How Botox® Can Start Your Year with a Younger-Looking Appearance

Every year, millions of New Year's resolutions are made, and most of them have to do with appearance. If you’ve decided to give yourself the gift of self-confidence through a younger, fresher appearance, Botox® might be the ideal choice.

At DiGeronimo MD Advanced Plastic Surgery in Miami, Florida, Dr. Ernest M. DiGeronimo can help you decide if an injectable like Botox could be right for you.

Botox 101

Most people already know that Botox is made from a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, which is a protein that acts as a long-lasting small-scale muscle paralytic. 

It was originally used by optical surgeons when treating patients with strabismus, or lazy eye, because it could keep tiny muscles attached to the eyeball from pulling the eye in the wrong direction.

When injected into dynamic facial wrinkles (the wrinkles caused by facial movements, such as frowning, smiling, and squinting), the neurotoxin paralyzes the muscles responsible for dragging the facial skin into those folds and wrinkles. 

If you’re thinking about Botox 

Considering getting Botox treatment? There are a couple of things you’ll need to understand and think about before making that commitment.

Botox isn’t for all kinds of wrinkles

Botox only works on dynamic wrinkles, because they are caused by muscle movement in the face, so paralyzing the muscles prevents the wrinkle from being formed. 

Static wrinkles, which are caused by aging, gravity, and sun damage, can’t be improved with Botox, and require dermal fillers or other treatments instead.

Botox shouldn’t be injected by just anyone

There are tons of low-end “med-spas” out there as well as plenty of doctors who practice various fields of medicine (from dentistry to orthopedics) who are offering Botox as a way to increase revenues.

These technicians or even physicians don’t specialize in cosmetic procedures, and have likely only taken a short course in doing Botox injections. It’s always better to choose a professional, experienced injector for aesthetic treatments.

You’ll lower risk of complications (Botox is extremely low risk when injected properly), and improve your results (injection patterns and the amount injected matters).

Botox isn’t permanent

This can be both a pro and a con. If you’re not sure about Botox, you can try it. If it isn’t for you, a few months later it will have worn off. 

If you do love the results, then you’ll simply have to come back in at regular intervals for a touch-up treatment to keep your face looking young and unlined.

Want to learn more about Botox treatments so you can start the New Year off right? Schedule a consultation by calling 208-225-4358, or request an appointment online.