Ask an Expert – Rejuvenate Skin

Question: How can Botox treatment help rejuvenate my skin? 

Dr. Ellen Xiang, Dermatologist, gives her answer…

Facial wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t mean we have to like it. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or inclination to moisturize and apply sunscreen daily, and wrinkles often appear sooner than expected. Within the last decade Botox injections have surged in popularity as a way to temporarily remove unwanted wrinkles on the forehead, the area between the eyebrows, and around the eyes, and restore a more youthful look. But although the prevalence of Botox continues to increase, the safety and health effects of injections are still misunderstood.

The general public usually associates Botox with botulism, a rare form of food poisoning that can lead to serious sickness, paralysis, or death. While Botox’s active ingredient uses a neurotoxin derived from botulism, the amount is extremely small, and it has been used in cosmetics since the late 1980s with few side effects. Botox injected into a facial muscle suppresses the release of acetylcholine, a common neurotransmitter. Without damaging the nerve, it eliminates the transmission of nerve impulses, which ceases movement in the muscle. This will prevent their contraction and gradually those wrinkles created by the movement of these muscles will go away.

Getting an injection takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia. Performed properly and by an experienced physician, discomfort is minimal and patients typically have no downtime.  Generally the treatment’s effects last about three to four months, but this will depend on the individual and where the Botox is injected. Botox’s effect on the forehead has a tendency to last longer, while “crow’s feet” will never completely disappear. The first treatment is often very dramatic as it provides the most noticeable improvement, but to sustain these results injections every 4 to 6 months are required.

After a Botox injection, small bumps will remain on the surface of the skin for approximately two hours. Before a treatment it is important to avoid alcohol for at least one week and refrain from taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicine at least two weeks ahead of time. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease should not use Botox. Injections should only be performed by licensed professionals who are certified in Botox treatment.

If you have further questions about Botox, please consult with your physician.