Bye Bye Wrinkles
Hello Botox!
I can’t change the fact that I have a large forehead (or a ten-head as I believe is a more apt description), but I can make its appearance smoother with a more youthful look with a magic potion called Botox®. Cue the baby angels singing.
Botulinum toxin therapy, better known as Botox®, is a neurotoxin protein that blocks chemical signals from nerves to prevent muscles from contracting. This allows the muscles to relax, softening the wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming.
The FDA approved the use of Botox® in 2002 to treat wrinkles in the forehead, crow’s feet, and the lines between the eyebrows. It also helps lessen the severity of ‘smoker’s lines’ above the lips.
Botox treatment for worry lines above eyebrows.
Botox treatment for frown lines (11s) between eyebrows.
Botox® is also approved by the FDA to treat:
- Chronic migraines
- Excessive sweating in the underarms, feet, hands, and scalp
- Muscle contractions in the neck
- Facial spasms
- Strabismus (“lazy eye”)
- Blepharospasm (eye twitching)
- Bladder dysfunction
- Upper limb spasticity
- Excessive salivation and drooling
The use of Botox® for these purposes is non-invasive and safe. An article in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology states that “botulinum toxins have been used therapeutically for more than 30 years with very few adverse effects when used appropriately and with proper training.”
I have been going to Dr. Jochen for years for Botox®, and it’s a quick and painless procedure. Prior to receiving it, I often apply a topical anesthesia gel to my forehead and around my eyes, provided by Dr. Jochen. This is probably unnecessary, but I believe it can’t hurt. During the procedure, while Dr. Jochen is injecting the Botox®, his assistant uses a vibrating device on my face to massage and relieve discomfort. Immediately after, I am provided with ice packs to minimize bruising, swelling, and redness.
The whole procedure, from start to finish, lasts a minute or two. Results are visible one to three days after treatment and usually last three to four months, sometimes longer. My experience is that it seems to last around six months.
My family knows that Botox® and Contour Skin Bucks are the way to my heart over flowers and breakfast in bed any day. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (760) 423-4000.
