Botox 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Botox

If you’ve spent time on social media lately, you’ve probably heard a lot about Botox. Botox treatments have become more popular than ever, and if you’re curious about how Botox works, you’re not alone. However, there are many clinics out there that are less than reputable, and the best thing you can do is meet with a proven and experienced provider. Because Botox is so widespread, we recommend doing some thorough research before meeting with just any injector. And knowing a little about Botox before your first treatment can help you get natural results with fewer risks.

Need help diving into the world of Botox? CARE has your back. Botox is an extremely common cosmetic procedure that can help you restore a more youthful appearance by reducing facial wrinkles, relaxing fine lines, lifting the eyebrows, creating smooth skin, and much more. Here is what to know about Botox injections and their many benefits.

Botox: The Basics

Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein used for cosmetic and medical treatment. Originally used medically to treat muscle disorders, Botox is now prominently used in the cosmetics field, as well – in fact, it’s the most commonly performed non-surgical treatment each year.

So how does it work? Botulinum toxin temporarily relaxes the specific muscles in your body by blocking nerve signals, leading to reduced wrinkles and smoother skin. The most common use of cosmetic Botox is in the face. Botox is used to soften forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines, those pesky “11s,” and so many other areas! By blocking muscle movement, it can produce a wide variety of cosmetic effects.

This quick and easy injectable treatment effectively reduces the appearance of existing wrinkles without surgery. The best candidates for Botox are those who wish to prevent fine lines and wrinkles before they start – or those who wish to treat existing moderate to severe wrinkles.

The Latest Trends in Botox

Botox works so many wonders. Although it has stood the test of time as the best way to treat lines and wrinkles without surgery, trends in Botox are always changing as new ways to use and administer Botox evolve. Here are some of the most trending ways to use Botox and some common myths about them.

Excessive Sweating and Migraines

Besides treating wrinkles, Botox is a great treatment for medical conditions as well! Botox can effectively treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, by using injections to block the nerves in your armpits that stimulate sweat glands. Botox can also help reduce chronic migraines through injections in the scalp. We currently do not offer migraine treatment at CARE, but we will refer you to a specialist if this is something you would like to learn more about.

Trapezius Botox

“Barbie Botox” is the newest trend in Botox. Also known as “Trap Tox”, it works by injecting Botox into the trapezius muscle. Although it’s trending, we don’t offer or recommend this treatment. Dr. Coan maintains that weakening the trapezius muscle can cause more harm than good, as the trapezius muscles are some of the largest muscles responsible for holding up your head and neck.

TMJ and Jaw Slimming

There are some situations where debulking a muscle using Botox is reasonable, such as the masseter muscle. Masseter Botox is also trending with its ability to create a slimmer jaw, as well as its treatment of TMJ and teeth grinding. With this treatment, Botox is injected into the masseter muscle on both sides of the face, near the back of your jawline. Women who hold more prominent, square jaws are some of the most popular candidates for this treatment. In its ability to give a more feminine appearance, masseter Botox has become a trending Botox treatment area.

What’s Next?

Now that you have a beginner’s guide to Botox, it’s time to schedule a consultation and learn a little more about which Botox treatment areas are right for you! During a consultation with our team led by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Coan, you can explore your many treatment options and how you can benefit from Botox injections. You can also learn more about our skinCARE Club and how you can get special member pricing on your Botox treatments! Give us a call or use our online scheduling form to schedule a consultation at CARE Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC.

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