. Mejia specializes in distinct differences to assure his patients get the best results.

Regardless of what some people may say, Botox doesn’t completely eliminate wrinkles. Instead of completely removing wrinkles, Botox temporarily prevents the muscles from working. In other words, it blocks the release of a chemical called acetylcholine in the nerves that tell the facial muscles to contract. Upon injection, the muscle stops working slowly over the next few days. This is why the term “frozen” Friday’s is used at Jupiter Dermatology since there is little to no dynamic wrinkling. But this does not mean that you will not have a natural expression. Dr. Ricardo Mejia has perfected techniques for all the different types of Botox injections. You will still be able to make natural facial expressions, but without creating more wrinkles. Of course, not every wrinkle is treated the same. As we get older, we start to lose elasticity in our skin. In some cases, a permanent crease may appear even if the muscle is relaxed. While Botox, Dysport, and Jeaveau cannot permanently eliminate creases, it can soften them up. Another thing to keep in mind is that Botox cannot be dissolved once it’s injected, so if you are unhappy with the result, you will have to wait until it wears off, which is between three to five months. In several cases, patients from other practices come to Dr. Mejia to correct suboptimal treatments that appear unnatural or irregular. That is why it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist who understands the facial anatomy to assure correct results.

The effects of Botox usually take effect within two days and will be noticeable after at least five. However, the effects themselves last up to three to five months, which at that point will require you to get another injection. It’s also worth mentioning that anyone with wrinkles of the forehead or around the eyes and mouth are prime candidates for Botox injections. There are several off label treatments for Botox:

– necklines

– patients with TMJ or a boxy look

– raising the smile and corners of the mouth

– patients that have a gummy smile

– lip lines or smokers lines

– hyperhidrosis or overactive sweating

– migraines

Overall, most patients report satisfaction with their results from Botox injections. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations of what Botox can and cannot do. While it’s possible to see a dramatic improvement in lines and wrinkles, Botox cannot turn back the hands of time. However, At Jupiter Dermatology, multiple different services are available to assist in this goal. Botox has been used for cosmetic procedures for decades, as well as some other treatments such as excessive sweating. Botox is a great option for those who want a quick, minimally invasive procedure to give them a rejuvenated appearance.

In addition, improper injection of Botox can result in unnatural appearances. For this reason, in addition to overall safety and efficacy concerns, it’s important to only receive injections from a board-certified dermatologist, such as those at Jupiter Dermatology and Hair Restoration. To learn more about Botox and its uses contact the team at Jupiter Dermatology and Hair Restoration for a consultation.