The effects of aging can show in different ways, from fine lines to deeper wrinkles. There are both non-invasive and surgical options that can address these concerns, depending on what works best for each patient. Botox® is one of the non-surgical treatments we use at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Newport Beach, CA. It is used to reduce lines that form from repetitive facial movements. Its ability to deliver consistent results makes it a reliable option for those looking for a non-surgical wrinkle treatment.
What Is Botox?
Botox® is a neuromodulator that temporarily reduces muscle activity to soften wrinkles and fine lines. It is primarily used in areas where repetitive facial movements create visible creases, such as the forehead and around the eyes. Treatments are quick and can fit into a lunch break. Botox comes from a purified protein called botulinum toxin, which we use in small, controlled amounts to relax specific muscles without affecting others.
How Does Botox Work?
We inject Botox® directly into targeted muscles, where it blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. Without this signal, the muscle remains in a relaxed state, which helps soften wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements. As the nerve endings regenerate, muscle activity gradually returns, which is why results typically last for several months before another treatment is needed.
Botox
Botox was the first cosmetic injectable to gain widespread acceptance and a broad range of people use it today to keep their appearance refreshed and rejuvenated. Botox is designed to smooth dynamic wrinkles, or the wrinkles you get from repeated facial movements. Botox treats:
- The wrinkles between your eyes (11s or 11 lines)
- Crow’s feet
- Forehead lines
Dermal Fillers
Botox is ideal for dynamic wrinkles, but what about the other facial changes that come with aging? If you want to get rid of deep nasolabial folds, sagging or sunken cheeks, thinning lips, or jowls, turn to dermal fillers. Dr. Hendricks offers a variety of these fillers, including hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen fillers, and more. Brand-wise, he was the first doctor in Orange County to offer his patients Juvéderm® Voluma and continues to offer it today. He also offers Restylane®.
What Can We Treat With Botox Injections?
- Forehead Lines: Repeatedly raising your brows can create horizontal creases that become more noticeable over time. Botox® is a simple anti-aging treatment that helps prevent those lines from deepening as you continue to make everyday expressions.
- Neck Bands: The platysma muscles in the neck can tighten as you age and cause visible vertical bands. By injecting Botox, we can soften these muscles and reduce the appearance of prominent bands.
- Frown Lines: Lines between the brows, sometimes called “11s,” form from years of squinting, concentrating, or furrowing your brow. We place Botox in precise areas to reduce these creases.
- Crow’s Feet: Squinting and smiling can lead to fine lines around the outer corners of the eyes. We can apply Botox to the delicate muscles around the eyes to soften the appearance of crow’s feet while still keeping your expressions natural.
Why Choose Botox?
Offers Customizable Results
Every patient has different concerns, and we adjust Botox treatments to match what you want. Whether you prefer a subtle softening or a more noticeable reduction in wrinkles, we can fine-tune the number of units and injection sites. This flexibility helps create natural-looking results that align with your facial expressions and goals.
Provides Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
If you’re looking for a way to smooth out wrinkles without surgery, Botox is a practical option. Treatments take only a few minutes, and there are no incisions or long recovery times. If you want a treatment that fits easily into your schedule, neuromodulators could be right for you.
Results Are Easy to Maintain
Once your Botox results start to wear off, a quick follow-up treatment can help keep your look consistent. Most patients return for touch-ups every few months, and regular treatments may help slow the formation of new lines. Staying on schedule can make future treatments even more effective.
Offers Long-Lasting Wrinkle Reduction
While the effects of Botox aren’t permanent, they can last a long time with the right upkeep. Once the treated muscles relax, you’ll see smoother skin that stays that way for months. It is a reliable wrinkles treatment for those who want results that don’t require frequent appointments.
Suitable for Many Different Candidates
Botox works well for a wide range of patients, whether you’re just starting to notice fine lines or looking to soften deeper wrinkles. Since treatments are quick and don’t involve downtime, they fit into different lifestyles. We’ll assess your concerns and determine if this option makes sense for you.
An Overview of the Treatment Process
Preparing for Botox Treatments
Before your appointment, we recommend avoiding blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements to help reduce the chance of bruising. Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup or skincare products, so we can get started right away. If you’re prone to bruising, applying arnica a few days before and after your treatment may help. We’ll go over everything during your visit, so you know what to expect and how to get the best results.
The Botox Treatment Process
- Step One: Finding the Right Injection Locations: Before we begin, we’ll have you make different facial expressions, like raising your brows or frowning, to see how your muscles move. This helps us pinpoint exactly where to place Botox for the best results. We’ll also take before photos and talk through what kind of outcome you’re looking for.
- Step Two: Preparing the Skin: Once we’ve mapped out the injection sites, we clean your skin to remove any makeup, oil, or residue. If you prefer, we can apply a numbing cream, but most patients find that Botox injections are quick and tolerable without it. The goal is to keep the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
- Step Three: Injections: We use a fine needle to make precise injections into the targeted muscles. The number of injections depends on the areas we’re treating, but most sessions take just 10 to 15 minutes. You might feel a quick pinch or mild pressure. Once we’re done, you can get back to your day with little to no downtime.
Caring for Your Skin After Botox
For the first few hours after your Botox treatment, avoid touching or rubbing the injection sites to keep the product in place. Stay upright for at least four hours and skip strenuous exercise for the rest of the day to prevent swelling. We recommend avoiding alcohol and blood-thinning medications for 24 hours to reduce the chance of bruising. If you notice slight redness or swelling, a cold compress can help soothe the area.
What Factors Determine Botox Longevity?
Metabolism
Everyone processes Botox at a different rate, and metabolism affects how long the results last. If your body breaks things down quickly, you may notice the effects fading sooner than someone with a slower metabolic rate. This is why some patients schedule touch-ups more frequently than others.
Activity Levels
If you work out frequently, especially with high-intensity exercise, your body may break down Botox faster. Increased circulation and muscle activity can shorten how long the effects last. This doesn’t mean you have to change your routine, but it’s something to keep in mind when planning your next treatment.
Frequency of Treatments
Getting Botox regularly can help prolong your results over time. When we treat the same muscles consistently, they start to relax for longer periods, meaning you may not need touch-ups as often.
Strength of Facial Muscles
Stronger facial muscles tend to need more units of Botox and may break it down faster than smaller, less active muscles. If you have deep-set frown lines or strong forehead muscles, your results may not last as long as it would for someone with milder wrinkles. Adjusting your treatment plan to match your muscle activity helps maintain smoother skin for longer.
Comparing Botox to Other Anti-Aging Treatments
- Alma™ Laser Technology: We offer a range of treatments from Alma including our Q-switched laser treatments, our non-ablative fractional laser, and our IPL device. These treatments can address other signs of aging such as wrinkles, rough skin texture, and pigmentation.
- Renuvion: Renuvion is a non-surgical skin tightening option that combines helium plasma and radiofrequency to contract tissues beneath the skin. It’s often used for more noticeable sagging in areas like the lower face and neck.
- CO2 Fraxel Laser: The CO2 Fraxel Laser uses fractional technology to resurface the skin, reducing wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation. It can be performed alone, with surgery, or alongside other treatments to enhance skin tightness and improve overall results.
- Sofwave™: This ultrasound-based technology delivers energy to the skin and promotes collagen growth. These skin firming treatments help reduce fine lines and mild laxity while keeping the surface of the skin intact.
