Botox® has been around for years, and every year increases in popularity. It’s become so popular that most people have heard of it, whether on TV, from friends, or in a magazine. However, not everyone understands precisely what the procedure entails. A common question that plastic surgeons receive from new patients is “How does Botox® work?” Many people falsely believe it works in a similar way to dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm, but Botox® is a unique treatment.
How Do Wrinkles Form?
Several types of lines and wrinkles can form on the skin. Repeated muscle contraction causes a common type of lines and wrinkles as we age. Facial muscles contract when you smile, frown, or squint your eyes, causing the skin sitting on top of the muscle to fold over, eventually forming a wrinkle or line. These facial muscle contractions cause all the creases you have on your forehead, on the nasal bridge between your eyes, and at the corners of your eyes.
Botox® Basics
Botox® is a purified protein that when injected directly into the muscle, it blocks the signals that your nerves send to that muscle to tell it to contract. Since the muscle can no longer receive those signals, it stays relaxed, causing the wrinkles and lines to disappear. Although many people think of Botox® as filling in the spaces between their wrinkles, it instead stops the wrinkles from forming. This is what makes it such an excellent anti-aging tool.
However, Botox® doesn’t stop the wrinkles from forming forever. One of the first questions many patients ask their plastic surgeon is “How long does Botox® last?” While each person’s results differ slightly, most treatments last between three and six months. When you start to notice the feeling returning to the treatment area, it’s time to schedule your next appointment for Botox® in San Francisco.
Find Out More About Botox With Dr. Kaplan
Schedule Your Botox® Treatment Today
For those interested in a more youthful, supple appearance, Botox® is a quick, safe, and effective treatment method. If you’d like to learn more information about how it works and why, call or text Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery today at 415-923-3005 to set up a consultation and start on your journey to a rejuvenated, wrinkle-free complexion. You can also book online here!
