As one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the U.S, Botox treatment has been widely used for decades now and continually sees an increase in use for individuals living in Los Angeles. Botox, also known as botulinum toxin therapy or neurotoxin injectables, work by helping diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin’s surface by paralyzing the muscles underneath. From treating frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet and even excessive sweating, the injectable neuromodulator has been a staple in the Los Angeles community.
Causing the underlying muscles to temporarily stop moving, Botox is often not a one time process, but is something many people continue to do as their skin naturally ages. Oftentimes, people start injecting botox before wrinkles even begin forming as a preventative measure. If you’ve ever wondered what it is about Botox that makes people keep going back for more, keep reading.
Because Botox paralyzes muscles under the skin, they help people achieve a smoother looking face, whether they’re trying to diminish forehead lines, crow’s feet by the eyes and frown lines by the mouth. Though Botox is most commonly used for wrinkle treatment, it’s also a multipurpose injection that can help soften features on the face, give an enhanced look to the cheek areas and even paralyze the muscles where excessive sweating can occur. Some people even swear it stops headaches and migraines.
Botox isn’t designed to freeze your face. A common misconception that has been misconstrued through films and television series is that Botox can make your face look permanently stuck, but going to any professional for Botox injections can guarantee you that your results will not only be as you want, but that they’re beauty enhancing, not face-freezing. It’s vital to be treated by an experienced doctor or nurse who can effectively judge the size of your muscles and how much Botox needs to be administered for your desired results.
Another common misconception is that Botox can be painful. While getting a needle injected into your skin isn’t the most pleasant feeling, many injection experts and specialists offer topical anesthesia, or numbing cream, that can be applied ten minutes before your procedure to minimize any pain that’s associated with the treatment. Even ice to numb the area can effectively decrease the amount of pain many feel from Botox. In general, the small needle usually causes a pinching-like feeling to the skin that can be uncomfortable, but thankfully, numbing topicals are most definitely an option when you’re considering Botox treatments.
While many clients don’t get adverse side effects from Botox, it’s important to remember that it’s still a possibility, though a rather slim one. Potential side effects usually affect one to five percent of clients and include mild drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow at the injection site, which typically goes away within two weeks, and slight bruising at the injection site.
The pricing of Botox also varies with many factors. As with any cosmetic treatment, prices can depend on where you go for treatment, i.e. Los Angeles or Miami have vastly different pricings than somewhere in Minnesota. Prices also vary as many doctors can charge per unit of Botox while others can charge for the procedure as a whole per area. A vial typically contains anywhere from 50 to a 100 units. Many people can choose to only use ten units on one part of their face while others can use 30 units to smooth out forehead wrinkles. Some people can have a small amount of fine lines on their face and others can have many, which is why pricing is best discussed with your treatment center.
And while many people might start noticing wrinkles in their 30s, there’s really no right age to start using Botox. Botox injections are used to treat or smooth out fine lines as much as they’re used as a preventative measure. Genetically speaking, someone can start to notice fine lines as soon as 20, whereas someone else might not notice their first wrinkle until 30. The general consensus is to start Botox injections when you feel comfortable doing so, or wanting to!
Once you’ve decided to go through with a Botox injection, your injection professional will let you know when to expect results, but typically within four to five days you’ll start noticing a difference. Botox can last anywhere from four to six months and touch ups can always be made whenever neccesary.
If you’re interested in Botox treatments in Los Angeles, do your research before going under the needle to find out what treatment center best serves your needs.