BOTOX® Cosmetic
MINIMALLY INVASIVE INJECTIONS TO SOFTEN WRINKLES
When you make habitual facial expressions, your facial muscles pull the skin in specific ways, which leads to the development of small folds called dynamic wrinkles. The wrinkles, which may first appear as fine lines, are a common sign of premature aging. The team of nurse injectors at Cross Medical Group provides BOTOX® for the Philadelphia, PA area, including Villanova, the entire Main Line, and beyond to soften facial wrinkles and restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance. BOTOX® remains a highly popular cosmetic treatment and is expected to continue to be the “go-to” choice for smoothing facial lines well into the future.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
For more details on BOTOX® in the Philadelphia area, contact Cross Medical Group. Call us at (215) 561-9100 (Philadelphia) or (610) 688-9100 (Villanova), or send a message online to request a consultation.
WHICH TYPES OF FACIAL WRINKLES DOES BOTOX® ADDRESS?
A common question heard at Cross Medical Group is: “Which wrinkles does BOTOX® treat?” From another perspective, people also ask: “What wrinkles does BOTOX® not work on?”
The answers are relatively simple, and it’s definitely important to understand what this treatment can and can’t do. Not all wrinkles are the same, which means different facial lines require different treatment methods.
Dynamic wrinkles are associated with the muscle movements involved in facial expressions, such as the wrinkles that show when you smile, laugh, frown, or raise your eyebrows. Static wrinkles, on the other hand, are attributed to other causes, such as the loss of collagen and elastin with age.
BOTOX® works to smooth only dynamic wrinkles.
HOW DOES BOTOX® WORK?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable form of purified botulinum toxin, which is a protein that inhibits a specific neurotransmitter from being released. Known as acetylcholine, this neurotransmitter is crucial in relaying messages from the brain to muscles, signaling their contraction. Without its release, the muscles stay at rest.
This effect has numerous applications, ranging from medical to cosmetic. The earliest forms of BOTOX® were used to calm eyelid spasms and similar problems, which led to the discovery of its wrinkle-smoothing properties: When injected into the right facial muscles, it can prevent lines and folds from appearing when certain expressions are made.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOTOX®?
The Cross Medical Group team is committed to scientifically backed, medically sound treatments that improve patients' quality of life. As signs of aging appear due to the breakdown and depletion of vital molecules in the skin, many women and men find that their confidence suffers.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is ideal for addressing several of these signs of aging. Specifically, it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for three cosmetic applications: addressing frown lines (glabellar lines), horizontal forehead lines, and crow's feet (lateral canthal lines).
Frown lines tend to be visible when you squint, scowl, or frown. They earned the nickname "11s" because of their resemblance to the two vertical marks that signify the number.
Horizontal forehead lines are exactly what their name suggests: They run across the forehead, parallel to the mouth, and appear thin and shallow or as deeper furrows.
Crow's feet typically form as fine crinkles at the outer edge of either eye, most visible when squinting or smiling.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX®?
There are several variables that may be on your mind if you are seeking cosmetic procedures for wrinkles: “Who are ideal candidates for BOTOX®?” and “Is BOTOX® right for me?”
BOTOX® Cosmetic is ideal for individuals who are not ready to have surgical facial rejuvenation treatments but are seeking a quick, temporary treatment for certain signs of aging. The injectable can be an effective treatment for those who have moderate to severe facial wrinkles located in areas that can be treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic, such as around the eyes and on the forehead. The treatment is intended for those who are in good health and have realistic expectations for how their appearance can be enhanced.
If you are allergic to any ingredients in BOTOX® Cosmetic or other botulinum toxin injections, have a skin infection on the area where you plan to have injections, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain muscle or nerve conditions, or have severe illnesses or infections, you may need to consider a different approach. BOTOX® is not recommended for patients who have a neuromuscular disease, drooping eyelids, or weak facial muscles.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
To learn more about BOTOX®, contact Cross Medical Group. Call us at (215) 561-9100 (Philadelphia) or (610) 688-9100 (Villanova), or send a message online to request an appointment.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS?
An initial consultation will determine the suitability of BOTOX® for a particular candidate. This is also the ideal time to discuss BOTOX® cost, side effects, and other concerns. The best type of botulinum toxin injection treatment for you depends on your needs and goals.
With this in mind, how do you prep for BOTOX®? Be sure to tell us about any medications or supplements you are taking, since some—such as anticoagulants and blood thinners—may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection site. You should also tell us if you’ve had any other botulinum toxin treatments within the last four months. You may also need to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment, since it will make you more likely to have redness and bruising.
WHAT IS THE BOTOX® INJECTION PROCESS LIKE?
At Cross Medical Group, BOTOX® injections are made only by highly trained members of our team, each selected by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Cross for their skill, aesthetic eye, anatomical knowledge, experience, and professionalism.
Injections are made with care in the Cross Medical Group office. A number of strategies are used to minimize any discomfort that is felt during the treatment. These include a proprietary numbing ointment, compounded through a pharmacy, to anesthetize the skin. Cryo and vibratory desensitizers are also used, with the end result being a surprisingly comfortable treatment experience. The treatment session itself typically takes only about 15 minutes, with specifics depending on the number of areas injected.
Patients will notice some slight injection-related side effects after their treatment, which may include bruising, swelling, and sensitivity in the site. Any such sensations and marks will naturally fade.
WHAT AFTERCARE IS NEEDED FOLLOWING BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS?
You will be able to resume your normal activities as soon as you like after BOTOX®, but there are some steps you can take to manage side effects, such as swelling, redness, and bruising. It’s best to avoid rubbing or placing too much pressure on the treatment area. Stay upright for the first three to four hours. Following these steps will help you to avoid having the product spread to an area where it is not wanted. Also, avoid strenuous exercise or physical exertion for 24 hours.
HOW LONG WILL WRINKLE INJECTIONS TAKE TO WORK?
You may have questions like, “How long after BOTOX® will you see results?” or “How do you know if BOTOX® is working?” BOTOX® can require two to three days to take effect, after which muscle activity begins to slow. The desired results should be visible within a week. Results usually appear faster for finer lines. The concentration of the product that is injected and the way it is injected will also impact the final results.
HOW LONG WILL BOTOX® RESULTS LAST?
The wrinkle-reducing effects last for three to five months, on average, though every person will enjoy results unique to their own facial structure, metabolism, and more.
Once muscle activity and the associated wrinkles return, a new BOTOX® injection session can be scheduled. There is some indication that repeated treatments gradually "train" the injected muscles to stay at rest, prompting them to be less active even when there is no neuromodulator inhibiting contractions. There are certain factors—such as exercising frequently or having a very expressive face—that can cause BOTOX® to wear off faster.
HOW MUCH DOES BOTOX® COST?
When it comes to botulinum toxin type A injections in Philadelphia, price is certainly something to consider, but ensuring that an injector is reliable, effective, and safe is a far more important consideration.
WHY CHOOSE CROSS MEDICAL GROUP FOR BOTOX®?
While many people offer BOTOX®, only experienced injectors are qualified to provide consistent results that maximize safety. Though the injectable can be found at salons and beauty establishments from coast to coast, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a powerful and effective prescription medication that requires specialized education and training at minimum. Anyone considering the treatment should choose a provider who truly understands how the injectable works on different facial muscles, and how those muscles interact with the rest of the face.
WHICH OTHER COSMETIC PROCEDURES IMPROVE FACIAL WRINKLES?
Along with BOTOX®, Philadelphia's Cross Medical Group provides other neuromodulators that are effective for dynamic wrinkles, such as Dysport® or Xeomin®. These muscle relaxants work similarly, although there are some subtle differences between them.
Dermal fillers are the most effective treatment for static wrinkles. Cross Medical Group offers the Juvederm® and Restylane® families of fillers, as well as other injectables. Unlike neuromodulators, dermal fillers are usually hyaluronic acid gels that add volume beneath the skin to reduce wrinkles or alter the shape of the face. Laser skin resurfacing is also effective at reducing fine lines, as are RF skin treatments and microneedling.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Contact Cross Medical Group for more advice on BOTOX® in Philadelphia (215) 561-9100 or Main Line's Villanova (610) 688-9100. You can also send a message online to inquire about a consultation, or for more information.
