Answering the Top 8 Most Common Botox Questions
- mattfraga25
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
Happy Spring, Lotus Family! We are talking all things Botox this month at Tuttle Plastic Surgery, including addressing some of the most heard of myths related to the subject of.
Botox is a brand name of a neurotoxic substance called botulinum-A, and it can be administered for hundreds of medical reasons. In the world of plastic surgery, practitioners use Botox primarily to smooth out face and neck lines that are unfavorable appearing to the patient and is therefore considered a cosmetic procedure. The injections work by blocking nerve signals to muscles preventing them to strain and/or contract, ultimately creating a smooth appearance in areas treated.
Using Botox for its cosmetic results is just one of the hundreds of otherwise therapeutic benefits of the drug. Beside injecting facial muscles, a plastic surgeon might utilize Botox to achieve a therapeutic effect, such as injecting a spastic muscle affected by surgery, or, injecting a muscle that has tightened so much that joint extension is difficult to perform or maintain.
Myths about Botox! LOTUS has asked, and we have the answers for you!
What areas would I treat with Botox? Common areas are the forehead, in between the eyebrows, and at crow’s feet. Several additional areas may be treated also, including the chin, lip, nose, frown lines, and neck.
What if the wrinkles are there even at rest? Lines/wrinkles visible while at rest are treatable in most circumstances. As we like to say in plastics, “you didn’t create those lines overnight” so you should not expect they will disappear overnight either. Static wrinkles (wrinkles that don’t disappear when movement stops) can take some persistence to correct. Maintaining your Botox treatments is important in fading unwanted lines.
How often should I return for Botox? In general, Botox may last anywhere from 2-6 months. After your first treatment, a check-in with your injector may be requested to review the results and if more Botox is warranted.
Does Botox make you frozen or expressionless? When properly performed, Botox relaxes muscles without completely freezing them, allowing natural expressions.
Is Botox toxic? Technically, yes. Botox is FDA-approved and has been used safely for decades. The doses for cosmetic treatments are extremely small. Be sure to inform your practitioner if you receive Botox for medical conditions, such as migraine or overactive bladder.
Is Botox permanent? Don’t we wish! Botox lasts roughly 3-4 months and after its peak efficacy, motion slowly returns. After your first treatment, a check-in with your injector may be requested to review the results and if more Botox is warranted. The beauty of Botox is that it is adaptable in future doses, one size does not fit all.
What should I NOT do when I get Botox? Avoid rubbing your eyes or face and working out the first day after Botox. In the first 2 weeks following administration, your Botox could be spread to other, unwanted areas with certain skin treatments. Avoid gua sha practices, facials, and lasers or micro-needling for at least 2 weeks. When in doubt, ask your injector.
How do I make my Botox last longer? Botox, as soon as it is injected, is being broke down by your body. It can last anywhere from 3 to 4 months for most people, while some experience less of a duration, and some more. You cannot control how quickly your body metabolizes your Botox, however, some studies show taking a zinc supplement helps prolong the life of your injections.
Sunscreen also can protect your Botox! A mineral sunscreen deflects sunlight, preventing premature Botox breakdown. Look for zinc sunscreen (physical sunscreen)! Complementing your Botox with proper skincare also enhances its effectiveness.
Scheduling a consultation is the first step to a smoother face. There, concerns are addressed and solutions provided; not everything is treatable with Botox but your injector can offer advice on areas otherwise treated by alternative modalities.
There are a lot, a lot of injectors out there today. Dr. Tuttle recommends going to a qualified, experienced injector that is affiliated with a plastic surgeon, and she knows many! Dr. Tuttle offers Botox, and if you are not able to visit her in Edina, she is happy to share names of qualified injectors closer to you!