5 Things You Need To Know About Botox

The most common question Mary and I hear at ArtMed is, “What is the difference between Botox® and fillers?”

While they are often used in unison, there are a few major differences between Botox® and fillers that all potential users should know. Botox® is a purified protein that is injected directly into the muscle to stop wrinkles in a specific area, most often targeting frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Since Botox® is a slow-release substance, it can take up to two weeks for you to start noticing and feeling the difference in your skin. The most important thing to know about Botox® is that while it creates a smoother appearance by causing the muscles to stop contracting, it does not smooth the appearance of existing deep lines in the lower half of one’s face. This is where filler comes in.

Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm, are clear gels that contain Hyaluronic Acid which are often used in conjunction with Botox® to address deeper lines. Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in our body and is designed to maintain our skin’s firmness, contour our features, and even lubricate our joints. The amazing thing about Hyaluronic Acid is that it is able to hold 1000x its weight in water, which is why we used it to add volume to the deeper lines that Botox® can’t fix. Unlike Botox®, the visual results are instant giving you a younger, more relaxed appearance.

How Does Botox® Work?
For many potential users, one of the biggest things holding them back from Botox® is a lack of understanding of how it works. Lines and wrinkles are caused when overactive muscles reduce the collagen in the skin and create tiny creases – aka wrinkles! Botox® is administered in the form of very small injections into the muscles that create those wrinkles. It prevents the muscles from contracting so that the skin crease in the injected areas gradually decreases in depth and severity. Botox®, used regularly, effectively inactivates the muscles that produce wrinkles, thereby causing lines to disappear or diminish dramatically.

Is Botox® Safe?
This is also one of the most common questions we are asked by clients considering Botox®. Botox® has been approved for used in Canada for over 20 years, and has undergone ample research to ensure its safety. Botox® has actually been reviewed by more clinic studies than Tylenol! The ingredients in Botox® are derived from naturally occurring bacteria, which has been made into a medication, and in its 20 years on the market there has never been a reported allergy to it.

Why Choose Botox® Over Skin Cream?
Many people are quick to use skin creams to fight their touch wrinkles, but unfortunately, the results from creams pale in comparison to those from Botox®. Botox® is designed the treat the root cause of wrinkles: the muscle. No amount of cream is able to match these results, and individuals often end up spending more money on creams than they would on Botox®.

What Can I Expect During my Botox® Injection Appointment?
One of the most nerve-wracking things about the decision to use Botox® is not knowing what to expect at the first appointment. Many of our clients found that once they knew what to expect their nerves were calmed. At your Botox® injection appointment, a small amount of Botox® will be injected into each of the target areas using a very fine needle. Because the needle is so fine, it can only inject a small amount of the liquid, which means that discomfort is minimal. Most of our clients say that they feel a light pinch followed by some pressure, but both quickly go away and they are able to continue with their day immediately after.

What Happens After Botox® Injections?
As we mentioned, our clients experience almost no downtime after receiving Botox® injections. However, it is important to note that exercise, massaging the treatment area, the use of hot tubs and spas, and lying down, should be avoided for one day after injection. Since Botox® is a slow-release substance, it can take up to two weeks for you to notice the results and it will need to be maintained as it wears off. To maximize the effectiveness of Botox®, we suggest that our clients receive 3 to 4 injections per year.

For the team at ArtMed, the biggest message we want to get across to clients is that although the results of Botox® are visible, they will not radically change the look of your face. Through the use of Botox®, our clients are able to achieve a more rested, youthful look without the appearance of having had “work done”. Our team, led by my sister, Dr. Mary Peirson, is here to answer any questions you may have to help you determine is Botox® is right for you.