Botox®

botox patient

As we age, the lines on our face become more prevalent and permanent, a result from the repeated expressions we make on a daily basis. Smiling, laughing, frowning, and showing signs of surprise are just a few of the expressions that cause lines and wrinkles to form in different facial areas. At New Image Plastic Surgery Associates we offer injectables, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, to help address lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging to give your skin a tighter, more youthful appearance.

If you’re interested in learning more about BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments and wish to speak with our plastic surgeon Dr. Roberta Gartside, contact us at 703-742-8004 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Reston, Fairfax, and McLean, Virginia, well as the Washington D.C. area.

How Botox® Cosmetic Works

Lines and wrinkles on the face are largely caused by the repetitive motion of facial muscles and over time they can become more permanent. Other factors such as your genetics, family history, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and spending lots of time in the sun also play a role in the amount of lines and wrinkles you develop.

BOTOX® Cosmetic works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, effectively reducing their appearance and giving the treated area a smoother, tighter look and feel. BOTOX® Cosmetic is derived from botulinum toxin type A, a bacterium-produced neuromuscular toxin that has been deemed safe for use as a facial injectable by the FDA.

BOTOX® Cosmetic can help temporarily reduce and eliminate:

  • Smile lines
  • Crow’s feet
  • Frown lines
  • Forehead lines

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a non-surgical procedure. With this procedure there is little to no recovery time after, making it safe to have multiple injections performed. Because this treatment is non-invasive it’s much less risky than invasive cosmetic surgery options. Results can be seen within about a week and generally last from three to six months.

Other Benefits of Botox® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been shown to have other benefits beyond helping to smooth facial lines and wrinkles. A couple of the most common uses outside of facial injections include:

  • Neck Bands: Tightening of the neck muscles can give an appearance of an aging neck and stress. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can relax these muscular bands, giving the neck a smooth appearance.
  • Excessive Sweating: Excessive sweating of the underarms or palms of the hands is an embarrassing condition but one in which BOTOX® Cosmetic can significantly decrease the amount of sweating by blocking the hyperactive sweat glands.

By temporarily paralyzing specified muscles, BOTOX® Cosmetic has a number of other potential medical uses, such as the treatment of:

  • Incontinence and bladder disorders
  • Migraines
  • Jaw clenching
  • Spasms in the neck
  • Hemifacial (facial) spasms

Before undergoing any treatment it’s advised to speak with your doctor in depth about your medical issues and if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you.

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Is Botox® Safe?

BOTOX® Cosmetic was first approved by the FDA for treating facial wrinkles and creases in 2002. Thirteen years prior, BOTOX® Cosmetic was approved by the FDA to treat blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking), strabismus (crossed eyes), and cervical dystonia (neck spasms). FDA approval is a major indicator that BOTOX® Cosmetic is safe and does not lead to long-term paralysis or other bodily harm.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most widely-performed cosmetic medical treatments in the U.S. Millions of people undergo this procedure each year and while side-effects are generally rare, they are possible. Some of the minor side-effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Allergic reactions
  • Headaches
  • Swelling in treatment area
  • Muscle weakness

The primary risk associated with BOTOX® Cosmetic injections is having the treatment performed by an unqualified professional. If injected incorrectly, you may suffer serious health complications. This is why it’s essential to have BOTOX® Cosmetic injections administered by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Roberta Gartside.

While the side-effects are generally rare, BOTOX® Cosmetic is not safe for everyone. It’s advised to forgo this procedure if you’re pregnant, suffering from a neuromuscular disorder, or ALS. BOTOX® Cosmetic is approved for use in individuals aged 18 and older. It’s advised that you schedule a consultation with us to determine your eligibility for this treatment.

Contact a Botox® Cosmetic Specialist Today

If you would like to treat facial lines and wrinkles for a younger, smoother appearance, or wish to address any of the other conditions listed above, our staff at New Image Plastic Surgery Associates is here to help you reach your aesthetic goals. We are committed to providing men and women with customized and effective procedures that produce life-changing results.

To schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gartside, contact us today at 703-742-8004. We happily provide services to those who live in and near Reston, Fairfax, McLean, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

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