Botox is now considered a cosmetic phenomenon, and is an integral part of the anti-aging treatment regimen of many Americans in Orange County and other parts of the US. Regular use of botox can make you look years younger, and it is often recommended for use along with dermal fillers. Botox and dermal fillers can both soften facial aging, but they don’t work in the same manner.
Botox – What it does, and how it works
The medical name for botox is botulinum toxin A, and it is a toxin that has the ability to paralyze muscles. It is always recommended that botox injections be administered by a licensed medical practitioner, as it needs to be injected in very small doses, and in the correct place.
Botox is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is particularly effective on the lines often seen across the forehead, between the eyebrows, as well as at the corner of the eyes. These are often referred to as expression lines, as they are the result of familiar expressions that we do every day such as frowning and squinting.
After years of doing these expressions multiple times, it leads to the creation of lines on the face. This usually occurs as we age, because at that time the skin loses the structural proteins that keep it firm and supple. Botox is able to reduce and prevent fine lines, because it temporarily paralyzes the muscles.
The effect of botox will typically last for 4-6 months, after this time another treatment will be needed to maintain results. Botox can also be used to soften skin bands that appear on the neck.
Dermal Fillers – What they do, and how they work
Dermal fillers are also injectables that reduce fine lines, but they do not work via the muscles, instead, they fill in fine lines and depressions to give the face an overall plumper appearance.
The most common dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, these include Juvederm and Restylane. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body, and works to create volume and make skin plump. Dermal fillers are particularly effective on the lines around the cheeks and lips.
Botox is an often used anti-aging remedy in Orange County, because it is minimally invasive, and it only takes about 15 minutes to get the procedure done. It is a great way to rejuvenate the face and smooth the skin, to create a fresher, revitalized appearance.