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Botox ®

As perhaps the most well-known injectable treatment, Botox® has earned its place as a go-to cosmetic solution. Goodman Dermatology offers this treatment to patients at our locations in Roswell, Marietta / East Cobb, Woodstock and Dawsonville, GA.

Botox®

What is Botox®?

Botulinum toxin Type A, also known as Botox®, is the most often requested, non-invasive cosmetic procedure in the country. Clostridium botulinum produces seven different serological strains. Type A, used to make Botox®, is a product marketed by Allergan. It’s FDA approved for cosmetic treatment of frown lines. Many dermatologists use the product to soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. Goodman Dermatology is a full-service dermatology practice, offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to Greater Atlanta patients. Goodman Dermatology and providers, are experienced physicians in the use of Botox and other facial injectables that help regain one’s youthful appearance without surgery.

How Does Botox® Work?

According to Harvard University School of Medicine, this product works by selectively causing muscle denervation. In order for muscle contraction to occur, a nerve must send a signal to the muscle. At the neuromuscular junction (the place where muscle fiber meets nerves), acetylcholine travels from the nerve to bind onto the muscle. This action causes additional reactions that enable the muscle to contract. Botox actually works by preventing acetylcholine’s receptors from working. Although the chemical is released as always, it doesn’t bind to the muscle. Therefore, the muscle doesn’t ‘know’ about the message to contract. This fast, in-office treatment takes just minutes for the doctor to perform. The clinical effects are temporary and the muscle begins to contract again, usually within three to five months. At that time, the patient must receive a new treatment to maintain the effects.

How Does Botox® Smooth Wrinkles?

Goodman Dermatology and providers, injects Botox® into a muscle responsible for wrinkles in the skin above. The treatment prevents the wrinkles from appearing because the underlying muscle is temporarily unable to contract. Researchers say the effects of Botox are most noticeable in the “dynamic” folds and creases, like between the eyebrows, forehead and around the eyes. While the treatment doesn’t remove wrinkles from the patient’s face, it dramatically softens them. Goodman Dermatology uses this treatment to help patients to improve the appearance of:

  • Lines between the eyebrows
  • Crow’s feet (laugh lines) around the eyes
  • Forehead creases (horizontal)
  • Upper lip lines
  • Lines at the corners of the mouth
  • Wrinkles of the neck and hands

Botox®

What’s the Best Age to Begin Botox®?

This question is best answered during a discussion with Goodman Dermatology and providers about your goals. According to an array of dermatology reports, the treatment is often used by young patients (even those in their twenties) because Botox® may actually delay the actual onset of wrinkles in some people. Because Botox® works to temporarily freeze the underlying muscle from making contractions, the muscle’s inability to contract the overlying skin also prevents the repetitive movements from creating lines and wrinkles. The Journal of Dermatology of the Japanese Dermatological Association reports that early treatments could prevent the need for more extensive treatments as the skin ages.

What Are the Side Effects of Botox®?

Patients report minimal side effects such as redness, minor discomfort, and occasional bruising after Botox® injections. If concerned about pain or after-treatment soreness, it’s fine for most patients to take Ibuprofen before treatment. A little concealer after treatment is usually all that’s needed by most patients. Application of ice to the treatment area, both before and after, can help to prevent symptoms like swelling, redness, or bruises. Symptoms usually resolve within a few hours or days and shouldn’t pose an inconvenience to most. Patients should avoid exercise immediately after receiving a treatment. It’s always best to discuss the potential symptoms or side effects of treatment with the dermatologist. When properly administered by a licensed medical professional, this FDA-approved prescription treatment is considered safe. Some patients, such as pregnant women or those with certain neuromuscular disorders, shouldn’t receive these treatments. Goodman Dermatology and providers, will take a medical history to determine any potential drug interactions or possible allergies to this medication.

Ready to see what Botox® can do for you? Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation at Goodman Dermatology. We welcome patients from Jasper, Johns Creek, Canton and the nearby areas of North Atlanta.