Botox NJ: What You Need to Know
Aging is a simple fact of life – a natural process. Growing old may be more difficult for some people since old age typically brings out more illnesses or physical conditions that arise due to genetics, environment, or lifestyle choices. For most people who are concerned about their appearance, wrinkles and fine lines are among the most bothersome consequences of aging.
Unless you’ve never laughed or scowled in your life, forming frown marks, laugh lines, crow’s feet, and other types of wrinkles are simply unavoidable. As we grow older, our skin starts to lose its elasticity and suppleness. Wrinkles begin to form on our skin’s surface and they may deepen over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to reverse these unwanted signs of aging. One of these methods is Botox.
What is Botox?
Botox treatment is a facial treatment that has been used by dermatologists for years. The brand Botox was the first to extract and use a protein made from the toxin of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Interestingly, C. botulinum is the same bacteria that causes botulism, a life-threatening disease that causes symptoms of food poisoning. In cosmetic and medical Botox, the toxin is administered in such a low dose that it normally causes no harm. There are now many types and variations of the botulinum toxin used in the medical industry. Botox uses botulinum toxin type A, or OnabotulinumtoxinA.
Though it is most widely used as a solution to wrinkles and fine lines, Botox in NJ is approved for use in many medical conditions, including muscle spasms, excessive sweating, migraine, and overactive bladder.
Over 6.2 million botulinum toxin procedures were performed worldwide in 2019, making it the leading type of non-invasive cosmetic procedure. Though this number dropped significantly in 2020 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, it is expected to increase steadily in the following years. With many people around the world still wearing masks, self-isolating, or on community lockdown, it’s the perfect time to undergo and recover from a cosmetic procedure.
How does it work?
Though many people would argue that wrinkles and lines add to one’s character, we would be remiss to ignore the confidence-boosting wonders of waking up with a smooth, clear complexion.
We all have facial muscles that help us smile, frown, scowl, squint, or show whatever we are feeling at the moment. Producing facial expressions requires that we contract these muscles. Constant use of these muscles throughout our lives causes wrinkles to form on the outermost layers of our skin. It is for this reason that many people develop “frown lines” and “laugh lines” on their faces.
For muscles to contract, chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters have to attach themselves to certain receptors on your muscles. This causes them to stiffen or contract. Botox is a neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals to muscles, causing them to relax and works by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, preventing it from attaching to any muscle cells. As a result, the muscles stay relaxed in a state of temporary paralysis. This may sound horrifying, but it’s just a scientific way of saying that your muscles can’t squeeze your skin tight enough to cause wrinkles. Sounds more appealing, doesn’t it?
The procedure uses a small amount of botulinum toxin that is injected into specific muscles. When expertly done by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, Botox has minimal risks and very short downtime. For wrinkle treatments, Botox injections result in softened facial features and smoother-looking skin. The muscle paralysis caused by Botox is only temporary and may last anywhere from 3 up to 12 months. Patients normally come back within 4 to 6 months for another procedure.
Will I be able to smile after Botox?
Of course, you will! There might be some stiffness after the procedure, but it won’t keep you from smiling and frowning as you wish. The myth that you won’t be able to move your face and show any emotion after Botox is just that – a myth!
Botox paralyzes some of your facial muscles, which gives your facial expressions a much softer look. You will still be able to feel sensations on your skin, as Botox doesn’t affect the sensory nerves when used properly. Still, the best thing you can do to keep your worries at bay is to find a reputable dermatology and cosmetic surgery clinic with expertly trained, efficient, and experienced doctors.
What issues can Botox address?
There are numerous cosmetic uses for Botox. People usually want to address the following target areas:
- Glabellar lines, or the wrinkles between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet, or the fine lines at the corners of the eyes, which are usually the product of years of smiling and squinting
- Frown lines, or forehead creases
- Laugh lines around the mouth
Botox is also approved for use in several medical conditions, including:
- Spasms in the upper limbs
- Blepharospasm, which manifests as eyelid spasms or uncontrolled blinking
- Hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating
- Strabismus, or eyes that point in different directions
- Overactive bladder due to neurological conditions
- Chronic migraine
- Cervical dystonia, a disorder that affects the nerves around the head and neck
The Gartner Plastic Surgery and Laser Center offers a carefully curated selection of aesthetic treatments to suit every need. We invite you to book a consultation and find out which of our facial peel options are best suited to your needs.
The Gartner Plastic Surgery and Laser Center offers a carefully curated selection of aesthetic treatments to suit every need. We invite you to book a consultation and find out which of our facial peel options are best suited to your needs.
Who is a good candidate?
Anyone can get a Botox treatment, though usually by middle-aged to elderly adults or those who specifically need this type of procedure. The effects of Botox, though temporary, are preventive. Getting Botox in your 20’s is a good strategy for avoiding deep, fine lines when you’re older. It’s easier to keep the skin smooth than to smooth out wrinkles that have already formed. If you choose to get Botox treatments when you’re younger, your skin will form fewer wrinkles as you age. Doesn’t that sound like an ingenious idea? Just make sure to find a good doctor who will go over your expectations and possible outcomes with you.
You will find that getting a Botox in New Jersey might require doing some research, but we at Gartner Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa NJ are here to make things easier for you. We have highly-trained, experienced, and friendly doctors ready to answer your queries about Botox and any other procedure you might like to have.
What to do before Botox?
Your doctor will advise you not to take any blood-thinning medications at least two weeks before the procedure. This includes aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E, and warfarin. Blood thinners will make you more prone to bruising, which is a common side effect of Botox injections. You should also avoid alcohol, another blood thinner, for at least a week before your session. Smoking within two weeks from your procedure is also discouraged. Cigarette smoke produces free radicals, which cause damage to your cells, hasten the effects of aging, and impair your immune system. To make the most of your Botox treatment and any other cosmetic procedures, you should consider making permanent lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and transitioning to a healthier diet.
If you take any muscle relaxant medications, antihistamines, or sleeping aids, your doctor might also advise you to avoid them for at least two weeks before getting Botox treatment. Botox already relaxes your muscles, so any additional relaxants may affect your recovery time.
What should I expect during the procedure?
The procedure for Botox will only take about 30 minutes of your time. Many people won’t need any anesthesia since it only takes a small pinprick at the site of injection. However, if you have low pain tolerance or are feeling anxious about the discomfort, you can request for the doctor to apply a topical anesthetic. They will apply the numbing cream 10 minutes before injecting Botox, or alternatively, they could apply ice to the area just to minimize any painful sensations.
Before the treatment, you will be asked to remove any makeup by washing and thoroughly drying your face. Your doctor will also apply an antiseptic swab to the target areas to make sure that everything is clean and that there will be no risk for infection.
Dr. Gartner or one of our technicians will spend most of the time prepping your skin for the procedure, mapping out where he wants the solution to go, and making absolutely certain that the Botox solution goes into the right muscle. This is why it’s crucial to look for a highly experienced, well-trained cosmetic surgeon. For the best Botox in New Jersey, you won’t need to go far. Gartner Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in New Jersey has the most qualified doctor to suit your needs, ensuring a safe and very effective procedure.
What happens after Botox?
You will start to see results within 24 to 72 hours, but the full effects can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days to show. Right after the treatment, you might be instructed to move your face around by smiling, frowning, and making faces. This is done to ensure that the Botox reaches all the cells that it needs to. However, make sure not to rub the treated area for a full 24 hours so you don’t accidentally spread the Botox solution into a different muscle.
Physical exercise should not be performed for at least a day after the treatment as it may cause you to sweat profusely or touch your face, which heightens your risk for infection. Remember that the pinprick wound created by the injection site may still allow bacteria to penetrate your skin. This is why doctors give you an antibacterial cream to apply after your session. You will also be advised to avoid putting makeup on afterward until the next day just to keep your face clean and free from any unnecessary contaminants. You may continue your regular skincare routine though, just as long as it doesn’t involve any harsh peels or exfoliants immediately after your Botox procedure. When you do your skincare routine, make sure you go over the treated area with utmost care.
Lastly, we may instruct you to stay upright, avoid bending your head forward or sleep with an additional pillow. Keeping your head up will prevent excess blood flow to your face, which may cause more bruising.
Does Botox have any side effects?
When performed by a reputable, experienced doctor, Botox injections are very safe. A majority of the millions of Botox enthusiasts experience only minimal to no side effects at all. However, some people might experience mild adverse reactions such as:
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling at the site of injection
- Excessive tearing or dryness in the eyes
- Headaches
- Temporary drooping of the eyelids
- Numbness
- Stomach upset
Most of these side effects resolve quickly on their own. For swelling or bruising, your doctor might recommend NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen.
To prevent serious side effects and complications, simply follow all your doctor’s advice and directions for care. Remember that just like with wrinkles, preventing problems is so much easier than treating them.
Results and recovery
You may be advised not to exercise and to keep your head upright for the next 24 hours, but apart from that, Botox has very little downtime. Most people can return to work the next day without any issues aside from mild bruising or tenderness.
You will still not be advised to take blood-thinners for a few days after your surgery since this could contribute to bruising and slow your healing time. To hasten your recovery, your doctor will ask you to stay away from direct sunlight and avoid smoking. Topical creams may also be given to alleviate any swelling and discomfort from your procedure. Arnica gel or cream is also a good option to bring down any swelling and minimize bruising. Arnica is extracted from the flower Arnica montana and is a very effective all-natural remedy for pain, bruises, swelling, and soreness.
You do not need to worry too much as your doctor will go over these important steps with you before and after your treatment. Our experts at Gartner Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa NJ work hard to make sure that your experience is seamless and stress-free.
After one to two weeks, the full effects will become very evident and typically last from three to six months. For some people though, Botox will last for up to a year. More expressive individuals and those who exercise frequently will find that they will need more frequent touch-ups. Discuss your lifestyle, genes, and other contributing factors with your doctor to find out whether or not you need more sessions per year.
How much does Botox cost?
Botox is measured in units and the cost depends on how many units you will need for the area you want to target. For example, horizontal lines on the forehead will require anywhere from 15 to 30 units of Botox while glabellar lines can need up to 40 units. Smaller areas, such as crow’s feet and smile lines, may need much less.
The cost of each unit is around $10 to $15. This means if you’re getting $20 units on your forehead, expect a price range of $200 to $300 per session. You can expect the prices of Botox in New Jersey to typically follow this standard unless you’re having other procedures performed at the same time. Your doctor will want to start off using the lowest possible dose for you, so you might need more units as you keep coming in for your injections.
More serious medical conditions, such as hyperhidrosis and migraines, might require a much higher dose. Typically, hyperhidrosis is treated with 200 units of Botox per session. This might seem like a daunting amount, but there is no price for the comfort and confidence you get afterward.
Can pregnant and lactating women get Botox?
Botox NJ is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, and for those who have known or suspected allergic reactions to the toxin. People who are allergic to cow’s milk protein may also develop sensitivities to botulinum toxin. Consult your doctor first so that they can help find the best solution for your specific needs.
Botox is a widely-used treatment for wrinkles, deep facial lines, and many medical conditions. Though the concept of getting Botox may be scary or strange for some people, we hope that we’ve cleared up some misconceptions for you. When you consider all of the benefits you can get from Botox, including its preventive advantages, you will want to try it out for yourself. If you do want to know more or schedule a consultation, we’re here for you. When you’re ready, reach out to Gartner Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa NJ and get ready for the best Botox NJ you will ever experience.
*Disclaimer
No guarantees of any kind unless they are money-back guarantees. No claims of permanent results. No “Miracle cures” for medical ailments.*