Botox at The Dermatology and Laser Group – NYC

Botox, the trade name for a medication derived from Botulinum toxin, is a popular cosmetic treatment that is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. The treatment involves injecting a small amount of the botulinum toxin into specific muscles that cause wrinkles, typically on the forehead (forehead lines), around the eyes (crow’s feet), and between the eyebrows (frown lines).

Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, also called dynamic lines, which smooths out the skin and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The effects of Botox typically last for a few months before the treatment needs to be repeated. 

After the first treatment patients will notice that their finest lines disappear and some of the more prominent dynamic lines from strong facial muscles at least soften. In general the finer the lines, the quicker they disappear. After a few treatments of this simple outpatient procedure facial lines and wrinkles stay away for longer period of time. 

While Botox is commonly used for cosmetic purposes, it can also be used to treat certain medical conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms.

How to Get Started With Botox Treatment

If you are planning to get a Botox treatment there are some general tips you can follow to make your experience better.

Most importantly you should choose a qualified healthcare provider that is a Botox expert. Ideally you should see a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon for Botox appointments. These specialists have had years of training in medical school followed by years of internship and residency that included rigorous training in cosmetic procedures such as Botox.

If a dermatologist or plastic surgeon is not available to administer Botox the next best bet would be to at least see a highly trained physician. Dr. Arash Akhavan in an expert Botox injector and a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures of the face, neck, and body.

During your consultation, discuss your cosmetic goals and any concerns you may have. This will help your physician to determine the best treatment plan for you. Together you will come up with a plan for the best treatment course with your Botox treatment and any other complimentary procedures.

With Botox and other cosmetic procedures it’s important to be honest about your medical history, including any medications you are taking and any allergies you may have to avoid any complications during or after the treatment.

Botox NYC- 7 Days Before Treatment

If possible avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements such as Vitamin E. Also avoid excessive consumption of alcohol that can also increase bruising.

If you take blood thinners or aspirin or other similar medication prescribed by a medical provider you should continue to take them. It is best to alert your physician who will be injecting you of your complete medical history including medications and allergies.

Arrive at your appointment with a clean face, free of makeup, so that your healthcare professional can properly assess your skin and determine the best injection sites. If you are unable to do so we have makeup remover wipes available for use.

What is A Botox Injection Appointment Like in our New York City Dermatology Office

A Botox appointment treatment session typically takes around 15 minutes. A Botox appointment is a very simile procedure. As a first step we will clean the face with an antiseptic solution. Dr. Akhavan will then have you do a series of facial movements to map out your facial muscles. The muscles that are going to be treated with Botox injections are marked with a pencil.

Dr. Akhavan will then use the thinnest medical needle in existence to inject the Botox into the muscles.

You may experience mild swelling in the areas of Botox injections that will subside in a few minutes to several hours.

Post Treatment Instructions for Botox Treatments

There are a few very simple instructions we recommend for optimal results after Botox treatments for our patients at The Dermatology and Laser Group on the Upper East Side.

Avoid rubbing or touching the areas where Botox for at least 24 hours after the treatment to prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended areas.

In order to decrease the chance of migration we also recommend not lying down or bending face down for at least 4 hours after treatments, as well as avoiding any strenuous exercise on the day of the procedure.

At our office, Dr. Akhavan always wants to make sure that patients are happy with their treatment’s effects. We recommend assessing how your Botox effects are 2 weeks after the treatment and coming back to the office for a no charge touch-up if needed.

When Botox takes effect – How Long Does It Take Botox To Show Results?

The effects of Botox are not immediate because it takes time for the medication to block the nerve signals that cause muscle connotations and wrinkles. The first effects from the treatment are seen about 5-7 days after the injection with maximum effects see in the treated area at about 2 weeks.

If you don’t see enough of a result at two weeks come back to the office so we can add some more Botox as a touchup.

Timeline for forehead, crow’s feet, and between the brows

After getting Botox you may find that muscles in different areas show the effects at different rates. This is normal and not concerning. For stronger muscles such as the muscles that crease the skin between the eyebrows it may take longer to see the effects of Botox. It is important to wait at least 2 weeks to see what the final effects are in all treated areas. 

How Does Botox Work Exactly?

The mechanism of action of Botox Cosmetic (botulinum toxin) involves blocking the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which is the point where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. This results in temporary paralysis or weakening of the targeted muscles, which can reduce or eliminate wrinkles and fine lines.

Botox works by specifically targeting the nerve endings that control muscle contractions. When injected into the muscle, Botox binds to nerve terminals and prevents the release of acetylcholine, which is necessary for muscle contractions. This causes the muscle to relax, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that are caused by repetitive facial movements.

Why does it take time to work? Why this delay?

The delay in the onset of action of Botox is due to the way the medication works. Botox is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles. The Botoxx injected sits near the target muscle. It binds to receptors in the nerve endings and is transported inside the never by a process of endocytosis. 

Once inside the nerve it binds to a complex that is responsible for the releaser of acetylcholine and prevents the release of this neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is the chemical by which nerves signal muscles to contract. With less of this chemical released onto the muscles, contractions are diminished. 

How does it feels when Botox starts working and you begin to get noticeable results?

As the Botox starts to take effect, you may notice a gradual decrease in muscle movement in the treated area. This reduction in muscle activity can make the skin in the area appear smoother and less wrinkled. You may also notice that your facial expressions become more relaxed or subdued in the treated area.

Some patients who are very in tune with sensing their facial movements state that their muscles feel hard to move. At first this can be a bothersome sensation for these patients but even the most sensitive patients report that they stop feeling it after a few days. 

In general patients love the way Botox makes them look and feel! This is the reason Botox is the most popular medical cosmetic procedure in the world.

How Long Does Botox Last Last?

The effects of Botox typically last between 3 to 4 months. This timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, including the amount of Botox injected, the area being treated, and individual factors such as metabolism and muscle strength. As the effects decrease, the muscles gradually regain their ability to contract and the wrinkles and lines may start to reappear. 

To maintain the effects of Botox, it’s usually recommended to receive regular treatments every 3 to 6 months. The different types of toxins available for cosmetic use may have slight differences in both their onset and duration of action for some patients. 

Botox NYC- The Best Treatment for Quick Rejuvenation

Over two decades after its initial use, Botox remains one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. The popularity of Botox is due to its rapid onset of action and the benefit of having these results last for several months. 

Botox is also a very safe and effective treatment when treatments are provided by a well qualified physician. We recommend that Botox injection should be administered by a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. These specialists have cosmetic treatments as part of their official training in residency and are the most experienced with Botox injections. 

At The Dermatology and Laser Group all Botox injections are administered by Board Certified Dermatologist and NYC Botox expert Arash Akhavan, MD.