Botox and Dynamic Wrinkles

• Posted on: Apr 15 2018
• By: Damon Chandler

Botox has become one of the world’s most well-known brand names. Because of this, it’s easy to assume that Botox has been around for decades. It has…but not for the reasons everyone now knows about — reducing wrinkles on the upper third of the face. Botox has been around for decades for treating conditions such as uncontrolled muscle spasms.

But it was 2002 when Botox left the realm of medicine and entered the pop culture. That was the year the FDA approved Botox for the cosmetic treatment of wrinkles and lines. Ever since its aesthetic debut, Botox has dominated the yearly statistics for cosmetic procedures worldwide. It is far and away the most performed procedure, surgical or non-surgical, the world over.

Dr. Damon Chandler offers Botox at his practice, and he personally is your expert injector.

Dynamic wrinkles and Botox

Why all the adulation for this neuromodulator? Because it works, pure and simple. Botox rules over what are called dynamic wrinkles, wrinkles that are formed by muscle contractions. Crow’s feet, frown lines, the 11s between your eyebrows — they are all dynamic wrinkles.

When it comes to the other type of wrinkle, static wrinkles, Botox is less helpful. These are wrinkles that show themselves at all times. Sun damage, environmental issues, personal habits such as smoking, and general aging of the skin create static wrinkles, and Botox does not affect them. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane can help diminish static wrinkles.

How does Botox perform its magic?

Dermal fillers “fill” in the wrinkle from beneath. Botox works in an entirely different manner. Botox is called a neuromodulator, because it “modulates” or reduces the action of muscles. It is made from the botulinum toxin type A, the same bacteria that can cause botulism. In the 1950s scientists discovered that the botulinum toxin, when injected in minuscule amounts, could temporarily paralyze a muscle. It does this by blocking the signals from the muscle nerves to the brain. Without those messages, the muscles action is reduced or eliminated.

When you perform everyday behaviors such as squinting or frowning, muscles contract as part of the behavior, particularly those around the eyes. Over time as your skin ages and loses some of its elastin (which helps keep the skin supple), these contractions cause wrinkles to show on the skin surface above the muscles. Botox blocks those muscles from contracting, so the wrinkles either disappear or their appearance is dramatically reduced.

When opting to have Botox injections, however, it is important to choose a doctor thoroughly versed in facial anatomies, such as Dr. Chandler. Injecting too much Botox or injecting it into the wrong muscle can create issues such as droopy eyelids or more commonly, a poor result.

Botox results last around three to four months. At that point, the muscles will start contracting again, and the wrinkles will return. That’s when it is time to schedule another Botox session with Dr. Chandler to maintain your results.

Now that you’re a Botox expert yourself, don’t you think it’s time to show your crow’s feet who’s the boss? Call Dr. Chandler at his Moorestown / South Jersey, New Jersey office (609) 877-2800 or his Jenkintown / Philadelphia Pennsylvania office (215) 885-6830 to make an appointment.

Posted in: Botox / Dermal Fillers