When it comes to aging, there’s nothing quite like Botox to help you do so gracefully. But that’s not all Botox is good for.
In fact, the benefits and uses of Botox are vast.
Let’s take a look at what exactly Dr. Cynthia Lavery Henry’s take on Botox is and how it can help you in a number of different areas, whether that’s aging or reducing underarm sweat, along with more information on how you can age with grace.
What is Botox?
Botox is a fast and gentle means to smooth and soften wrinkles on your forehead, frown lines, and lines around your eyes in a virtually painless way.
Dr. Henry says, “The easiest way to describe it is that it works as a muscle relaxer. If you relax certain muscles in the face, you are able to smooth away lines on the skin.”
Botox is created from the bacterial botulinum toxin and works by essentially rendering muscles that create wrinkles inactive, resulting in approximately 3 months of smoother, wrinkle-free skin.
But that’s not all Botox can be used for. The uses vary and we’re still understanding the vast use of this product.
Dr. Henry says, “The number one area is the glabella or area between the eyebrows. It’s also used on the forehead and around the eyes, less often used on the lower face and neck.”
Here are some of the top uses for Botox and how we use it here at Apex Skin:
- Crows Feet – These common wrinkles around the outside of your eyes caused by years of smiling and squinting can be reduced and even eliminated with Botox.
- “11 lines” (also known as Glabellar lines or frown lines) – When you furrow your brows, two creases form between them and after years of doing so, these can remain even when your eyebrows are relaxed. Botox can help smooth these “11 lines”.
- Under eye wrinkles – We all obtain under eye wrinkles over the years. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of these, Botox is a great option we offer here at Apex Skin.
- Excessive sweating – Also known as hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating of the underarms, palms, and even face, patients can obtain Botox injections under their arms to halt the excessive amount of sweat in these areas. Results for this can last approximately 3 months.
What is filler?
Fillers are different than Botox in the sense that instead of affecting the muscles causing the wrinkles, they actually fill in the wrinkles and plump the skin in order to get rid of them.
“The most popular filler is Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is already found in the skin, that’s injected into areas to increase volume and minimize lines.”
The fillers we use at Apex include:
- Juvederm® – This filler is made up of hyaluronic acid, a substance your body naturally creates and breaks down over time. As we age, we produce less of this, resulting in sagging skin that lacks youthful fullness. This filler is a great option for adding fullness and definition to the lips.
- Restylane® – Like Juvederm®, this filler is comprised of hyaluronic acid, allowing for a youthful fill that your body naturally breaks down over time. Restalyne is a good filler to use for the nasal folds and marionette lines. Also like Juvederm, if you want plump and defined lips, this is a great treatment option for that.
Dr. Henry’s thoughts on fillers are as follows, “You can really increase definition on lips for a nice anti-aging effect on the lips without giving volume, or you can give full volume to lips if desired. We keep proportions correct for a natural and aesthetically pleasing look.”
Fillers are also common on cheeks and tear troughs.
I like to use the analogy that your face is like a balloon, and it starts contracting as you age. So anywhere you can add volume helps lead to a more youthful appearance.”
Is Botox or fillers permanent?
Neither Botox nor the fillers we use at Apex Skin are permanent. The effects of Botox can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months before those inactive muscles regain activity.
For Juvederm® and Restylane®, your body naturally breaks down the hyaluronic acid filler, leaving the treated area as it was before treatment.
“It’s unlikely that you’d need or want a filler removed, but if it’s necessary they can be removed by hyaluronidase.
With current products, we correct to 100%, not higher. There is no reason to over-inject which is what could cause issues.”
If for any reason you want to remove Juvederm® or Restylane® fillers before they naturally diminish, we’re able to do so with a compound called hyaluronidase, which dissolves the fillers quickly.
What are the new Botox trends?
Botox is only on the rise and with an increase in awareness, there are specific trends we’re seeing as dermatologists.
Preventative Botox
One of the biggest rising trends in Botox is using it as a preventative. Instead of just getting Botox injections when wrinkles have already formed, many young women and men are now getting treatments in areas they’ll likely see wrinkles in the future.
This allows the muscles typically responsible for wrinkle formation to relax and therefore, that area of your face will not crease as much, reducing wrinkles altogether.
We believe the best age or time to begin preventative Botox treatment is for women in their 30s who want to maintain control over their aging.
Men and Botox
Men are not immune to insecurities with it comes to their age, their skin, and the appearance of it. In fact, more men are turning to methods like Botox to reduce their own wrinkles.
In the past, society often viewed men using Botox, fillers, or even plastic surgery as taboo. But more recently, and with the rise of social media and the influx in photos of ourselves online, we’re accepting of men enhancing their appearance with Botox.
Who is a good candidate for Botox and Fillers?
Each person is unique and therefore, whether you’re right for Botox or fillers depends on your skin condition and desired outcome.
“Patients who are looking to enhance their appearance, appear less tired, or reduce signs of aging will enjoy the results of these treatments.
We always begin with a consultation to fully understand the patient’s goals and ensure that these types of treatments are what they are looking for.”
Our providers take many different things into account when deciding if you’re the best candidate for Botox, including:
- You have moderate to more severe wrinkles
- The wrinkles are located in areas that Botox can treat, such as around or between the eyes, on the forehead, or around the neck
- Your general health is good enough to handle a small injection
- You have realistic expectations for improvement
- You have the desire to appear more youthful
However, not everyone is a great fit for Botox even if all the above criteria fits you. These are some reasons we may not use Botox to treat your specific needs:
- You are allergic to any ingredient in Botox or another botulinum toxin product
- You have damaged or infected skin near the potential injection site
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a muscle or nerve condition such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or myasthenia gravis
- You have a severe illness or infection within your body that has weakened your immune system
How should you choose a cosmetic provider?
Look for someone who will listen to your concerns and will provide you with honest guidance on how to achieve your goals. It’s important to choose someone who is qualified and experienced to ensure you are safe and your treatment is appropriate.
Botox is a great way to not only reduce the signs of aging, but to also rid yourself of irritations like excessive sweating. Make sure to book an appointment with us to determine if Botox is the best fit for you!
About Cynthia Lavery Henry, DO
Dr. Henry is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at the Apex Skin Westlake office. Dr. Henry grew up in Medina, OH. From an early age she was influenced by her grandmother, an anesthesiologist who was one of only 4 women in medical school at her time. Dr. Henry observed how important and exciting her grandmother’s interaction with patients was, and the meaningful impact she had on their lives and knew that she would like to impact her community similarly.
