What is Botox and How Does it Work?

Botox has been in use for over 20 years and is one of the most popular, non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the world

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Botulinum toxin, better known under its commercial brand names - Botox, Jeuveau and Dysport - has been in use for over 20 years and is one of the most popular, non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the world. It is used for reduction and elimination of dynamic wrinkles, frown lines, crow's feet, and other wrinkles around the lips and the neck.

Botox works by blocking the nerve impulses and temporarily relaxing the muscles, giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed, and youthful appearance. The treatment helps to relax the fine lines, horizontal forehead wrinkles, frown lines, squint lines (crow's feet), neck bands and the nasal crunch lines around the eyes.

Botulinum Toxin

Botox is the leading brand name for Botulinum toxin, a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and has been on the market for over 25 years. It is estimated that 11 million vials ofBotox are administered annually.

It is also marketed under the brand names Jeuveau, Xeomin, Dysport and Myobloc.

Botox Injection Montreal

Botox treatment

Botox treatment has medical roots. Ophthalmologists have treated eyelid spastic disorders with botulinum toxin for years before Health Canada approved it for the treatment of wrinkles. Today, Botox is also used to treat migraines, headaches and excessive sweating.

Botox is ideal for people with small signs of aging such as small wrinkles on the forehead, at the corner of the eyes, and around the mouth. These are the most mobile areas of the face, especially if you're expressive and don't shy away from smiling.

How does Botox work?

Botox Montreal

Type image caption here (optional)Botox blocks nerve impulses and causes temporary paralysis of the muscle. It works by binding to receptors on the presynaptic membrane, preventing the release of acetylcholine, which is responsible for transmitting signals between nerves and muscles. When facial muscles relax, the skin they pull will also relax, which as a final result helps reduce the appearance of the dynamic wrinkles that have accumulated over time.  Before you undergo a Botox treatment, it's important to understand the risks and benefits involved.

The benefits of Botox

Botox Injections

Botox has a number of benefits, both medical and cosmetic. It can help reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines. Botox injection is safe, pain free and effective when administered by a qualified doctor, and it's one of the most popular treatments in the world.Botox is very efficient when it comes to dynamic wrinkles that are a result of facial expressions. With age, the skin loses its elasticity and thus its ability to bounce back after it has been pulled by the muscle beneath it.

Botox is used mainly to prevent and soften wrinkles located in the upper facial area and efficiently treats glabella or “lion” wrinkles (caused by frowning the eyebrows), forehead wrinkles (lifting eyebrows), crow's feet, and bunny lines. Botox can even help with neck bands.

Botox is also used for other treatments, such as the lip flip. The Botox lip flip involves injecting 4-6 units of Botox above the upper lip at the centre and near the corners of the mouth.

For more info take a look at our article about the Botox benefits.

Does Botox help with under eye bags?

Botox will not have any effect on treating under eye bags. If your eyes have a sunken in appearance then the best method to address this are injections of hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm.

Can Botox correct dark circles under the eyes?

There is no definitive answer as to whether or not Botox can correct dark circles under the eyes. However, some experts believe that the injection of Botox into the area around the eyes can help to improve the appearance of dark circles by temporarily relaxing the muscles and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The short answer is that Botox does not correct dark circles under the eyes. Possible combination treatments consist of bleaching creams combined with eye creams. Chemical peels, lasers, hyaluronic acid fillers & injectable fillers are also all utilized.

Is Botox or fillers better for lips?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual's needs and preferences. Botox can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the lips, while fillers can be used to add volume and definition to the lips. Ultimately, the best option for each person will vary depending on their unique goals and concerns.

Who should not get Botox?

Botox Clinic Montreal

Patients under the age of 18 years old, pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot receive botox. People with conditions affecting muscles (e.g. Myasthenia Gravis, ALS, etc.) or patients who are currently taking medications such as muscle relaxants or have taken antibiotics in the week before the session are not eligible for Botox. Also people with allergies to another botulinum toxin brand (such as Myobloc, Xeomin or Dysport) or had any side effects from these products in the past, or those who have UTI problems cannot receive Botox.  

How Is a Botox Procedure Done?

Botox injection areas

Getting Botox is a quick and easy procedure. The doctor will apply a numbing cream over the targeted area. A very fine needle is used to minimize pain associated with injection. The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on the number or areas being treated. Afterward, we may apply ice to the treatment area. The injection is nearly painless and has minimal side effects. The results of the injection can be visible in as little as 48 hours.

No recovery time is needed, and patients can return to work or other activities immediately. It will not require any bedrest after the procedure, and you may leave as soon as it is done. It will be important for you to take some precautions, however, such as not engaging in any strenuous exercise for 48 hours. You should also avoid rubbing the treated area to make sure you do not cause any alterations to the treatment's effects by making the product move. The specific precautions you will need to take will be given to you by your doctor to ensure you get the best results possible

You can go back to drinking alcohol or taking aspirin as soon as 1 week after getting done since most people experience some bruising for around 2 weeks following their treatment.

For more info take a look at our article about the Botox procedure in Montreal.

Is Botox safe and what are the side effects of botox?

Botox under eye

If you're considering getting botox, you may be wondering if it's safe. The answer is yes – Botox is a safe and effective treatment when administered by a qualified doctor.

Unwanted side effects are extremely rare.However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with botox injection. Take a look at our blogpost where we describe some of the common side effects of botox, as well as some of the rare but serious side effects that can occur.

Even though every person has a different body and individual results vary, the associated risks/complications afterBotox has been injected include: redness, bruising, muscle weakness, sore throat, headache and mild injection site pain.

How long does it take for Botox to work

Botox forehead lines

Botox usually starts working two to three days after treatment and it depends on the area being treated. However, the full results may not be visible for about 1 – 2 weeks.

Botox is less effective for treatment of static wrinkles, which appear due to age and gravity. These wrinkles are better addressed using dermal fillers.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your medical history and any medications you take with our doctor during the initial consultation to ensure the procedure is safe for you.

How long does the effect of Botox last?

Unlike cosmetic surgery, the effects of Botox are reversible. Depending on the region to which it is injected the effect of neurotoxins may last 3-4 months. The lip area experiences a lot of motion, in this area the effect can last up to 3 months.The effect of the neurotoxins on the forehead area may last 3-4 months depending on the use of the forehead muscles.

How often do I have to do Botox treatments?

In the first year, we usually treat the wrinkles at intervals of 3-4 months. The intervals can vary according to your metabolism. However when the facial muscles begin to train themselves to contract less, the period of time for each treatment may be extended longer.

What happens when you stop Botox?

If you stop Botox injections after many years of regular treatments, the only effect will be that your wrinkles will return, and a bit more slowly than if you had not been using Botox. Even after you stop, your skin will look younger than it would have if you had never usedBotox.

Will the Botox be wearing off after a month?

Botox injection downtown Montreal

Some people report a feeling that Botox“wears off,” after a month. What is happening is that the muscle paralysis effect wears off. The nerve endings that were paralyzed are replaced as the body is producing new endings which grow and are able to stimulate the muscles to move and frown again. You can typically tell that Botox is starting to wear off when you can see dynamic lines again with movement

Which celebrities have had Botox?

Cindy Crawford, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, Courteney Cox, John Mayer and Jenny McCarthy are regularly using Botox. In2012, John Mayer was diagnosed with chronic inflammation of the vocal cords.Mayer had his vocal cords paralyzed with a Botox gel that he applied himself.After resting for several months, his vocal cords  were able to fully recover and he was able to get back on stage! Shortly afterwards, Mayer became a proponent of Botox.

Botox Montreal consultation

Montreal City

If you're considering getting Botox injections and you live in the Montreal area, call us for a free consultation and find out if Botox is right for you. We will schedule an appointment with a qualified doctor who will discuss the pros and cons of the procedure and explain how it works. He will ask you a few questions about your health profile, the medication you are taking, if you have visited a plastic surgeon recently. Based on the type of results you want to achieve we will devise a treatment plan. Results may vary based on the process you choose.

Our expertise in cosmetic Botox in downtown Montreal allows us to provide the very best care for our patients. We are a strong proponent of a “natural” look. We will always focus on enhancing natural beauty.

downtown Montreal

Areas we serve for Botox Montreal

We are located in downtown Montreal and serve areas such as West Island, Westmount, Ville MountRoyal, Griffintown, Old Montreal, Verdun, St-Henri, Plateau Mont Royal, WestIsland and more.

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