BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure at ACENT and across the U.S. for good reason. Both women and men can look years younger when they have their lines and wrinkles treated with injections of BOTOX. In Anchorage, Alaska, the team of experienced professionals at our FACES med spa, which includes a nurse injector, performs these quick treatments with great precision. We use BOTOX injections to help patients from Wasilla, Palmer, and surrounding areas look refreshed and more youthful by temporarily relaxing facial muscles that cause frowning and wrinkles.

What Is BOTOX?

BOTOX is an injectable wrinkle treatment classified as a neuromodulator. It uses an active ingredient called botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily suspends the contractions of facial muscles after injection. It is quite effective at smoothing facial wrinkles that are caused by repeated muscle contractions, called dynamic wrinkles. BOTOX also makes it difficult for dynamic wrinkles to form in the first place.

Are You a Good Candidate for BOTOX Injections?

You are likely a good candidate for BOTOX injections if you meet the following criteria:

• Have moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles around the eyes or forehead
• Do not have excess, sagging skin in the treatment area
• Are generally in good health
• Are not allergic to any ingredient in BOTOX Cosmetic

BOTOX Cosmetic is safe and effective for smoothing away crow’s feet and glabellar lines between the brows, as well as some other lines of the upper face.

What Is the Difference Between BOTOX, Dysport®, and XEOMIN®?

All 3 products are FDA-approved wrinkle relaxers that contain very similar ingredients. We offer both BOTOX and Dysport at our practice.

BOTOX vs. Dysport

Even though both BOTOX and Dysport use essentially the same ingredient to limit the movement of muscles in the targeted area, Dysport is more diluted than BOTOX and spreads more easily to adjacent areas. This makes Dysport a better choice for larger surface areas, such as the forehead. BOTOX, on the other hand, is preferred for smaller wrinkles such as crow’s feet or worry lines.

The process for injecting BOTOX and Dysport and their post-treatment care are the same. You can discuss which product would be best for you during your consultation.

BOTOX vs. Dermal Fillers

BOTOX and dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM® are both injectable facial rejuvenation treatments. They work in different ways and provide different benefits. Here is a comparison:

• BOTOX prevents facial muscles from contracting, which allows lines in the skin to gradually smooth out. Improvements begin to develop within about 3 to 5 days and continue to improve for about 10 to 14 days.
• Fillers replace volume within the skin to fill out wrinkles and folds from below. Results are instant. These products also fill in hollows around the eyes, add fullness to the lips, and augment the cheeks, nose, and chin.

We often perform BOTOX and filler treatments together to provide a more complete facial rejuvenation than possible with either treatment on its own.

Your BOTOX Treatment

Most BOTOX injection appointments are completed within 30 minutes. BOTOX will help smooth crow’s feet around the eyes, horizontal forehead furrows, and forehead lines between your eyebrows known as worry lines. BOTOX injections involve the following steps:

• Patients are asked to frown and scowl to clearly locate the muscles that will be injected.
• The injection area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic.
• A series of injections are made using a small needle.

What To Avoid After Treatment

While there is no recovery time necessary after BOTOX injections, it is helpful to take the following initial precautions:

• Avoid lying down for the first few hours to prevent swelling.
• Postpone strenuous activity the day of treatment.
• Avoid getting facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skin treatments for 24 hours.

My upper and lower eye lift turned out wonderful. All eyelid droopiness, under-eye fatty pockets and sagging skin - now gone. You can barely see the scar and I haven't even finished healing yet. I'm 50 and lovin' it. Thank you!

Kathy 50-year-old patient, after upper and lower blepharoplasty

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take for BOTOX To Work?

The results from BOTOX can be seen within a couple of days of treatment, with the full effects seen in 2 weeks.

You can return to work and go back to your normal activities immediately, however it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day.

How long does BOTOX last?

The duration of your results depends on your own physiology as well as how much product was administered. In general, however, you can expect to enjoy your results for about 4 months.

Are BOTOX injections safe?

Absolutely. The safety of BOTOX is well-established, and there’s no harm or danger in undergoing multiple treatments in order to maintain your results. In fact, many repeat patients have noticed that, over time, they need to come in for touch-ups less frequently. This is likely because the continuous reduction in muscle movement actually softens creases beneath the skin, creating long-term improvement.

Are BOTOX injections painful?

Patients typically say BOTOX injections feel like a quick pinch and are not painful. We can apply topical anesthetic before injection if desired. After the injections, a cool compress can minimize any swelling.

What are alternative uses for BOTOX?

Our ENT providers use BOTOX for migraine therapy and treating vocal cord dysfunction.

Do you offer other choices for nonsurgical facial enhancement?

Yes. We’re pleased to offer an array of options for facial rejuvenation, including dermal fillers, which add volume to smooth lines and wrinkles. Nonsurgical treatments, such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing improve the appearance and texture of the skin. These treatments can be used on their own or in conjunction with one another for a more comprehensive result.

To visit FACES for BOTOX injections, request a consultation online. Or call us at (907) 279-8800 to schedule an appointment.

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