Thanks to the convenience, ease, and reliability of Botox, it is one of the most popular procedures we perform here at Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis. In fact, the popularity of Botox injections and treatments all over the world has continued to grow steadily over the years, with thousands of treatments performed every year in the United States alone. There are a number of reasons people keep coming back to Botox. Below we’ll explore some of these reasons, as well as what Botox actually is, how it works, and how it can give you a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Non-invasive

Unlike many other forms of cosmetic surgery, Botox injections are non-invasive, making them a virtually pain-free experience. Extremely thin needles are used to administer the injections, resulting in minimal discomfort, and they shouldn’t cause irritation or inflammation. Occasionally, there may be a mild stinging sensation. If you are concerned about discomfort during the procedure, we are happy to apply a topical numbing cream to the area before administering treatment.

The procedure itself usually lasts no longer than about ten to fifteen minutes, making it extremely convenient for patients who have busy schedules, since regular daily routines can be resumed almost immediately after a treatment has been completed.

Effective

At Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, Botox treatments are only carried out by licensed medical experts, who have the training and experience necessary to administer it skillfully and safely. This results in a natural look that isn’t overdone, without giving any appearance of a “frozen face.”

More than 95% of patients who have Botox injections administered are extremely satisfied with the end results. The benefits extend beyond the cosmetic, as well. Although they are most often used for smoothing out brow lines, crow’s feet, and other facial wrinkles, Botox treatments are also FDA-approved for a number of other medical conditions, including muscle spasms, eyelid tics, and severe underarm and palm sweating that doesn’t respond to topical agents.

Safe

As the only FDA approved treatment for moderate to severe crow’s feet and frown lines, Botox has been deemed one of the safest forms of cosmetic surgery, even when administered for an extended period of time. There is very little risk associated with Botox, and very few minor side effects possible. However, it’s extremely important for patients to choose a surgeon or other licensed medical professional to administer the Botox injections based on their experience and qualifications as well as recommendations, if possible. This will ensure that treatments are safely administered,  and should reduce the risk of infections or allergic reactions occurring. In untrained hands, these procedures could lead to unsatisfactory results, and may even be harmful.

Treatments and products

Here at Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, we use Allergan treatments and products, which has its own savings program. Brilliant Distinctions allows enrolled patients to earn points every time they receive a treatment from a participating specialist. These points can then be redeemed for savings on the next Botox treatment, or other select Allergan products, such as Juvéderm or Latisse, which we also offer.

But what exactly is Botox?

Clostridia botulina bacteria produce a class of chemical compounds known as “toxins”. The Botulina Type A Toxin is processed and purified to produce a sterile product suitable for specific therapeutic uses, known as Botox. It is impossible to contract botulism from Botox, as it is not the bacteria itself being injected. Botox has been approved for cosmetic use in the United States since 2002, and is a very safe and non-invasive procedure.

As a purified protein injectable filler, Botox is FDA-approved for the temporary treatment of frown lines, and also commonly used to temporarily reduce or eliminate forehead creases, crow’s feet near the eyes, and thick bands in the neck. Less often, Botox can be used to treat medical conditions, including migraines.

How does Botox work?

Most frown lines and wrinkles are created by repeated movements of certain facial muscles. Botox works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the specified muscles, which temporarily relaxes them, softening or eliminating wrinkles. On average, Botox takes around 7-10 days to completely take effect, but will typically start working within the first few days. Results vary from patient to patient, but Botox is clinically indicated to last for up to four months. Once Botox treatments are discontinued, the muscles will return to their pretreatment state. Botox allows you to quite literally freeze time!

Who is a good candidate for Botox?

Adults between the ages of 18 and 65 with moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, or forehead lines may be good candidates for Botox treatment. A consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons can help determine if Botox is the right treatment for you.

How is a Botox procedure performed?

Using a very small needle, Botox is injected directly into the muscle that is causing dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear temporarily when a muscle contracts, such as smiling or frowning). This minimizes discomfort, and the injection will normally feel like nothing more than a pinprick with a little stinging. Numbing cream is available for patients who worry about any discomfort. The entire procedure only takes about ten minutes, and requires little to no downtime or recovery. Injections will typically need to be repeated every three to four months.

There are different types of “Botox” treatments, including Botox Cosmetic (Allergan), Botox (Allergan) and Dysport (Ipsen), which are derived from botulinum toxin Type A.  

What areas can Botox injections treat?

In the face, Botox can be used to soften or eliminate:

• frown lines
• crow’s feet
• forehead creases
• eyebrow asymmetry
• upper/lower lip creases
• marionette lines

It can also be used to:

• shape the brows (injections can be used to alter the shape of the eyebrows to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance)
• elevate or lift the brow
• lengthen the lip to correct a gummy smile
• soften the chin (“peach pit” chin or excessive cleft
• improve the appearance of new or old facial scars

In the neck and chest region, Botox can minimize:

• horizontal “necklace” creases
• vertical neck bands (“turkey neck”)
• wrinkling of the central mid chest (décolleté)

Are there any side effects with Botox?

More than one million people have received Botox injections, and consistently ranks number one in non-surgical cosmetic procedures for both men and women. It is FDA-approved, and both the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have deemed Botox to be extremely safe. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there can be side effects, with the most common including:

• headache
• bruising, numbness, discomfort, or pain at the injection site
• temporary eyelid droop (“ptosis”)
• temporary eye problems, such as double or blurred vision, eyelid swelling, etc.
• nausea

Botox treatments with Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis

Our patients love Botox! After only one treatment, the softening effects of Botox can be seen. An overwhelming majority of patients continue to visit us on a regular basis in order to maintain the beautiful, natural results Botox offers. These treatments are ideal for younger patients whose skin is just beginning the aging process, as well as older patients who have visible fine lines and wrinkles and wish to reduce or eliminate them.

To learn more about how Botox and Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis can enhance your natural beauty, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation. We have only highly trained and skilled doctors and nurses administering our injections, guaranteeing you an optimal experience with the very best results.