Nearly half a million men get Botox treatments to reduce wrinkles each year.
Botox for wrinkles has been a popular treatment for reducing the appearance of aging for some time, but has been traditionally marketed for women.
We now know that despite the stigma over men getting the cosmetic treatment, they are still getting it done.
Botox is a great way to transform your look and increase your self-confidence no matter your gender.
Are you considering getting Botox treatment to reduce the appearance of your wrinkles?
Keep reading for more information on what to expect when getting Botox for wrinkles.
What is Botox for Wrinkles?
Wrinkles on the face, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, and lips are a normal part of the human face, but are also one of the first signs of ageing and one of the most noticeable signs.
Men and women alike often feel insecure about their wrinkles and feel that their wrinkles make them appear older or more tired.
Injections of botulinum toxin have become a common and effective way to improve the look of wrinkles.
This procedure is often referred to by the brand names of the pharmaceutical companies manufacturing the botulinum toxin. Examples of these include Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.
This procedure is popular for many reasons including its effectiveness, lasting results, reasonable cost, and short recovery time. We will dive deeper into these benefits later. Furthermore Botox is so versatile it can even help with conditions such as chronic migraines.
Dynamic Wrinkles
The injections work by relaxing muscles in the face that create the most noticeable wrinkles.
The wrinkles that can be treated by Botox injections are known as dynamic wrinkles. These are caused by the facial muscles moving when you laugh, squint, or smile.
These wrinkles appear around the lips, forehead, and between your eyebrows. These wrinkles also make up what are commonly referred to as "crows feet" on the outside corners of the eyelids.
These wrinkles are normal and natural and allow your facial skin to move with your muscles. However, as you age, the look of these wrinkles becomes more dramatic.
Botox injections will not permanently eliminate these wrinkles, but will make them much less noticeable for a period of time.
How Does it Work?
Botox is comprised of a type of bacteria called botulinum toxin. You may have heard of this bacteria before, because it can be toxic in high concentrations.
However, not all bacteria is bad and in small amounts can do plenty of good.
The amount of botulinum toxin in Botox is small and weak, so there is no serious risk of poisoning.
Botox works by injecting this bacteria into the facial muscles and blocking nerve signals that make the muscles contract. This causes the muscles to relax and reduces dynamic wrinkles.
Even when you move your facial muscles, the wrinkles will appear much fainter because the muscles are relaxed.
How Long Does it Last?
The effects of Botox usually last between 3-6 months.
As the facial muscles and wrinkles are natural, it is impossible to completely remove them.
After this time frame, the muscles start to move again as the effects of the Botox wears off. This means the wrinkles will become noticeable again.
Botox does not accumulate and the procedure can be repeated under the supervision of your doctor.
The Procedure
One of the reasons that Botox injections are so popular is that the procedure is relatively painless and the recovery time is short.
When you have the procedure done, the doctor will likely numb the injection area with an anaesthetic cream to reduce any discomfort you may feel. The Botox will then be injected into specific facial muscles.
This usually takes just a few minutes and is done in the comfort of your doctor's regular office. You can resume most normal activities immediately.
You may be instructed to use eye drops after the procedure to reduce the potential for side effects. It is also recommended that you stay upright and avoid pressing on the area for 4 hours and refrain from exercising for 24 hours.
This ensures the Botox settles properly into the specific muscles it was injected into and reduces the chances of irritating the injection site.
The injections normally take about 3 days to start working, at which time you will notice your muscles starting to relax. After about 1 week, you will notice visibly reduced facial wrinkles. The effect will wear off in 3-6 months.
Is Botox Right For Me?
Most patients age 18 or older are good candidates for Botox injections.
Botox injections are highly effective and it is unlikely that you will not see results.
Your doctor can tell you what to expect with your specific skin and can explain other options for reducing your wrinkles if Botox does not work for you.
There are some neurological and skin conditions that are not compatible with Botox treatment, but that is something to discuss with your doctor.
Botox is not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing.
Side Effects
As with most medical procedures, there are some potential side effects to keep an eye out for. The most common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Redness, irritation, or tearing in the eyes
- Redness, irritation, or bruising in the injection area
- Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
These side effects are not permanent.
Before getting Botox injections, you will want to make sure to provide your doctor with a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking.
Your doctor will be able to educate you further on the risks and expectations for the procedure including what to do if you experience side effects.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are considering Botox treatment to reduce the look of your wrinkles, you should see your doctor for a consultation.
He or she can help you decide what treatment option is best for you. Botox for wrinkles is a great option for most adults and can be done painlessly with few side effects.
A quick visit to your doctor's office can have you looking decades younger for a fraction of the cost of surgical procedures.
Book a consultation appointment online today to learn more about your options.
