BOTOX
Natural aging and a lifetime of facial muscle movements contribute to the formation of wrinkles, creases and lines that can make you look angry, tired or older than you feel. Although aging may be inevitable, ICON Dermatology possesses an unprecedented arsenal of gentle, non-surgical treatments that combat the most noticeable and frustrating facial imperfections. BOTOX® has become the most performed non-surgical treatments to address these types of issues.
ICON Dermatology offers an unparalleled level of expertise in BOTOX injections that you won’t find at other practices or med spas. To learn more about how BOTOX can help you, please contact us today online or at (301) 810-3600 to schedule a consultation. Our state-of-the-art facility in North Bethesda welcomes patients from Maryland and Washington, DC.
BOTOX Definition
BOTOX Cosmetic was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the cosmetic reduction of forehead lines and has successfully been used to treat a wide range of other conditions, such as wrinkles on the neck and gummy smiles.
BOTOX is a purified version of Botulinum Toxin Type A. It has been proven to reduce the effects of facial aging, such as crow’s feet, frown lines and other complexion issues. When injected into the skin, BOTOX temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles.
How Does BOTOX Work?
BOTOX is designed to soften wrinkles caused by the muscular activity of your face. Your facial muscles move when you make certain expressions and over time, this muscle movement creates wrinkles where the skin folds together. BOTOX works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. When the injected muscle is unable to contract, wrinkles relax and soften.
Using a tiny needle, BOTOX is injected into the muscles below the targeted area. The procedure is quick and requires no surgery or downtime. The injections themselves are relatively painless. Some patients experience minor discomfort at the injection site, but this is only a temporary effect that quickly subsides.
What Issues Can BOTOX Injections Address?
Targeted injections of BOTOX into facial tissue can temporarily interrupt the nerve signals to nearby muscles. By diminishing muscle activity, BOTOX can correct fine lines and deep-set wrinkles.
With this remarkably effective and diverse treatment option, our board-certified dermatologists can use BOTOX Cosmetic to temporarily erase and eliminate:
· Forehead wrinkles
· Frown lines
· Crow’s feet
· Horizontal forehead lines
· Vertical lip lines
· Bunny lines
· Downturned corners of the mouth
· Gummy Smile
· Facial asymmetry
· Wrinkling on the neck
· Platysmal bands
· Chin dimpling
· Poor jawline definition
· Masseter hypertrophy
· Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
BOTOX Cosmetic for Masseter Reduction
Your masseter muscle is one of the more powerful muscles in your face. The masseter wraps around your jaw bone, working to open and close your jaw when you eat and speak. When this muscle enlarges, it can change the shape of your lower face, sometimes dramatically.
Masseter enlargement is typically caused by chronic teeth grinding and the unconscious clenching of your jaw. Masseter issues are often accompanied by uncontrolled jaw spasms and jaw pain.
BOTOX® has been successfully used to treat this condition by relaxing the overworked muscle. When the muscle is relaxed, it can return to a more pleasing shape and size, restoring your natural facial contours and improve pain.
The Nefertiti Lift Using BOTOX®
Your vertical neck muscle, known as the platysma, can form bands which are continuously pulling down on your lower face. Over time, this muscle action can cause you to lose definition in your jawline. The Nefertiti Lift – named after the Egyptian queen known for her beauty – is a technique that restores definition using BOTOX®.
BOTOX® injections are strategically administered along your jawline and into your overworked neck bands. When these muscles stop pulling your features down, you will likely notice an improvement in the definition of your jaw.
How Long Does BOTOX Last?
In most cases, the results of BOTOX injections will last up to three to four months. Every patient is different, however, and the exact length of time your results will last depends on certain factors:
· Amount of BOTOX used: Generally speaking, the more units of BOTOX that are injected into a region, the longer the results will last.
· Muscle strength: If you have strong facial muscles in a certain area, they may be more resistant to the paralyzing function of the treatment. As a result, more BOTOX may be required to achieve the same duration of results.
· Follow up treatment: With follow-up BOTOX injection treatments at ICON Dermatology, it is possible for your results to last even longer than the average three to four months. Some patients can enjoy results for up to six to eight months with consistent follow-up schedules.
Your Initial BOTOX Consultation
During your initial consultation, our dermatologists will perform a comprehensive facial examination that thoroughly evaluates the shape of your face, the presence of wrinkles and lines as well as the overall texture of your skin. She will discuss your facial evaluation with you in front of a mirror and determine the role of BOTOX Cosmetic in your treatment.
A key component of this examination is confirming that the wrinkles of concern are the result of muscle activity and not volume loss or other issues. Depending on the nature of your wrinkles, our physicians may suggest other modalities of treatment, such as dermal fillers.
Alternatives To BOTOX
While BOTOX is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments performed in the United States, it is not the only botulinum Type A-based injectable that reduces facial muscle contractions. In addition to BOTOX, we also offer:
· Dysport: Dysport also contains the Type A botulinum used in BOTOX. It has been used to successfully treat the appearance of wrinkles as well as some neurological disorders. Like BOTOX, Dysport diminishes facial wrinkles by relaxing the muscles underneath.
Our physicians strive to meet the unique needs of every patient. This dedication to individualized care includes a variety of treatment options to meet the specific needs and preferences of each patient who visits. During your consultation, our board-certified dermatologists will thoroughly explain all of your options to help you make an informed decision about your care.
Am I A Good Candidate For BOTOX?
Like any other cosmetic procedure, you must meet certain requirements in order to undergo BOTOX treatment. At ICON Dermatology, we consider you an ideal candidate for BOTOX injections if you:
· Are at least 18 years old
· Are not pregnant or nursing at the time of your treatment
· Are free of any known allergies to BOTOX
Why Choose ICON Dermatology for Your BOTOX Treatment?
Our board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience in providing facial injections. They have treated thousands of patients and dedicated thousands of hours perfecting their technique to correct a number of facial issues and asymmetries.
Patient education is a cornerstone of our philosophy of care. Many patients visit ICON Dermatology seeking a specific treatment without realizing all their options and alternatives. Depending on your situation and goals, our physicians may recommend additional or alternative treatments to help you achieve the appearance you desire.
Whether our doctors recommend injectable fillers or chemical peels to help address your aesthetic goals, you can rest assured that she always holds your best interests at heart and will never recommend a procedure that is not right for you. You will never feel rushed or pressured into deciding. The decisions are up to you. We are here to help.
How Much Does BOTOX Cost?
The amount varies and depends greatly on how many areas you want to treat, as well as the strength of the muscles in the targeted areas. During your consultation, our dermatologists will discuss the number of units needed to match your specific goals and explain how much you can expect your treatment to cost.
Schedule Your BOTOX Consultation Today
If you would like to learn if you are a good candidate for BOTOX facial rejuvenation, please call ICON Dermatology today at (301) 810-3600 to schedule an initial consultation.
