What is Botox®?

Botox is a product that's injected into your skin to treat dynamic wrinkles, those lines that appear on your forehead, near your eyes or in other parts of your face when you make an expression such as frowning or smiling. Botox doesn't “remove” wrinkles; it relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles to form.

Some wrinkles form as a result of repeated facial motions like smiling or laughing, which are referred to as dynamic wrinkles. Other wrinkles, called static wrinkles, form when lax skin begins to droop or sag.

Botox treats dynamic wrinkles by blocking the nerve signals that travel between specific facial muscles and the brain, so those dynamic wrinkles can't form when you smile, frown or laugh.

How are Botox treatments performed?

The injections use a very fine needle to minimize discomfort as the medication is delivered to the muscles. Most sessions take just a few minutes, and afterward, ice packs can help reduce the temporary swelling that can occur.

Both swelling and any residual redness should dissipate shortly after your treatment. Once your injections are complete, you'll be able to resume your regular activities right away.

Where is Botox used for wrinkle treatment?

Botox is most commonly used on crow's feet, those tiny, crinkly lines that form at the corners of your eyes, and frown lines or glabellar lines, the little lines that form at the top of your nose when your frown or wrinkle your nose. They may also be used to treat the lines of your forehead.

How long will it be before I see results from my treatment?

In most people, it takes a few days for the effects to be noticed, and during the next couple of weeks, you'll consider seeing improvements.

How long will the effects last?

In most people, injections last for about four months; however, people who have undergone several series of injections often find the wrinkles that come back are far less pronounced.

To find out how Botox can help your skin, contact Dr. Lafferty for a consultation or request an appointment online.

Click here to see some before & after photos from Botox patients!