Goodbye, Wrinkles: Everything You Need To Know Before Getting Botox Injections

Skin is by far the largest organ, and it’s made up of three specific layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutis. According to National Geographic, the epidermis “consists mainly of cells called keratinocytes, made from the tough protein keratin – also the material in hair and nails.” The epidermis is bonded to the dermis, and it gets its strength, bounce, and resiliency from naturally produced collagen and elastin fibers. Last but not least is the subcutis, which is essentially a deep fatty layer that serves as a fuel reserve in the event of a calorie deficit.

Skin plays a significant role in keeping our bodies safe from the outside world. It’s the first line of defense against harmful bacteria and viruses, it helps to regulate our body temperature, and it protects our internal organs from damage should we trip and fall. And that’s just the very beginning of all its beneficial uses. Because skin is exposed to the elements and works hard to protect us every single day, it’s typically the first thing to show signs of the natural aging process. Think sunspots, hyperpigmentation, sagging, and – of course – fine lines and wrinkles.

 

How Do Fine Lines And Wrinkles Develop?

As we all know, fine lines and wrinkles don’t appear overnight. Typically, the #1 culprit is simply the natural aging process. According to the Mayo Clinic, “as you get older, your skin naturally becomes less elastic and more fragile.” Additionally, a decreased production of natural oils – AKA sebum – can dry your skin out and makes it appear even more wrinkled. Another cause of fine lines and wrinkles are repetitive facial expressions like smiling, frowning, and squinting. Obviously, the older you are, the more facial movements you’ve probably made. Every time you move a muscle in your face, a small groove forms in the skin’s surface. And since older skin is less bouncy than younger skin, those grooves will eventually become permanent.

Although factors like excessive sun exposure, a history of smoking cigarettes, and genetic susceptibility may all advance the premature formation of fine lines and wrinkles, they’re

largely an inevitable part of getting older – and that’s okay! However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about them. It’s normal to want to preserve the look and feel of your skin into your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. While medical-grade skincare products and daily sunscreen application can all help to slow down and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it won’t stop them from developing altogether. Only one thing on the market can truly do that: Botox.

 

What Is Botox?

If you’ve ever researched ways to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, then you’ve probably heard of Botox. According to Medical News Today, “Botox is a drug that weakens or paralyzes muscle. In small doses, it can reduce skin wrinkles and help treat some medical conditions.” However, you may be surprised to learn that Botox is derived from Botulinum toxin, the same toxin that causes botulism – a rare but serious illness that attacks the body’s nerves. When injected correctly and administered in small doses, Botox relaxes the facial muscles under the skin’s surface by essentially blocking the nerve activity that tells your face to make certain expressions. By doing so, Botox has the potential to relax existing fine lines and wrinkles, and also prevent new ones from forming.

Not only is Botox an excellent treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, but it also has other indications outside of the cosmetic industry. Depending on the type of Botox treatment you get, the effects typically last anywhere from 3-12 months. According to Medical News Today, “the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved [Botox] as a treatment for various health issues, including eyelid spasms, excessive sweating, some bladder disorders, and migraine.” Given its many uses, Botox injections are one of the most popular voluntary procedures in the United States, with over 7 million people opting to get Botox in 2016 alone.

 

What Is The History Of Botox?

Despite Botox’s overwhelming popularity in the aesthetics industry, it didn’t start off that way. In fact, according to Healio.com, surgeons first tested botulinum toxin A in humans in 1978, when Alan B. Scott, MD, received permission from the FDA to study the drug’s effect on strabismus, a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. Nine years later in 1987, Allergan, Inc. purchased the rights to the medical discovery, and began to market the toxin for correcting disorders such as uncontrollable blinking and crossed eyes.

However, it wasn’t until the 1990’s that doctors began to fully realize and appreciate the exciting cosmetic side effects observed in patients after injecting Botox, including a reduction of forehead wrinkles, facial lines, and crow’s feet. According to Dr. Mosser.com, “when the FDA approved the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes in 2002, it triggered wide media coverage and catapulted the demand for Botox injections specifically for cosmetic effect onto the world stage.” And thus, the modern-day recognition and appreciation for Botox was born.

 

So, Is Botox Safe?

Although – yes – the active ingredient in Botox is derived from a deadly strain of bacteria, it’s considered safe by the FDA. In fact, according to Healthline, “only 36 cases of adverse effects associated with cosmetic use were reported to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1989 and 2003.” And thirteen of those negative reactions may have had more to do with an underlying condition than with the drug itself. Possible side effects of Botox injections include minor pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site, temporary flu-like symptoms, a droopy eyelid or crooked eyebrows, eye dryness, excessive tearing, and even drooling. However, many side effects can be avoided if you get your Botox injected by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or experienced aesthetician.

 

What Is Preventative Botox?

Botox is best known for smoothing existing fine lines and wrinkles to restore a youthful appearance, but it’s quickly gaining popularity for another purpose: preventing them from ever forming in the first place. According to Healthline, “preventative Botox are injections that claim to prevent wrinkles. Botox (botulinum toxin) has been marketed for close to 20 years as a solution for the visible signs of aging on your skin. Preventative Botox starts before any wrinkles or fine lines in your face are visible.” By preemptively blocking your nerves from telling your facial muscles to move, you can avoid a small groove from ever forming in the skin’s surface.

As Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified NYC dermatologist, said to Allure Magazine, “the earlier you start Botox, the better since it is best used as a preventative measure to avoid getting fine lines and wrinkles. It works by relaxing the muscle; once relaxed, it relaxes the overlying skin, so you don’t get wrinkles. We have a lot of patients in their mid-twenties who start Botox, which is a good age if you have an expressive face and lines.” If you get preventative Botox injections in your mid-20s instead of waiting until your 30s or 40s, you may need less Botox injections in your later years since your fine lines and wrinkles will likely be less pronounced overall.

 

What Skincare Products Are Safe To Use With Botox?

Like so many things in life, when it comes to skincare, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And no, we’re not just talking about preventative Botox. We’re talking about medical-grade skincare products. Because Botox is injected under the skin’s surface, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience an allergic reaction if you follow your Botox treatment with your typical skincare regime i.e. serums, moisturizer, SPF, etc. However, if you’re not using dermatologist-recommended skincare brands, you probably won’t experience as many anti-aging benefits as you’d like to. A few skincare products that are safe to use with Botox – and practically guaranteed to deliver excellent results – are SkinBetter Science, ZO Skin Health, and Neocutis.

1) SkinBetter Science

SkinBetter Science is an award-winning skincare brand that can deliver remarkable anti-aging results when used as directed. In fact, the company claims that by incorporating just two or three SkinBetter products into your everyday routine, you can completely change the way you feel about your skin. According to SkinBetter Science, “Our award-winning products are backed by a diverse team with decades of experience in clinical research and development (in powerhouse products like Restylane® and Dysport®) and furthered by a continued commitment to the study of skincare science and the introduction of new technologies.” Because the active ingredients in SkinBetter products are so potent, the company’s suite of solutions are only available through authorized providers such as physicians with patient-practice relationships.

2) ZO Skin Health

ZO Skin Health skincare products are another option to use in conjunction with Botox treatments. According to the brand, “ZO Skin Health provides a comprehensive range of solutions that will restore skin to a healthy state.” The full line of products from ZO Skin Health are backed by world-renown dermatologists, and they have the ability to correct, prevent, and protect against future damage. Like SkinBetter products, ZO Skin Health solutions are only available through a doctor’s office, and the brand is internationally renowned as the first luxury medical skincare brand in the world. ZO Skin Health’s overall mission is to create a continuum between therapeutic treatments and daily care to enforce the belief that skin health should be backed by science vs. trends.

3) Neocutis

Last but not least is Neocutis, a medical-grade skincare brand that was originally designed to help heal wounds by supporting the skin’s natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. According to the skincare brand, “Neocutis was founded on the basis of extensive wound healing research performed in Lausanne, Switzerland. When our first wound healing technology was found to scarlessly heal burned skin, while making it appear healthier and more youthful, Neocutis scientists began to explore how to apply the same principles to improve the appearance of aging skin.” Soon after, Neocutis began developing products that regenerate and restore the key building blocks of skin, i.e. collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. When combined with Botox injections, Neocutis can help deliver dramatic anti-aging results.

 

Where To Get Botox In Columbus And Dayton, Ohio?

If you live in Columbus or Dayton, Ohio and you’re on the market for Botox injections, look no further than Jiva Med Spa. Botox injections are one of our most popular procedures, and they’re great for men and women of all ages who wish to look younger without looking like they’ve got any work done. Best of all, Botox is a “lunchtime” treatment, meaning you can get it done on your lunch break and then go back to work that same day. Botox has been used by medical professionals for more than 16 years, and it’s proven to be safe and effective… so why not give it a try? At Jiva Med Spa, we also carry a variety of medical-grade skincare solutions

that you can use in conjunction with Botox injections to help reveal clear, youthful, wrinkle-free skin. Get your Botox and medical-grade skincare products at Jiva Med Spa in Columbus or Dayton, Ohio. It’s a decision you’ll never regret.