Published: 6/22/2021
Botulinum toxin is a medication injected directly into the muscles beneath the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Several brands of this anti-aging medication are FDA-approved, including BOTOX® and Dysport®. For individuals seeking a Philadelphia BOTOX doctor, Skin and Laser Surgery Center of Pennsylvania serves as the preferred, top-rated dermatology practice for consultation and treatment.
BOTOX is a safe, non-surgical alternative to the many other anti-aging treatments available. The results are noticeable but subtle, with its most frequently used for:
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Horizontal forehead creases
- Smile lines around the eyes
- Downturned corners of the mouth
- Neck wrinkles
A combination of factors causes these facial lines, including cellular changes that occur as we age, a reduction in collagen and damage caused by the sun and environment. In addition, repetitive muscle contractions such as frowning, squinting or raising the eyebrows can cause the skin to crease and fold, gradually resulting in permanent facial lines.
History of BOTOX
Botulinum was first discovered in 1895 by a Belgian scientist and professor of bacteriology at the University of Ghent, following a botulism outbreak in his country. By the 1920s, scientists at the University of California at San Francisco began the process of figuring out how to isolate the botulinum toxin. The process took 20 years to perfect, before it was finally isolated in crystalline form. In the 1970s, botulinum toxin became successful in treating strabismus – or crossed eyes – and during testing on monkeys, researchers noted that it also reduced the appearance of wrinkles above their noses. With this discovery and after further research, it became licensed and branded as BOTOX.
Since then, BOTOX has received FDA approval for a number of medical and cosmetic uses, including blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid muscle contractions), cervical dystonia (involuntary neck muscle contractions), glabellar lines (forehead furrows), axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), chronic migraines, upper lip spasticity, urinary incontinence and crow’s feet.
How It Works
Cosmetically, BOTOX works beneath the surface of the skin to weaken the facial muscle, leaving the skin smoother and less likely to wrinkle when contracted. Results are typically seen within 3-5 days, with the most noticeable results coming 7-10 days following treatment. The effects of a single treatment can last up to 4 months. A few minutes at your dermatologist’s office is all that is needed for each treatment session to achieve a more youthful aesthetic appearance, and you can return to your normal daily routine immediately after. Patients should be aware that “generic” BOTOX treatments do not exist, therefore they should consult their trusted dermatologist for proper treatment.
Drs. Neustadter and Blechman are licensed and trained Philadelphia-area dermatologists who have come to be relied upon for the most optimal BOTOX results. Cosmetic dermatology is an area of particular interest for both physicians, with an artistic eye and a gentle touch. They take a global approach to cosmetic dermatology, creating a customized plan of injectables, lasers and topical therapies for each individual patient.
To learn more about Philadelphia BOTOX treatments, visit Skin and Laser Surgery Center of Pennsylvania online at https://phillyskinandlaser.com/dermatology/botox/.