Botox® Cosmetic Treatments
Botox® is one of the most widely known cosmetic treatments. This treatment has a variety of applications in the health field. In addition to its use as a wrinkle reducer, it is also used to treat different muscular conditions and migraine headaches.
What Is Botox?
Botox is made from a neurotoxin, botulinum, that is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. If you think it sounds very similar to botulism, you are correct. While Botox is a powerful poison, it also can be useful when used in correct proportions.
Dr. Khosh and Michele Rivard, PA, have extensive experience working with Botox and other neurotoxins that are used to enhance features of the aging face. They get desired results with carefully calculated doses applied to the specific areas where needed.
Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles. These include muscles between the eyebrows and those that produce lines in the forehead and around the eyes. It is also used to relax the muscles that cause marionette lines, which go from the corner of the mouth on either side of the chin down to the jaw line. It does have its limitations, though.
Certain conditions cannot be treated with Botox. For example, wrinkles caused by sun damage do not respond to treatment with Botox, nor do those caused by gravity. For situations where Botox is not indicated, other injectables may be used to create the desired look. Botox can be used along with facial fillers.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Wrinkles
There are several cosmetic applications for Botox. It is a long-lasting treatment that works well for wrinkles and lines in the upper face and forehead. Over activity of the muscles in the forehead and around the eyes contribute to wrinkles and lines in these areas. Botox produces a temporary relaxation of these muscles, which softens the lines and wrinkles and may eliminate them completely. The muscles will stay relaxed for up to four months. You can expect to see results of your Botox treatment within three days. Botox is used to address:
Botox works on wrinkles and lines as a neuromodulator. This means it affects the transmission of signals from the brain to the muscles. Contractions of facial muscles in the targeted areas are limited by the Botox injection, reducing the effects of wrinkles from excess muscle movement.
Ongoing use of Botox in strategic areas can reduce the formation of wrinkles. Continued treatments keep the muscles in a state of relaxation. The wrinkles that would normally form and deepen with muscle use either do not form or they do not develop as quickly or severely as they would without treatment.
Natural Results
Botox treatments are used to produce a look that is not only refreshing and youthful but also one that is natural-looking. Ideally, your look will be one in which you look rested and rejuvenated. You should be able to maintain your ability to show expressions on your face.
Botox for Migraine and Jaw Pain
Primarily, Botox is used for cosmetic treatments. However, Dr. Khosh and Michele Rivard, PA also use it to provide treatment for migraine headaches. Patients suffering from TMJ disorders and migraine headaches may benefit from Botox injections.
This FDA-approved treatment is preventive and is recommended for adults who have 15 or more 4-hour recurrent migraine headaches within a month. Botox injections are generally administered every 12 weeks for these patients.
Botox has also been proven to help with the pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders. TMJ disorders often have related tension headaches along with jaw pain. Clenching and teeth grinding are often a source of TMJ disorders. Botox is used to relax the associated facial muscles, which then inhibits the jaw muscles from making the excessive movements and generating the extra pressure that triggers TMJ disorder symptoms. Botox is an off-label treatment for TMJ disorders currently, but the high success rate of relief from symptoms is promising.
Dr. Khosh and Michele Rivard, PA, can help you achieve a smoother, less serious or worried look with Botox treatments. Contact Creative Facial Aesthetics today, and schedule your appointment for a consultation to find out if you can benefit from Botox injections or one of our other injectable facial treatments.
