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Botox

Wrinkles. Lines. Folds. When these common signs of age become more prominent, they can affect how we perceive ourselves. We may feel old, tired, out of touch or even unworthy of an adventurous life. But still, deep down beneath those creases, a part of us remains that feels youthful, energetic, ready to take on the world. Wrinkles don’t have to be a sign that your complexion has entered its golden years. Instead, wrinkles can signify that it’s time to try a cosmetic treatment that will show off your youthful side.

Botox is a powerful weapon in the fight against facial lines. The revolutionary injectable helps minimize the appearance of existing wrinkles and prevent the formation of new lines by temporarily inhibiting muscle movement. Regular Botox treatments can make you visibly seem far younger than you are, without any surgery or downtime. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Steven M. Daines is proud to offer his patients the opportunity to turn back the clock with Botox. If wrinkles have come to define your image, Botox treatments at Daines Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach can be a step in the right direction.

What is Botox?

When it comes to aesthetic innovations, Botox may be one of the most significant of the modern era. Botox received approval from the FDA in 1989 for use in correcting eye muscle disorders. Its indications quickly expanded, and today it is used in numerous areas of the body with applications ranging from medical to cosmetic. Millions of people receive Botox injections each year for various reasons.

Today, Botox is best-known as a treatment for wrinkles. Its active ingredient — a purified form of the neurotoxin botulinum toxin Type A — serves as a type of muscle relaxant that works by blocking signals between the nerves and the muscles. When Botox is introduced to an overactive muscle, it prevents the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions. Without acetylcholine, muscle activity slows down. The muscle cannot contract and neither can the skin above it. Botox keeps the skin from folding, which effectively relaxes wrinkles and keeps new lines at bay.

Botox IS approved to temporarily treat moderate to severe lines between the eyebrows, across the forehead and around the eyes.

How Does Botox Work?

The active ingredient in Botox is botulinum toxin type A, a compound derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Extracted and purified in a laboratory under strict conditions, botulinum toxin is an active neurotoxin that works by blocking signals between the nerves and the muscles. When Botox is introduced into an overactive muscle, it blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions. Without acetylcholine, muscle activity slows down, making Botox serve as an effective type of muscle relaxant. 

By limiting muscle movement, Botox helps to erase lines and creases that have developed throughout the years due to repetitive facial movements, such as smiling or laughing. As aging skin loses some of the vital support structures that keep it firm, youthful and supple, these expression lines become deeper and more noticeable. But after just one treatment, Botox freezes targeted muscles to soften the appearance of crow’s feet, frown lines, worry lines and other wrinkles around the eyes, brows and forehead. Since the muscle cannot contract, neither can the skin above it. In this way, Botox keeps the skin from folding, which effectively relaxes wrinkles and keeps new lines at bay.

What Does Botox Treat?

Repetitive facial movements lead to fine wrinkles and deep creases in the skin, making us appear angry, worried or tired. Over time, we begin to look older on the outside than we feel on the inside. These repetitive facial movements create what are known as “dynamic wrinkles.”

Dynamic wrinkles are usually only visible when the face is making an expression. For example, you may notice two vertical lines appear between your eyebrows when YOU squint or frown. The lines disappear when the expression relaxes. As time goes on, however, making the same facial expressions over and over can create lines that are permanently ingrained on the face. Dynamic wrinkles are also referred to as “active wrinkles” because, as the name suggests, they’re created by active movement. These are the wrinkles Botox is designed to treat.

Botox is an extremely effective treatment that diminishes frown lines, forehead furrowing and wrinkles around the eyes. Botox can also lift the eyebrows, a treatment strategy termed a “chemical brow lift.” Other effective uses of Botox include treating “bunny lines” on the bridge of the nose, vertical lip lines (smoker’s lines) and dimpling on the chin. It has a long history of safe use for both medical and cosmetic purposes.

Other wrinkles that appear on the face form because of collagen loss, sun damage and the pull of gravity. These lines are called “static wrinkles” because they are visible at all times. Static lines are best treated with dermal fillers, such as Juvederm or Restylane, which restore support and volume to smooth away these telltale signs of aging from the inside out.

During your consultation with Dr. Daines, he will determine if you are a good candidate for Botox and will design a personalized treatment plan to help you look and feel your absolute best. Your plan may pair Botox with a filler to address all aspects of facial aging simultaneously. Call 949-209-1622 to request your consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox?

Botox is safe for men and women of any skin type. Although Botox is often used for combatting existing wrinkles, it is increasingly popular as a preventative measure for younger patients who wish to stave off future lines. This means that Botox isn’t necessarily age-restrictive — patients, young and old, seek out its benefits and receive beautiful results.

Candidates for Newport Beach Botox are in good health and have realistic expectations about how Botox can improve their image. Dr. Daines will assess your concern areas in a consultation to determine whether Botox will provide you with the results you want. He will also discuss your medical history and current health to ensure Botox is a safe treatment for you. If Dr. Daines believes there is any reason you should not undergo treatment with Botox, he will recommend appropriate alternatives he can provide at Daines Plastic Surgery.

Botox is perfect for treating a wide variety of cosmetic issues, including:

  • Glabellar lines, also known as frown lines, in between the eyebrows
  • Crows feet, which form at the sides of the eyes from years of squinting
  • Vertical lip lines, also known as smoker’s lines
  • A dimpled chin
  • Deep folds that develop across the forehead
  • Vertical neck bands
  • A gummy smile
  • Downturned lines near the mouth
  • A drooping brow
  • Enlarged masseter muscles (slims the jawline)

Botox is also used for treating medical issues such as:

  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • Overactive bladder
  • Neck pain
  • Chronic migraines

Since Botox is a quick, minimally-invasive treatment performed in our office, it requires virtually no preparation. Patients who are taking blood-thinning medications will need to discuss this with Dr. Daines before proceeding with their treatment to minimize unwanted after-effects, such as bruising.

Botox For Men

As one of the most popular anti-aging treatments in the world, a growing number of men are receiving Botox injections to smooth out unwanted wrinkles and minimize the signs of aging. Botox can help men look their best and give them the confidence to improve their dating life or stay competitive in the workplace. Although Botox works the same for men as it does for women, a specialized approach is often needed to deliver an optimal result due to differences in muscle composition and facial anatomy. Men tend to have thicker muscles and may require a higher dose to achieve the desired effect, and injections should be placed in specific areas to ensure a more masculine, subtle look. As a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Daines has the skills and experience to deliver personalized results, utilizing the right technique for each individual based on their unique goals, preferences and facial anatomy.

Botox Procedure Details

Botox is administered by injecting a few drops with a tiny needle into particular muscles. It then binds to the nerve endings supplying the muscle and blocks the nerve impulses necessary to make the muscle move. The muscles aren't completely paralyzed but relaxed enough to temporarily eliminate or reduce skin creases caused by muscle movement. Some very deep wrinkles may require the addition of dermal fillers for optimal results.

Before administering the injections, Dr. Daines will identify the locations of the muscles he wishes to address. Patients may experience brief stinging or burning during the injection. An ice pack will be used prior to treatment to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable. Often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure,” a Botox treatment only takes a few minutes and can easily be performed during one’s lunch hour. Patients can return to regular activities as soon as treatment is over.

How Much Botox Does a Patient Need?

The amount of Botox a patient receives varies. The appropriate dose depends on the patients age, the patient’s skin quality, the number of areas being treated, and the extent of the patient’s concerns. Only an experienced injector should perform Botox injections. If too little of the product is used, the muscles may remain active, rendering the treatment ineffective. If too much is used, the muscles may become “frozen” and give the expression an unnatural look. Dr. Daines is an experienced, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation techniques. He’s well equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to ensure your Botox treatment is a success.

Botox Results

After receiving Botox injections, your results may begin to appear within two to three days and continue to improve over the first week. Most patients can expect to enjoy their results for three or four months, but how long the beneficial effects of Botox last is dependent on factors such as each individual’s natural body chemistry, the amount used, and which areas were treated. After a couple of months, muscle movement will gradually return and wrinkles will start to become noticeable again. Subsequent Botox treatments will be needed to prevent lines from reappearing. With regular treatments, Botox can “retrain” your facial muscles and cause them to weaken over time, making future injections more effective. This means that going forward, less frequent visits may be required to maintain your results. 

Preventative Botox

Botox works to eliminate wrinkles in two ways: first, by smoothing out dynamic lines that appear with each expression you make, and second, by stopping the muscle movements that cause new wrinkles to form at all. This makes Botox effective for existing lines or creases, but means that it can also be used as a preventative treatment to stop wrinkles before they start. In the age of Instagram and high-resolution photos, many patients are looking to preventative Botox treatments for this very reason — to delay the aging process by relaxing the muscles around the eyes, brows and forehead. Since expression lines can begin to appear in the mid-to-late 20s, preventative Botox can help you maintain your youthful skin for longer by essentially “retraining” the facial muscles. Patients who receive Botox to prevent the formation of wrinkles often need fewer injections than those with more visible signs of aging, and future treatments may be more effective as the benefits of Botox seem to increase over time. To ensure an optimal result, Dr. Daines will develop a personalized treatment plan for wrinkle prevention tailored to your needs, utilizing a conservative “barely there” approach that softens your appearance to keep your skin looking smooth, youthful and natural for years to come.

Can Botox be combined with other Treatments?

Regular treatments with Botox are an important component of Dr. Daines’ nonsurgical strategy for facial rejuvenation, known as Rejuvenation Lite. While Botox is an effective treatment option on its own for dynamic wrinkles, it can’t address static wrinkles that are present when the face is at rest and produces the best results when used in conjunction with dermal fillers. Dermal fillers replenish lost volume with hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid and other biocompatible materials to erase fine lines caused by a natural decrease in collagen and elastin. Since most people have both dynamic and static wrinkles, incorporating dermal fillers and other rejuvenating treatments into your Botox regimen can ensure natural, comprehensive results that blend together seamlessly.  

At Daines Plastic Surgery, we offer a plethora of dermal fillers from trusted brands like Juvéderm, Radiesse, Restylane and Sculptra that can complement your Botox treatment by erasing lines around the eyes, mouth, cheeks and nose. Dermal fillers can also be used to plump up your lips, minimize scarring or correct facial asymmetry, providing a number of rejuvenation options for both men and women who want to look their very best without surgery or downtime. Other treatment options that can be combined with your Botox treatment include laser resurfacing, chemical peels and advanced skincare, all of which are part of a comprehensive rejuvenation strategy. 

Due to its ability to lift the eyebrows, Botox is also a key ingredient in Dr. Daines’ approach to a liquid facelift, which also includes targeted filler injections to augment the cheeks and enhance the jawline. During your consultation, Dr. Daines can assess your aesthetic needs and goals to recommend the right combination of treatments for your skin. 

Schedule your Botox Appointment Today

Botox is among the most popular cosmetic treatments for staving off the signs of aging. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Daines is proud to offer Botox to patients in Newport Beach and give them the opportunity to look as young as they feel without surgery or downtime. If wrinkles have become an increasing concern for you, why not give it a try? Call Daines Plastic Surgery today at 949-209-1622 or visit our contact page to learn more about Botox and schedule your appointment.

Our Botox post-treatment care patient handout can be downloaded here.

*Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Steven M. Daines has written information about Botox that has been carefully reviewed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us using our form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Botox Permanent?

Botox is an effective but temporary solution for the treatment of crow’s feet, laugh lines and other dynamic wrinkles that appear on the face. Once injected, the effects of Botox last for four to six months before beginning to wear off, but this varies from person to person. Injections can be repeated as needed to extend the longevity of your results. Although Botox isn’t a permanent treatment, it also slows the formation of new wrinkles while its effects are active. Even if you decide to stop getting Botox, your facial muscles were relaxed during the time it was used, delaying the onset of new wrinkles while preventing existing ones from worsening. 

Is Botox Reversible?

Occasionally, a patient’s Botox provider will inject too much product beneath the skin, resulting in “frozen” facial expressions and an unnatural look. If this happens, the effects of Botox can’t be reversed because of how it affects treated muscles. That’s why it’s important to choose a qualified professional like Dr. Daines to perform your procedure — it takes a keen eye and an artistic touch to produce natural results that don’t look stiff or overdone. While “bad” Botox can’t be undone, unwanted results will begin to diminish after three to four months, and your normal appearance will be restored.

Will my face feel number after Botox?

Botox eliminates unwanted lines and wrinkles by limiting muscle movement, but will not cause a numbing sensation in treated areas. Your face might feel fuller or tighter at first, but you should retain full sensation at the injection sites. Any signs of numbness that last more than a few days may be signs of a complication and should be addressed by your doctor.

Are Botox Injections Painful?

Most patients feel minimal discomfort during their Botox treatment. You might feel a slight pinching or stinging sensation during treatment, often compared to a pinprick or a bug bite, but each injection lasts just a few seconds and then it’s over. To ensure your comfort, Dr. Daines will first numb the area using an ice pack, so you can rest assured that your treatment will be as comfortable as possible.

How soon will I start seeing results?

After your Botox treatment, it will take some time for the product to settle before revealing your results. That’s because it first has to get absorbed by the nerve endings in treated areas so it can block the signals that tell your muscles to contract. Once absorbed, you should start to notice the effects after two to three days, but this may vary depending on factors like dosage, muscle strength and skin quality. It can take up to a week for maximum results to appear, during which time your skin may start to feel tighter and heavier. This sensation will subside, after which your skin will look noticeably smoother and more refreshed. 

 

I was in town visiting from NC. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Dr Daines was great and very personable. I was a Botox virgin and he made me feel completely at ease about the procedure. My forehead is smooth as glass now and my NC friends are very jealous. I’d definitely recommend him and will definitely go back next time I’m in California.

Procedure Details

Botox is administered by injecting a few drops with a tiny needle into very specific muscles. It then binds to the nerve endings supplying the muscle and blocks the nerve impulses necessary to make the muscle move. The muscles aren’t completely paralyzed, but relaxed enough to temporarily eliminate or reduce skin creases caused by movement of the muscle. Some very deep wrinkles may require the addition of dermal fillers for optimal results.

Before administering the injections, Dr. Daines will identify the locations of the muscles he wishes to address. Patients may experience brief stinging or burning during injection. An ice pack will be used prior to treatment to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable. The procedure only takes a few minutes to complete and patients are able to return to regular activities as soon as treatment is over.

Daines Plastic Surgery