Botox in Charleston, SC
Conveniently located to serve Charleston, SC
Botox in Charleston, SC, is injected to remove wrinkles and fine lines from the face, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, which is primarily used in minute doses.
Originally used for the treatment of the eye muscles, Botox was approved by the FDA as a cosmetic treatment option in 2002. It is very safe and has a proven record of effectiveness in controlling the appearance of age-related fine lines, wrinkles, and creases.
This sought-after cosmetic treatment is non-surgical and only minimally invasive. Several people swear by its efficacy.
The Science Behind Botox
Certain facial age lines are created by contracted facial muscles that have trouble shifting back to an at-rest position after years of use. These muscles bunch the overlying skin.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It prevents acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, from being released. Acetylcholine exists in nerve endings at the junction of neuromuscular areas in the body. When the release of acetylcholine is stopped, flaccid paralysis of the muscles occurs.
Botox injections work by relaxing contracted facial muscles beneath facial wrinkles. In this way, Botox acts as a muscle relaxer, allowing the skin to lie flat and smooth.
Botox Benefits
Botox (created and trademarked by Allergan) offers a number of benefits. It is particularly effective around the eyes, on the forehead, and between the eyebrows. It smooths away crow’s feet, horizontal forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines, chin wrinkles, and vertical lip lines.
Botox can also be used to relax away vertical neck bands, shape the jaw and jawline, and treat migraine headaches and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the underarms and other areas).
Benefits last for anywhere from 3 to 4 months. Because it is a non-surgical option, there is no frustrating and painful recovery process. There are also no scalpels or incisions involved.
Candidates for Botox Treatment
Botox is appropriate for patients who are above 18 years old. Candidates must be healthy and have realistic expectations. Patients can have Botox treatment if they are not currently pregnant or nursing. Patients who are looking to treat their fine facial wrinkles or vertical neck bands are ideal candidates for Botox.
Botox is the perfect alternative for people who do not want invasive cosmetic surgery to treat their facial wrinkles. Patients who have tried Botox and achieved great results are excellent candidates.
Your Initial Consultation
If you are getting Botox treatment for the first time, you will need to have a consultation with a medical professional at our office. The two of you will go over your aesthetic goals, and you can ask any questions you may have. Your medical history will be discussed to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment.
If you have already tried Botox treatments and did not get your desired results, it’s important to bring it up during your consultation. We will recommend the best treatment plan based on your goals and might combine Botox with other facial treatments for optimal results. Tips will be provided to help you prepare for the treatment.
What the Treatment Entails
A session of Botox is convenient and easy. The whole sitting may last for 20 minutes at the most. First, areas to be treated will be marked. After this, a gentle cleanser will be applied to treatment areas.
In case you are particularly uncomfortable, a numbing topical anesthetic may be applied on areas of treatment. A micro-needle, extremely narrow, is used to inject Botox. In the first session, and depending on areas to be treated, anywhere from one to four injections may be used.
After You’re Done
There is no downtime or recovery time required after Botox treatment; you can resume your normal activities right after you’re through with your sessions. Ice may be applied to relieve any minor swelling. A noticeably younger and fresher appearance will be visible within a week of your treatment.
Although the patient can go back to normal activities after the Botox treatment, it is important to consciously protect the treated facial areas. In addition, do not massage the face, since that could cause the injected substance to migrate to the other facial areas.
The results of Botox treatment can last from three to four months depending on the patient. Once the effects start to fade, the patient should consider making another appointment for a maintenance treatment.
The Cost of Botox
The cost of Botox will depend on the number of injections and the number of units of Botox used during the treatment session. If Botox is combined with other facial cosmetic procedures, the overall price will vastly increase. We also offer our financing options to make our cosmetic services even more convenient.
Get Started Today
Find out more about Botox in Charleston, SC, from Dr. Jason Ulm, a skilled and respected double-board-certified plastic surgeon. Botox can help you achieve your ideal rejuvenation results.