Our faces express a lot. Literally. It’s the first thing we notice when talking to another person, and 
you can flip that around and be sure your face is the first thing others notice when they talk to you. After all, we rely on facial expressions to tell us whether someone is happy, sad, annoyed, angry, or perhaps bored by the conversation (hint: change the topic!). One of the long-term effects of all of those facial expressions over years is, unfortunately, wrinkles. The constant and repeated motions of smiling, frowning, laughing, and everything else in between can’t help but lead to permanent creases and lines in our faces. As we age, those wrinkles grow in number. It’s an undesireable result of getting older.
It is also why botulinum toxin is something you might want to know more about. Of course, many of you are aware of botulinum toxin – simply know as “Botox.” A positive spin on growing old now as opposed to 50 years ago? Not only are Botox injections available, but now there are multiple options to choose from if you decide to utilize botulinum toxin to battle those signs of aging in your face. Botox has been around the longest, while Xeomin is relatively new and Dysport is the latest addition to the available choices.
All three options serve the same purpose: The toxin is injected by your GLOW Surgical Arts cosmetic surgeon into targeted areas of your face, and it blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscles are then unable to contract, and the result is that those frown lines and wrinkles relax and soften. No matter which form of the toxin you opt to use, the procedure itself takes only minutes. No anesthesia is required and you can expect only minor discomfort from the actual injections. It may take a few days to see the full effect of an injection, and it’s a good idea to avoid alcohol leading up to the procedure date, but all things considered, Botox (or Xeomin, or Dysport) injections are relatively inexpensive, quick, and require almost zero downtime.
Now, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are downsides to consider. With botulinum toxin injections, the risks are minimal, but still absolutely worth being aware of. Temporary bruising is the most common side effect, with the key word being temporary. Headaches can happen – although they’re rare – after the procedure, but even if they do they will dissipate within 48 hours. Another rare side effect is patients experiencing eyelid drooping, but again, even that effect is temporary. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s crucial that the patient understand the procedure is not permanent. Results will last for several months, but as the muscles in your face gradually regain their ability to contract, wrinkles and lines will start to reappear. Touch-up procedures, then, are most likely going to be part of the equation should you wish to maintain a wrinkle-free appearance.
If it sounds like a great deal of information to consider, that’s because it is! Don’t let that deter you from investigating whether Botox or one of the newer nueromodulators might be a good fit for you. At our Redwood City cosmetic surgery office, we always offer free, no obligation consultations with our cosmetic surgeons. Any questions you have about Botox or Xeomin (both offered at GLOW), or even Dysport will be answered. We’ll walk you through the entire procedure and what it would mean for you and your face’s appearance going forward. Finally, should you decide you’re interested enough to know what the cost would be, we’ll provide you with that information as well.
No matter what stage you’re at in the decision process, if you’re even just curious about ways to fight signs of aging in your face, we can help. Call us ((650) 241-2209) or schedule an in-person, free, no obligation consultation any time. Wrinkles and creases in the face are part of aging. That’s true. It’s also true today, on the other hand, that there are quick, largely painless and very affordable cosmetic procedures available to you to fight those signs of aging. Certainly, that’s something to smile about – facial wrinkles be damned!
