Over the past several decades, BOTOX® has become what is probably the most well-known cosmetic treatment – eliminating wrinkles with a simple shot. 95% of respondents on Real Self say BOTOX® is worth it, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates 7.4M BOTOX® treatments are administered annually.

Why is BOTOX® so popular and should you consider it?

What Is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is a medical injection that is used to get rid of wrinkles. It consists of a neurotoxin known as botulinum toxin type A, which is a purified derivative of the botulinum bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) that literally paralyzes the tiny muscles in the face that make certain expressions which can cause wrinkles.

This neurotoxin was first used in the 1980s to treat muscle spasms in the face, and it was quickly discovered to also eliminate wrinkles in the people who were treated for the spasms. Patients were requesting ongoing treatment to eliminate their wrinkles even though the spasms were gone.

Whenever a person frowns, laughs, or squints, muscles around the face contract. This eventually forms lines on the face, and BOTOX® can affect these muscles so they do not tighten and form wrinkles.

The bacterium itself is harmful in large doses, developing into botulism. However, if it is administered in a minimal amount in the purified form, it temporarily paralyzes specific muscles and smooths the patient’s face.

What are the benefits of BOTOX®?

This treatment is done by a simple injection, which means you don’t have to go under the knife to get clear, wrinkle-free skin. BOTOX® treatments are also quick – the injections take about 10 minutes each. At Vanguard Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we use the smallest needles (the type generally used for insulin shots) to reduce discomfort.

BOTOX® is also amazingly effective. The effects may take some time to manifest, but generally a patient’s face is noticeably smoother after a week. Optimal results show up after about 2-3 weeks and will last 3-4 months.

Clinical studies show that almost 70 percent of patients had mild or even no crow’s feet on their 30th day of treatment. About 80 percent of people also reported that their frown lines had reduced significantly. The effects of BOTOX® last up to three or four months.

BOTOX® can help improve Crow’s Feet, treat the “11s” between your eyebrows, soften forehead lines, or add an arch to the eyebrows.

In addition to treating wrinkles, BOTOX® can also treat hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Injections into the sweat glands help reduce sweating, which can be life changing for individuals who suffer from hyperhidrosis.

Who should get BOTOX®? 

Because BOTOX® is so quick and easy, we see a wide range of BOTOX® patients at Vanguard Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. They include men and women of all ages and walks of life.

Leisle, Vanguard’s Executive Director, shares, “Most of our BOTOX® patients are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. But we also see many patients in their 20s, who begin BOTOX® to prevent future wrinkles. Through smaller doses over time, our younger patients can keep wrinkles at bay. Then, we also have older patients who regularly seek BOTOX® because they don’t want to have surgery so prefer non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX®, filler, and lasers which can have a dramatic effect on appearance.”

Does It Have Side Effects?

BOTOX® injections shouldn’t have any overly adverse effects on the patient. It’s normal for the patient to resume their usual activities right after their treatment.

However, redness, swelling, and bruising may occur after BOTOX® treatment and your medical injector should take a full medical history to evaluate you and inform you of any other risks.

Perhaps the most common adverse result, however, is not achieving the best cosmetic result. Thus, it’s important to seek a skilled medical injector who has extensive experience, understands the muscles of your face, and has a keen aesthetic eye.

Where Can I Get BOTOX® Treatment?

If you would like a medical consultation to see whether you may be a good candidate for BOTOX®, contact Vanguard Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics to schedule a consultation. Dr. James Banich and Mandy Brown RN form our aesthetic team. Mandy is one of the top volume injectors in Colorado Springs, so you’ll be in good hands with her wealth of experience.

Call us at Vanguard Skin Specialists now at (719) 355-1585 to schedule your appointment. Alternatively, you can fill out our appointment request form. Our doctors and providers are looking forward to helping you feel great about yourself again.