Goodskin Dermatology

Botox: What It Is, What to Expect, and FAQs

As you begin to age, you’re noticing crow’s feet lines around your eyes and horizontal lines across your forehead. 

You know that wrinkles come with aging, but seeing them staring back at you each time you look into a mirror is daunting.

Aging lines are typically unavoidable, but they can be temporarily treated through cosmetic treatments.

Learn how Botox injections work to relax the underlying muscles of the face and minimize unsightly wrinkles, and treat some conditions, like migraines.

What Is Botox?

Botox is a protein drug that temporarily paralyzes the muscle it’s injected into. Typically used in small doses, Botox can reduce skin wrinkles.

Botox, derived from C. botulinum bacteria, is safe when used appropriately and offers few side effects.

*Treatment may vary depending on the condition and individual patient. Always consult with a healthcare provider to see what is recommended before receiving Botox injections.

what is botox 1

How Botox Works

Botox injections block certain chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract. Most commonly, Botox injections are done to relax facial muscles that cause commonly unwanted wrinkles like crow’s feet, smoker’s lines, or the eleven marks between the eyebrows.

The results typically help to smooth lines and creases, resulting in smooth skin, a youthful glow, and a brighter complexion.

Areas Where Botox Can Be Used

Botox injections are typically done to reduce signs of aging, so it is often used in facial muscles. You can receive a Botox injection in your:

  • Eyebrows
  • Forehead
  • Nose
  • Surrounding eyes
  • Lips
  • Chin
  • Jawline
  • Shoulders
  • Armpits
  • Hands

Ideal Candidates for Botox

If you have a medical condition mentioned above, you may be an ideal candidate for Botox. 

Many medical professionals suggest an ideal Botox candidate to be:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Physically healthy
  • Not pregnant or nursing
  • Free of a history of neuromuscular diseases (ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome)
  • Not been on antibiotics for infections within 14 days
  • Not received any vaccinations within 2 weeks before and after your appointment

They may also:

  • Have healthy skin with moderate elasticity
  • Be beginning to show signs of aging
  • Have realistic goals for improvement
  • Have moderate to severe wrinkles

*Circumstances may differ for those with medical conditions. It’s best to talk with your medical provider to see if you’re an ideal candidate for Botox injections.

Goodskin Dermatology offers Botox injections and other cosmetic dermatology-related services in our two Portland metro area locations — Clackamas and Troutdale

Our team of skin care professionals will happily provide any information you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more.

What to Expect During Your Botox Treatment

Receiving Botox injections is fast and easy. It’s performed as an outpatient procedure, so you’re free to go home when your treatment is complete. 

Typically appointments take between 15 – 45 minutes/ This gives your provider time to discuss realistic goals and expectations, and complete the injections. During this time, your provider may also recommend other aesthetic treatments for a more holistic approach that can better reach your skincare goals. 

To perform Botox injections, your healthcare provider uses a fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the target area.

The discomfort during treatment is generally mild, however, some patients may experience more discomfort than others. It may be a few days before noticing results from your Botox treatment, but takes 14 days to take full effect. 

At Goodskin Dermatology, we offer patient-based care and the comfort of our patients is our top priority. We work to ensure every patient is well-informed, reassured, and feels comfortable before receiving any treatments. 

How Long Do Botox Results Last?

Generally, the results of Botox injections last 3 to 4 months. However, results may vary from 2 to 6 months. This could be dependent upon the: 

  • Patient’s age and skin elasticity
  • Patient’s gender
  • Patient’s muscle mass
  • Injector’s technique 
  • Needing a higher dose of units (*dose = duration)

Results may last longer with consecutive treatments. 

The results of Botox typically show around day three or four, but normally within two weeks, patients may have the best visual of the outcome of their procedure. 

Botox is not permanent. For long-term results, it’s recommended to receive Botox injections every 3–4 months or once symptoms reoccur.

*It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before receiving Botox injections to help determine what your results may be.

what is botox

FAQs About Botox

Although some patients experience more pain than others during a Botox treatment, the level of pain may be dependent on a variety of circumstances, including:

  • Patient’s pain tolerance
  • Injector’s technique
  • Botox solution
  • Amount of Botox injected

Botox treatment is quick and easy, but mild discomfort is common.

Please let your provider know if you have a history of fainting or nausea with any previous injections or blood draws.

Side effects of Botox vary, and if they occur, are often minimal and clear up on their own. 

Possible side effects of Botox treatment include:

  • Pain, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Upset stomach
  • Temporary drooping eyelids
  • Eye irritation or redness

Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure performed worldwide, and studies have shown that even adverse side effects are rare.

No!

You can easily squeeze a Botox treatment into your schedule any day and, for the most part, get right back to normal life immediately.

There are a few aftercare protocols healthcare providers recommend, but generally, Botox injections do not affect day-to-day life.

Because Botox is not permanent, it’s recommended to receive Botox injections every 3–6 months as the results begin to wear off. Because every patient is different, Botox results will vary from person to person and may improve with each session.

It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to help determine how many sessions of Botox you might require to receive the results you’re hoping for.

*Treatment may vary depending on the condition and individual patient. Always consult with your healthcare provider to see what is recommended regarding your Botox treatment.

No, results from Botox treatment are not permanent. 

Typically, results last about 3–4 months, but can last as long as six months for some patients depending on treatment area and dose.

Many factors go into determining the cost of Botox, which is why the cost can vary greatly. These include the:

  • Type of Botox treatment
  • Number of units being used
  • Severity of the condition being treated
  • Location
  • Injector experience
  • Number of sessions needed

Goodskin Dermatology offers cosmetic services in Clackamas and Troutdale, providing patients with the opportunity to review every detail of their potential Botox treatment, including cost. 

Contact us today to get started.

Botox injections help patients achieve a youthful glow and reduce the signs of aging by eliminating unwanted wrinkles.

Even better, Botox injections may help reduce symptoms of some health conditions and minimize pain in many areas of the body.

Although side effects may occur, Botox is generally a safe, simple, and quick outpatient procedure that can be done in any small pocket of time during your day.

For the best results, many healthcare providers recommend following these aftercare instructions to reduce swelling, redness, and bruising:

  1. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the injected areas for about 12 hours, including not wearing any compressive hats or headbands.
  2. Stay upright for three to four hours.
  3. Avoid physical exertion for 24-48 hours including hot tub and sauna
  4. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
  5. Avoid any procedures to the face for 2 weeks following your procedure including massages, facials, chiropractor, and eyebrow waxing. Anything that will put pressure or product (like waxing) in your fresh injection sites. 
  6. You may wash your face that evening but only use a gentle cleanser with no exfoliants. Makeup can be worn the following day.
  7. Use clean makeup sponges/brushes when applying the next day, and a freshly washed pillowcase at night.

Contact Our Goodskin Dermatology Clackamas and Troutdale Locations for Your Botox Needs

If those unwanted smile lines around your eyes or wrinkles in your forehead are making you crazy, Botox injections are an effective way to minimize the signs of aging.

Not only does Botox help with aging aesthetics, but it can also assist with the treatment of some medical conditions and reduce pain throughout the body.

Goodskin Dermatology offers cosmetic services, including Botox injections, in two different locations — Clackamas and Troutdale. Our professionals work to ensure every patient is well-informed, comfortable, and taken care of each time they step into our offices.

Reduce unwanted signs of aging or help combat painful symptoms of various medical conditions. 

Contact Goodskin Dermatology today to set up an appointment.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.