Botox — year in and year out, Botox injections are the world’s most popular cosmetic procedure. This has been the case every year since the FDA approved this neuromodulator for treatment of wrinkles on the upper third of the face in 2002.
Dr. Chandler offers Botox at his cosmetic practice, and unlike many practices, he personally injects Botox (along with facial fillers like Restylane and Juvederm) himself to ensure the best results.
It all started in 1977
Back in the 1950s, scientists discovered that when a miniscule amount of the botulinum toxin type A was injected into a muscle it temporarily stopped that muscle from contracting. This finding led to testing the bacteria on various involuntary muscle contraction issues, i.e. spasms.
Botox was first used in humans in 1977 by Ophthalmologists (eye doctors, not Plastic surgeons!!) to treat crossed eyed (strabismus) and proved effective enough for the FDA to approve the now-named Botox for this use in double vision patients. Since that time, the uses for Botox have expanded to a number of other areas for various medical conditions: migraine headaches, TMJ disorder, overactive sweat glands, even urinary incontinence. Botox was found to be entirely safe, so much so that infants and young children suffering from cerebral palsy and other spasm conditions such as torticollis are routinely treated with Botox.
But it was in 2002 when Botox became a household brand name. That was the year the FDA approved use of Botox to treat wrinkles on the upper third of the face — crow’s feet, the 11s between the brows, and forehead lines. The world discovered the amazing cosmetic effects of Botox and the rest is history.
How does Botox work?
Botox works by reducing the messages sent from the nerves in a muscle to the brain. When the brain doesn’t receive the message to contract a muscle, it never initiates the process to contract the muscle. When the muscles relax, the wrinkles subside.
Certain wrinkles, known as dynamic wrinkles, form when the muscle beneath the skin contracts. This is true on the expressive area of the face, the upper third. When you perform common behaviors such as squinting, frowning, smiling or laughing, you contract muscles around the eyes and forehead. As we age and our skin becomes less elastic and supple, these contractions form wrinkles on the skin above the wrinkle. You know these as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and the 11s between your eyebrows. When Botox is injected into the muscles causing these wrinkles, it stops the contractions for about four months. Without the contractions, the wrinkles on the surface don’t form or are far less noticeable.
How long does the Botox session take?
A Botox session with Dr. Chandler takes just 15 to 20 minutes. It’s a perfect option to do over lunch. Dr. Chandler uses an extremely tiny needle, so patients don’t require any topical anesthetic. Pain during a Botox session is minimal, with most patients saying its like a few small pin pricks.
How long before Botox takes effect?
Botox results aren’t immediate; it takes about four to seven days for the neuromodulator to take full effect and reduce the wrinkles being treated. From there, Botox keeps the muscle relaxed for about three to four months. At that point, the body absorbs the Botox and the muscle starts to contract again. Another session with Dr. Chandler will maintain your results.
Interested in putting the world’s most popular injectable to work on your crow’s feet, forehead lines or other wrinkles? Call Dr. Chandler at (609) 877-2800 (South Jersey, Moorestown, Cherry Hill) or 215-885-6830 (Philadelphia, Jenkintown, Abington) to schedule an appointment for your Botox in Philadelphia with a top cosmetic plastic surgeon.
