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How Does Botox Work?3 min read

How does botox works
Picture of Dr. Phillip Chang

Dr. Phillip Chang

Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia
Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.

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For years, Botox has been a “go-to” for celebrities, desperate housewives, men, and women who want to reverse the effects of aging. And although Botox is not the Fountain of Youth, it has helped many to reduce wrinkles in a variety of locations including the forehead, between the eyebrows, and more. 

Perhaps you are interested in Botox to address some of your unwanted lines. In this blog, we’ll be answering some common questions on how Botox treats those pesky wrinkles. 

How Botox Works

Doctors take botulinum toxin and dilute it with saline. This mixture is injected into  neuromuscular tissue, which blocks the nerve synapses that make the muscles contract. The muscles relax, which reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

If it’s being used medically, Botox can reduce twitching, lazy eye, and muscle spasms as well. The results of Botox can take up to a week to see the full results. Often, patients will go in routinely (every 4-6 months or so) to replenish the Botox and maintain the results.

In Summary: Cosmetic Botox is injected into facial muscles to ease up contracting, which softens wrinkles and hard lines. For medical reasons, Botox relaxes muscles to stop twitching, spasms, and other medical conditions.

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What Cosmetic Fixes Does Botox Address?

Botox can fix frown lines, crows feet (eye wrinkles), forehead creases, mouth creases, “cobblestone” wrinkly chin skin, and other imperfections. Talk to your beautician about what areas you want to address and what injections will best serve your needs.

Can Botox Make My Nose Smaller?

While Botox can alter nose shape, it cannot make the nose smaller. To make nose smaller, a rhinoplasty is a much more appropriate procedure.

Does Botox Cause Hair Loss?

Botox can be injected into the scalp to treat migraines, headaches, sweating and other medical conditions. While there is a very rare chance of hair falling out, there are few reported instances of hair breakage and thinness from too many scalp treatments in a short amount of time. 

An important note: This scalp treatment is not to be confused with the beneficial hair treatments called Botox for Hair. Contrary to the misleading name, the hair treatment does not contain Botox (the botulinum toxin) at all, but rather was endowed the name because it “fills in” hair to strengthen it. 

Is Botox a Filler?

While Botox and fillers are often used in the same procedure with each other, they are not the same. Botox is used to treat dynamic wrinkles and muscle areas, whereas fillers are used for static wrinkles and to enhance and shape facial volume. Fillers generally stimulate collagen while Botox relaxes muscles. Talk to your beautician to see whether filler or Botox is best for your goals.

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Considering Botox injections?

For those wondering whether Botox injections might be the best cosmetic solution for you, we invite you to simply come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Chang or one of the cosmetic laser and injection nurses to explore whether you would make a good candidate. To find out more whether Aesthetica can help you, contact us online or at 703-729-5553 to arrange an appointment. Dr. Phillip Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia and an expert in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments.

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Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we provide.

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