How Does Botox Work? Get the Full Story from a Plastic Surgeon!
Okay, let’s be real. Have you wondered how Botox injections actually work? Or how those wrinkles got on your face in the first place? And is there really a way to get rid of wrinkles?
In this post, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tannan talks about what causes wrinkles and answers the common question — “How Does Botox Work?”
What Causes Wrinkles?
Before we answer the question, “How Does Botox Work”, first let’s explain what causes the wrinkles that Botox targets. The muscles in your face that allow you to express emotion are unique. When you feel good, you smile to show happiness. Other times, you frown to show sadness, confusion or surprise.
The facial muscles operate differently compared to, say, your biceps or your glutes. Most muscles in your body attach to bones, allowing you to lift, run or jump. However, facial muscles attach directly to your facial skin by way of the muscles (the superficial muscular aponeurotic system).
When you make a facial expression, your facial muscles contract, making your skin move (and express) your emotion. This repeated motion over time forms wrinkles that run perpendicular to the direction of muscle contraction. For example, if you gathered up your drapes from bottom to top, they crinkle or pleat horizontally, just like your forehead muscle.
Your forehead muscle moves up and down when you raise your eyebrows in surprise or emphasis. So when you raise them up and your skin has to pleat over the shorter distance from brows to your hairline, the pleats run horizontally. With time and repetition, those temporary pleats, or wrinkles, can set in deeper.
Look closely at the image below to see how each of the muscle areas work.
How Does Botox Work to Correct Wrinkles?
Botox works to correct wrinkles because injections block specific chemical signals going from nerves to muscles. In other words, the Botox injection prevents nearby muscles in the face from contracting. This temporarily relaxes the facial muscles that cause wrinkles in the forehead, around the eyes and near the mouth.
The image below also illustrates which problem areas can be decreased by Botox!
Will Botox Work for Me?
Now you know how Botox works, be sure you don’t trust your beautiful face to just anyone with a syringe. You should only see expert injectors. Choosing a reputable, experienced injector, like Kristie Foushee, RN, at an appropriately qualified medical office is important.
Ensure that your practitioner understands how facial anatomy works and what makes some people have different outcomes with Botox compared to others. Make sure you read reviews as well! What are patients saying about the treatments they received? This is your face – you need to know who is working on it. Be sure that the injector understands you and your goals for facial treatment.
Are you interested in learning what Botox can do for you? Call (919) 797-0996 to schedule your treatment consultation today!
Folks come to see us from all over. It is common for our patients to travel from all the corners of Raleigh plus Apex, Holly Springs, Fuqua-Varina, Cary, Morrisville, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Garner, Knightdale, RTP, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Clemmons, Wake Forest, Wilmington, Fayetteville and the surrounding areas for our unique approach to cosmetic plastic surgery, Botox, and filler.
If you are looking for the best plastic surgeon and the best Botox injector for you, be sure to do your research! We hope our all-women, all-star team can help you regain your confidence and move forward as the brightest version of you.
