It’s been more than 20 years since Botox was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use. Today, Botox is often considered the go-to solution for combating fine lines and wrinkles, with more than 4 million Botox procedures each year in the U.S. alone.
And it’s not just older patients who are eager to fight the signs of aging. Adults between the ages of 40-54 do account for the largest percentage of Botox injections (57%), according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But the number of people 19 and younger who use Botox has skyrocketed 75% in recent years – and people from ages 20-29 aren’t far behind (a 71% increase).
Perhaps it’s because reducing fine lines and wrinkles is just one of many benefits that Botox can provide. If you’re thinking about getting Botox, the skin care experts at The Derm are ready to help! Let’s take a closer look at the age-defying benefits of Botox as well as some lesser-known advantages.
What is Botox?
Botox is an injectable neuromodulator derived from a purified form of botulinum toxin A, meaning there’s no botulism risk when used properly by a medical professional.
Botox is most effective on wrinkles that appear when you move your face, such as frown and furrow lines, crow’s feet, and more. Once Botox is injected into targeted muscles, it blocks nerve signals to these muscles, causing them to relax temporarily. Reducing muscle activity helps make wrinkles less visible, giving your skin a smoother, more youthful look.
Because the effects of Botox are temporary, injections must be repeated periodically. Your provider at The Derm will work with you to create a Botox treatment plan that fits your needs and budget.
Cosmetic benefits of Botox
Botox is well known for its cosmetic benefits, such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin tone and texture, for good reason.
As we age, our skin’s natural collagen production begins to slow, and elasticity also diminishes. By relaxing the muscles that cause fine lines and wrinkles, Botox helps your skin repair itself and boosts its natural regenerative abilities, making it appear more refreshed and revitalized.
Other cosmetic benefits of Botox include:
Reducing smile lines
Do you love to smile, but hate smile lines?
The muscles around your mouth are different from those in other parts of your face. While dermal fillers are more commonly used to address smile lines, Botox can be an effective treatment as well – especially if your lines are primarily caused by muscle movements. By reducing muscle activity around the mouth, Botox helps smooth and soften the appearance of smile lines, making them less visible.
You can get Botox anywhere on your face. So if you have smile lines, ask your dermatologist if Botox is an option for you.
Quick results
Botox is quick from start to finish. A Botox procedure typically lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes, depending on how much Botox is being injected.
You don’t have to wait long for results either! People generally begin to see the effects of Botox as early as 3-4 days after an injection. The maximum effect, when targeted muscles are at their most relaxed state, usually occurs in just 10-14 days.
Cost-effectiveness
Good news: Botox has become significantly more affordable than in years past. Botox injections are measured in units, which allows you to decide on a treatment plan that works within your budget.
Your cost for Botox treatment will depend on how many units of Botox you need, where the Botox is being injected (smaller areas cost less), and other factors. Ask your dermatologist for more details.
Botox usually isn’t covered by insurance when used for cosmetic purposes. But if you get Botox injections for other health reasons (see below), your insurer might cover some or all of your costs – so be sure to ask.
Lesser-known advantages of Botox
The benefits of Botox extend far beyond its wrinkle-reducing capabilities. Some of the lesser-known advantages of Botox include:
Migraine relief
In addition to its cosmetic uses, Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic migraines. Chronic migraines are defined as 15 or more headache days per month, with each migraine lasting four hours or more.
By targeting specific muscle groups in the head and neck (including the forehead, temples, and back of the head), Botox treatment can help alleviate the frequency and severity of migraines, providing much-needed relief to migraine sufferers.
Sweat reduction
Excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis) can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Botox injections work by temporarily blocking nerve signals that stimulate your sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat you produce and improving your quality of life.
Botox treatment can help resolve excessive sweating in areas like your underarms, the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and more.
Facial slimming
Would you like to have a more sculpted facial profile? Botox injections can also be used to slim and contour your jawline.
By targeting and relaxing the muscles on the sides of your jawline that are responsible for chewing, Botox can help reduce muscle bulk – resulting in a slimmer, more V-shaped jawline that enhances your facial profile.
Book your Botox treatment at The Derm
For whatever reason you want Botox, trust the board-certified dermatologists at The Derm to create a customized treatment plan that’s just right for you. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with exceptional patient care, with two convenient office locations to serve you (Glenview and Park Ridge).
To book an appointment, browse our skin care products, and more, visit us online today.
