Will Botox Injections Get Rid Of My Wrinkles? | Oswego Health

Can Botox Help If You Already Have Wrinkles?

Are you wondering if Botox is right for you? While some patients use Botox as a preventative measure to help keep the telltale signs of aging at bay, others use this cosmetic treatment to gain a more refreshed, well-rested appearance and combat existing wrinkles. There are many ways to revitalize your natural glow, and Botox is one of the most widely used non-surgical cosmetic treatments available. Here, Oswego Health explores how and where Botox softens those unwanted facial creases.

What Does Botox Treat?

Smiling, frowning, squinting — the facial expressions we perform each day cause creases in the skin over time. Some areas in the face crease more than others, creating a more mature appearance. Botox is primarily used to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles in the face — the ones caused by muscle movement. In general, Botox injections can temporarily help with the following:

• Moderate to Severe Crow's Feet: The lines that appear at the corners of your eyes when you laugh or squint
• Moderate to Severe Forehead Lines: The lines that appear along your forehead when you raise your eyebrows
• Moderate to Severe Frown Lines: The lines that appear between your eyebrows when you frown

While a set of Botox injections may seem like a very minor, simple procedure, quite a lot of skill is involved in your treatment. Of all the muscles in your face, a healthcare professional understands precisely which areas to pinpoint to achieve the desired results. Also, patients usually leave with instructions on what to do and not to do directly following treatment to ensure best results.   

How Do Botox Injections Work?

Botox, the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, works by relaxing the underlying muscle activity that results in expression lines. Botox blocks the signals from the nerves that cause the muscles to contract, effectively reducing or eliminating the wrinkles that form in those places along your face. When the targeted muscles relax, existing lines diminish, and you can enjoy a renewed look.

Botox is not designed to alter your facial features in an overt way. These carefully placed cosmetic injections yield subtle changes, so you'll enjoy your natural look and natural facial expressions with fewer creases.

What Is The Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers?

Choosing between Botox and fillers depends in part on your cosmetic goals and expectations. The natural collagen and elastin in the skin decrease with aging, causing thinner, less-supported skin with more fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal filler is a cosmetic option used to plump up and restore this volume loss. Hyaluronic acid (Juvederm) and other injections are designed to lift the skin and soften those deep creases, not relax facial muscles as Botox does.

How Long Does Botox Last?

As far as cosmetic treatments go, Botox is a fairly quick in-office procedure and takes effect within three to five days. However, the effects are temporary. Over time, the neurotoxin will wear off and the nerves at the injection sites will resume normal function once again. The average duration of this treatment for most patients is approximately three to four months, but some people can experience longer or shorter effects.

See If Botox Is Right for You

Contact Oswego Health for additional information about refreshing your appearance with Botox today. You can learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic from Dr. Melanie Groch in the Lakeshore ENT Health Services Center located in Oswego, New York. Dr. Groch will answer all your questions and help determine if Botox is the right solution for you.