Eliminate Summer Wrinkles with Botox
Most people know that UV light causes sunburn unless we take appropriate steps to protect our skin. However, you might not be aware that UV rays are also the single biggest cause of facial wrinkles. This is because UV rays prompt the formation of free radicals within the skin. These free radicals damage the elastin fibers in the skin and contribute towards the development of wrinkles and lines. Since people with fair skin naturally have less protection against UV-induced skin changes, this group are also more likely to develop more wrinkles than people with dark skin.
Repeated movement of facial muscles can also cause wrinkles to form. During the summer months, we tend to naturally squint against the bright light – sometimes even if we are wearing sunglasses. This repetitive squinting, along with exposure to UV light makes wrinkles likely to develop on the outer edges of each eye. These are known as crow’s feet and are some of the wrinkles most often treated using injectable cosmetic treatments like Botox. Lines can also become more prominent on the forehead and between the eyebrows.
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name used to describe the neurotoxin botulinum toxin when it is used for cosmetic reasons. Botox works by blocking the signals that are sent from the brain, via the nerves to the muscles. In small doses, Botox can be used to temporarily inhibit muscle movement, which then prevents the overlying skin from contracting with it. As a result, the skin remains smooth and flat, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is diminished.
What areas of the face can be treated with Botox?
Botox is most often used on the upper part of the face to address wrinkles that form:
- Between the eyebrows (frown lines)
- Horizontally along the forehead
- At the top of the nose
- Around the eyebrows
- At the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet)
- Under the eyes (tear troughs)
However, Botox can also be used on the lower half of the face, where it is often administered alongside dermal fillers to eliminate lines around the lips and to prevent dimpling in the chin.
If you have spent time in the sun this summer, chances are that it will be the upper part of your face that has been most affected by fine lines and wrinkles.
What is involved in getting Botox?
Botox is a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed in a lunchbreak. Before your appointment, your cosmetic technician at Natural Results Plastic Surgery will have determined which areas of your face will be targeted by the neurotoxin. When you arrive on the day, you will be given the option of some topical anesthetic, although the needle used to administer Botox is so fine that many patients don’t require this. Once settled and comfortable, your technician will carefully administer the Botox at the necessary locations. As soon as the treatment is complete, you will be able to leave immediately and there is no downtime to take into consideration. You may see some tiny pinpricks in your skin, but these should fade very quickly.
Seeing the results from Botox treatment
It usually takes between 7 and 14 days for the full effect of your Botox treatment to appear, although you may see increasing limited movement in the muscles until this time. During the recovery period, you’ll be recommended to avoid alcohol and taking anti-inflammatory medications as this will help to prevent bruises from occurring. It’s important that you follow the advice of your Botox provider in Scottsdale at Natural Results Plastic Surgery as this will minimize your risk of complications and ensure that you achieve the best results.
The effects of Botox injections are only temporary, typically lasting between 3 and 6 months before muscle action slowly starts to return and gradually, you will see more lines and wrinkles forming. At this point, you can schedule further Botox treatment if you wish to maintain the results long term.
If you would like to eliminate your summer wrinkles and are interested in finding out more about Botox, or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact our cosmetic team in Scottsdale at Natural Results Plastic Surgery by calling 480-418-5300 today!
