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Botox has gained popularity for its effectiveness in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. But what is Botox exactly? Botox is a purified protein derived from Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium. When injected, it works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles, which in turn smooths out unwanted facial lines. The effects are temporary, typically lasting three to four months, making it a semi-permanent solution for those looking to achieve a more youthful appearance without undergoing surgery.

The treatment process is relatively straightforward. A qualified professional will inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles. The procedure is quick, often taking just 10 to 15 minutes, and requires minimal downtime. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.

Botox is most commonly used to target areas such as the forehead, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet around the eyes. However, it has other applications as well, including treating excessive sweating, migraines, and certain muscular disorders. The versatility of Botox makes it a sought-after treatment for both cosmetic and medical purposes.

One of the appealing aspects of Botox is its minimally invasive nature. Unlike surgical procedures, Botox injections involve no incisions or anesthesia. The discomfort is generally minimal, often described as a brief pinching sensation. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, including slight bruising or swelling at the injection site.

It’s important to note that Botox should only be administered by a qualified professional to ensure safety and effectiveness. Incorrectly administered Botox can result in undesirable outcomes such as drooping eyelids or an unnatural appearance. Therefore, selecting an experienced practitioner is crucial for achieving the desired results.

Understanding the basics of Botox can help you make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you. If you’re considering Botox, it’s advisable to consult with a professional to discuss your specific concerns and goals. They can provide personalized recommendations and help determine the best treatment plan to achieve your desired look.

Determining the Amount of Botox Required

The number of Botox units needed for effective treatment varies widely and depends on multiple factors. Different areas of the face have unique requirements. For instance, the forehead generally needs more units compared to other areas. The frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet around the eyes also have their specific dosage needs.

Individual factors such as muscle strength and facial anatomy significantly influence the number of units required. People with stronger facial muscles may need a higher dosage to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, facial asymmetry and unique features also play a crucial role in determining the appropriate amount.

The condition being treated also impacts the number of units required. For purely cosmetic purposes, such as reducing wrinkles and fine lines, fewer units might be necessary compared to medical applications like treating migraines or excessive sweating.

An initial consultation with a qualified professional will help identify your specific needs. During this consultation, the practitioner will assess your facial muscle activity, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine the optimal number of units for each targeted area. It’s important to communicate any previous experience with Botox or other cosmetic treatments, as this information can help in creating a more accurate treatment plan.

The practitioner’s expertise and approach also play a significant role in the outcome. Experienced professionals can better gauge the appropriate dosage, ensuring both safety and effectiveness. Therefore, choosing a practitioner with extensive experience in administering Botox is highly recommended.

Keep in mind that Botox treatments are not one-size-fits-all. The units required for each person can differ significantly, even for the same treatment area. Tailoring the treatment to individual needs ensures more natural and satisfying results. Regular follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired look, as the effects of Botox are temporary.

Typical Guidelines for Botox Units

Typical guidelines for Botox units can vary based on the targeted area and individual needs. For forehead lines, practitioners commonly use between 10 to 30 units. The frown lines between the eyebrows, often referred to as glabellar lines, typically require around 15 to 25 units. Crow’s feet, the lines that form around the outer corners of the eyes, usually need about 5 to 15 units per side.

These guidelines are just starting points and may be adjusted depending on muscle strength and facial anatomy. For example, individuals with stronger facial muscles might need a higher dosage to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, some people may have unique facial features or asymmetry that require a customized approach.

When it comes to other areas, such as the chin and neck, unit requirements can differ. Treating a dimpled chin might involve around 4 to 10 units, while addressing neck bands could require 25 to 50 units depending on the severity and specific goals.

It’s also important to consider that medical applications of Botox, like treating migraines or excessive sweating, often require different dosages compared to cosmetic treatments. For instance, managing excessive sweating in the underarms may require about 50 units per side.

An initial consultation with a qualified professional will help in determining the exact number of units needed for your specific concerns. The practitioner will assess your facial muscle activity and discuss your aesthetic goals to create a personalized treatment plan.

Because Botox effects are temporary, regular follow-up treatments are often necessary to maintain the desired look. Your practitioner can help establish a treatment schedule that aligns with your goals and ensures optimal results.

Consulting with an Expert

Discussing your goals and concerns with a qualified professional is essential for achieving the best results. Each person’s facial structure is unique, and a tailored approach ensures that your treatment plan aligns with your specific needs. During the consultation, you should openly share your areas of concern, desired outcomes, and any past experiences with Botox or other cosmetic procedures. This information will help the practitioner create a customized plan that suits you.

It’s also crucial to evaluate the practitioner’s qualifications and experience. Ask about their background, training, and how long they have been administering Botox. Inquire about the number of procedures they perform regularly and any specialized techniques they might use. Experienced professionals are better equipped to gauge the appropriate dosage and identify the best injection sites, thereby optimizing both safety and effectiveness.

Don’t hesitate to ask how the number of units is determined. An expert practitioner will assess your facial muscle activity, take into account your aesthetic goals, and consider individual factors like muscle strength and facial anatomy. Understanding this process can give you confidence that the treatment will be tailored to your needs.

Communication during the consultation is key. Make sure to discuss any medical conditions, medications, or allergies you have, as these can impact the treatment plan. Additionally, if you’ve had previous Botox treatments, sharing the details can help the practitioner refine your new treatment to improve or maintain results.

The consultation is also an opportunity to ask about what to expect during and after the procedure. Understanding the steps involved, potential side effects, and the recovery process will help you feel more prepared and comfortable. Ask any questions you may have about the treatment timeline, how soon you might see results, and when to schedule follow-up appointments.

By thoroughly discussing all these aspects with a qualified professional, you can ensure that your Botox treatment is as effective and satisfying as possible.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Botox can offer significant improvements in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it’s important to approach the treatment with realistic expectations. Botox won’t make you look like a completely different person or erase all signs of aging, but it can provide a refreshed and more youthful appearance. Results are not instant; you’ll typically start to see changes within a few days, with full results appearing after about two weeks.

It’s essential to understand that Botox is a temporary treatment. The effects usually last for three to four months, after which you’ll need follow-up treatments to maintain the desired look. While Botox can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, it won’t address issues like skin texture, pigmentation, or significant sagging. For comprehensive rejuvenation, you may need to consider additional treatments or a combination of procedures.

Every individual responds differently to Botox, so results can vary. Factors such as age, skin type, muscle strength, and the specific areas treated all play a role in the outcome. It’s also important to communicate openly with your practitioner about your aesthetic goals. If the initial results aren’t as dramatic as you hoped, your practitioner can adjust the treatment plan in future sessions to better meet your expectations.

Side effects are generally mild and temporary, but it’s good to be aware of them. You might experience slight bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days. Serious side effects are rare when Botox is administered by a qualified professional.

Understanding the limitations and potential outcomes of Botox can help you set realistic expectations and avoid disappointment. A good practitioner will help guide you through what to expect and work with you to achieve the best possible results. By entering the process with a clear and informed mindset, you can enjoy the benefits of Botox and feel more confident in your appearance.

Contact Us

If you are looking for expert facial cosmetic services in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and the surrounding areas, Dr. Maya Kato is here to help. Dr. Kato offers state-of-the-art treatments in a relaxing and welcoming environment at her clinic, Aesthetic Art. To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit us here or call (760) 280-9320.

As the popularity of injectable cosmetic treatments continues to rise, patients sometimes need help understanding which product best addresses their unique needs.

Restylane and Botox are both anti-aging products, but with quite different properties. Over 7 million Botox injections and 2.6 million Restylane and other soft tissue fillers are administered by cosmetic surgeons each year in the U.S. But which is best? The answer is that it depends on what you hope to achieve with your treatment. Quite simply, the reason that someone would choose Restylane over Botox lies in the aesthetic concerns of the patient.

Some patients are concerned with lines and wrinkles on their forehead or between their eyes – others find the encroaching signs of crows’ feet on the outsides of their eyes more disconcerting. Lines and wrinkles forming around the nose and around the lips are also common problem areas. And, some patients have a combination of concerns and receive more than one type of treatment.

When to Use Botox

Botox is synonymous with plastic surgery and anti-aging – and for good reason. The anti-wrinkling benefits of precisely-administered Botox have been documented for decades, and as plastic surgeons improve their techniques and refine Botox products, the results keep getting better.

Acting as a neuromodulator, Botox interferes with the muscular contractions which cause wrinkles in the forehead and between the eyes. As such, patients experiencing more advanced and deeper wrinkles often get the best benefits of Botox treatments. An added benefit of Botox is that regular use can help prevent the formation of new and deeper wrinkles, as it reduces the muscle contractions that cause the wrinkles to form.

On the other hand, parts of the face such as surrounding the eyes, the nose and the lips accrue fine lines which are less due to muscular contraction but caused more by a loss of skin elasticity and volume. It is in cases such as these that dermal fillers, particularly Restylane, are particularly useful.

When to Use Restylane

Unlike Botox, Restylane doesn’t affect the underlying muscles of the face. Instead, it provides volume to the layers of the skin above the muscles.

This acts to smooth out creases in the skin and eliminate the appearance of wrinkles while also adding contour and definition to the face.

Restylane injections last for approximately six to eight months, which is usually a bit longer than Botox.

As such, patients with more elementary, earlier signs of aging generally benefit most from Restylane, whereas those with more advanced stages of deeper forehead wrinkles find Botox offers ideal results.

Using a combination of Restylane and Botox can create more dramatic enhancements – smoothing out deeper wrinkles of the upper face while eliminating the finer lines of the lower portion of the face.

While a relatively straight forward procedure, Botox and Restylane injections do carry some associated risks when done by an untrained, uncertified individual. For the best results, patients should always seek an accredited, certified and affiliated surgeon. It’s also good practice to ask to see your surgeon’s portfolio of before and after work – this shows you the standard of work they do and gives you an idea of the results you can expect.

To consult with a leading surgeon in Palm Springs, contact Dr Maya Kato at 760-610-5558 or fill out her online form here.

The most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S., over 7.5 million Botox appointments are made annually.

With so many people opting for Botox, however, there is bound to be some misinformation associated with the procedure.

From what Botox can do, can’t do, and everything in-between, here, Dr. Maya Kato of Aesthetic Art Facial Rejuvenation aims to clear the air surrounding Botox injections and clarify any hampering questions you may have regarding the procedure.

Botox, Briefly

Botox is a manufactured product. Derived from the botulinum bacteria, Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily weakens the muscles that cause facial wrinkles.   By weakening muscular contractions, wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyes and crow’s feet are eliminated for a period of time, generally four-eight months.

Some of the most common myths surrounding Botox injections include:

1. Botox is a Dangerous Procedure 

Botox has been medically approved for over thirty years, first receiving FDA approval to treat medical conditions such as muscular spasms and excessive sweating in 1989. In 2002, Botox was approved for cosmetic applications, after which time millions of patients have safely obtained gratifying results with Botox injections.

Of course, Botox should be handled and administered by a trained, experienced, and qualified doctor.

2. Botox Can Cause Permanent Paralysis and Botulism

This myth stems from how Botox is produced. Botox is derived from a toxin produced by botulinum bacteria.

In its natural, unpurified and non-derived form, this toxin direct from the bacteria can induce botulism food poisoning – a serious type of poisoning that affects the body’s central nervous system and, in some cases, can lead to death.

However, Botox Cosmetic, a purified, controlled substance, only works on a localized scale at the injection site and causes temporary superficial musculature paralysis.  Moreover, the dose of Botox Cosmetic is extremely dilute, which makes it safe, when administered by a physician properly trained in its use.  The effects of Botox are reversible and non-permanent.

3. Botox Will Freeze My Face Expressionless 

The results patients experience with Botox does depend on the skill and experience level of their doctor. However, Botox injections, when properly administered to the treatment sites, will not affect other muscles in the face and will allow for a full range of expression.

Injections sites for Botox include:

• Forehead furrows
• Crow’s feet
• Smile, or marionette lines

4. Botox Can Solve All My Signs of Aging

As we have discussed, Botox works by paralyzing the muscles responsible for causing dynamic wrinkles. There is another type of wrinkle, static wrinkles, which Botox cannot address.

Static wrinkles are caused by lines being etched into the skin due to repeated movement, the skin losing its elasticity, and sun exposure. In order to solve these wrinkles, fillers such as Juvederm, Voluma, and Volbella can be used in conjunction with Botox to give the entire face a fresh, rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

Next Steps

Undoubtedly, Botox is a highly useful, safe, and effective anti-aging treatment. Botox can provide anti-aging results to a vast majority of patients concerned about the effects time is having on their appearance. To have any remaining questions answered, or to book your consultation with Palm Springs award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Maya Kato, call (760)-610-5558 or fill out her online form.

It’s one thing to sweat before a big presentation or after a tough workout. Sweating is the body’s natural way of staying cool and avoiding overheating. But when patients are faced with excessive sweating, it can be embarrassingly difficult to stay cool. In these instances, Botox can be an excellent option for keeping cool and staying dry.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Normal sweating is controlled by nerves, which trigger sweat production in response to different stimuli, which can range from the body being too hot or emotional changes. In some patients, sweat glands are hypersensitive and overproduce sweat with the smallest stimuli. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. There are two main types of hyperhidrosis:

• Primary focal: Usually develops in adolescence and is inherited, patients with this form of excessive sweating usually experience weekly episodes in more than one specific part of the body, such as the hands, feet or underarms.
• Secondary general: Often caused by another medical condition or medication, patients with this type of hyperhidrosis experience sweating across large swaths of their body instead of specific areas. Sweating episodes can also occur overnight.

While treating secondary general hyperhidrosis can come down to adjusting medication, treatment for primary focal hyperhidrosis can vary. Depending on where on the body sweating episodes occur, some of the more traditional treatments may not be recommended for certain cases. However, there is one fairly new treatment option has been successfully used across all instances of hyperhidrosis – Botox.

Botox beyond cosmetic care

When most patients think of Botox, they often think about the anti-aging benefits of this injectable treatment. However, it’s the same features that make Botox a popular wrinkle-fighting solution that also offer hyperhidrosis patients a lasting solution for their condition.

Medical-grade Botox is a highly diluted form of the botulinum toxin. While deadly in its pure form, the refined form has been successfully used in many medical and cosmetic applications over the years. Some of the lesser known uses of Botox include as a treatment for migraines, crossed eyes and teeth grinding as well as freezing wrinkles.

For patients with hyperhidrosis, Botox has long been one of the top recommended treatment options. In fact, the FDA approved Botox for the treatment of severe excessive sweating starting in 2004. Through this application, Botox is injected in areas that experience excessive sweating. The refined protein then helps block the nerve signal that tells the body’s sweat glands to start producing. As a result, patients can reduce unnecessary sweating in these specific areas in just a few short visits to their specialist.

Another advantage of using Botox to treat excessive sweating is how successful these injections can be. Unlike surgery, which is restricted to where certain parts of the body or antiperspirants which may not offer total dryness, Botox has a high success rate across nearly all parts of the body. Some studies have shown that the injection can reduce underarm sweating by nearly 82 to 87%, palmar sweating by up to 90%, and foot sweating by 50%. Furthermore, patients can enjoy results for up to 14 months – an improvement from trying to control excessive sweating with medication or non-surgical options.

Stop Sweating – Schedule your consultation today!

For many, excessive sweating can seriously undermine an individual’s day-to-day life. Learn what life could be like without having to worry about sweating – call our Palm Springs doctor and see if Botox is the answer to your hyperhidrosis.

 

 

Getting older doesn’t mean we have to look it. With so many innovations in cosmetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, today’s modern patient has plenty of options when it comes to choosing non-invasive treatments. So much choice between such similar treatments however can seem overwhelming to patients when searching for the right treatment option.

At Aesthetic Art, our Palm Springs doctor believes that patients should know what their options are when it comes to cosmetic care. If you’re weighing your options between these popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments, here’s what you need to know about Botox and fillers.

Breaking down Botox

Since it’s introduction to the medical world, Botox has become something of a wunderkind regarding its many applications. From helping patients with hyperhidrosis stay dry to alleviating painful migraines, the injectable is more than an anti-aging treatment.

The Botox injectable used in today’s medicine is derived from the botulinum toxin, a byproduct of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. A type of neurotoxin, botulinum specifically targets the nervous system by disrupting neural signals between the brain and muscles. In concentrated doses, this disruption can be deadly. When highly refined and diluted into medical grade Botox, the toxin becomes a powerful tool in treating a range of medical and cosmetic conditions.

Why we love Botox

In the cosmetic treatment industry, Botox has gained a reputation for stopping the aging process in its tracks. Much of this success can be attributed to the treatment’s paralytic capabilities.

While some wrinkles are caused by environmental factors gradually damaging skin cells, others occur are a result of frequent muscle contraction. Over time, smiling, crinkling your eyes, crying, and other facial expressions can lead to microscopic fine lines around patients’ eyes, mouths and foreheads. These muscle-created wrinkles can quickly deepen into deep wrinkles and cause patients to look older than they truly are. In these scenarios, Botox can be used to temporarily block receptors and prevent the muscles from contracting excessively. This helps keep skin looking younger, longer.

Who is a candidate for Botox?

Another important benefit of Botox is how the treatment can be used both proactively and throughout the aging process to help patients age gracefully. Most healthy adults in their late 20s to early 30s have found proactive Botox treatments to be an excellent preventive measurement against aging.

Dermal Fillers – Another option for younger looks

Not all wrinkles are successfully treated with Botox. Environmental factors like sun damage, smoking and pollution can take their toll on skin cells. At the same time, collagen production slows as we age. This combination can lead to skin losing important volume and the appearance of sharper, more hollowed facial features. In these instances, dermal fillers are the best approach to enhancing your appearance.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Sometimes referred to as injectables, dermal fillers are gel-like formulas injected just below the skin to create volume in specific areas across the face. Across the realm of dermal fillers, there are countless formulas for patients to choose from, categorized by what they’re made from:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A naturally-occurring substance found in skin that helps retain skin moisture and creates results that last between 6 to 12 months
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite: A naturally-occurring substance found in bones that helps stimulate collagen production, leading to results of up to 12 months
• Poly-L-Lactic Acid: A synthetic dermal filler used to trigger the body’s natural collagen production. Ideal for deep facial wrinkles, the results of this treatment have been shown to last up to two years.

Depending on the specific area, different filler options exist to specifically treatment the type of volume lost. Choosing the best dermal filler for each area and patient is an important conversation between patients and their plastic surgeon.

Who is a candidate for dermal fillers?

Like Botox, dermal fillers can be used to treat a range of cosmetic conditions, making the treatment type highly versatile for many patients. While dermal filler treatment is best for patients already showing signs of creasing, some thinner fillers types have been successfully used to help younger patients enhance their lip volume.

Interested? Meet with the Experts

Choosing the right cosmetic treatment doesn’t have to be an overwhelming affair. At Dr. Kato’s Palm Springs office, our specialist is your guide to great looking, refreshed skin. To learn more about your available treatment options, call our doctor today and schedule your consultation.

 

When you think Botox, do you think of smooth skin and youthful-looking features? While Botox has quickly become one of the top anti-aging beauty treatments, this injectable isn’t just for taking years off your visible age.

Botox’s unique formula and ability to temporarily freeze nerve reaction makes it a useful tool in combatting several other medical concerns. Consider a few of these surprising head-to-toe alternative applications for Botox.

Eye twitches and lazy eyes

Blepharospasms, lazy eyes, and crossed eyes are all conditions that can compromise a patient’s visual capabilities and even cause them to lose confidence in their appearance. Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for these ocular conditions and has helped many patients regain the ability to see straight ahead.

Neck Spasms

Neck spams, or cervical dystonia, can be an unpleasant condition to live with. The condition causes muscles in the neck to contract involuntarily, causing the head to move uncomfortably and without warning. Botox injections help relax muscles in the neck that cause these uncontrollable contractions, improving an individual’s quality of life and general comfort.

Uncontrolled Muscle Contraction

There are several neurological conditions which cause muscles to spasm uncontrollably. As Botox helps block nerve receptors, the treatment can be administered to specific muscle groups to help relax those muscles, ultimately helping stop those uncontrolled movements.

Bruxism and Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches, migraines – there’s no doubt about how painful and disrupting they can be to a patient’s life. When headaches are caused by bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint disorder, Botox is an excellent solution. Rather than having to wait out the pain, injections can relax tense muscles that are contributing to teeth grinding, relieving the pressure and pain. Coincidentally, injection spots for migraines are also very close to injection spots for treating wrinkles, giving patients the opportunity to treat two concerns instead of just one.

Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is less about getting the nervous sweats before a big presentation and more about always sweating. For people with this condition, the constant sweating can be a professional and personal nightmare, making it difficult to feel comfortable in social or workplace settings.

Botox injections are low maintenance and offer a longer-term alternative to heavy-duty antiperspirants or pills. During the procedure, Botox is injected into the areas where you excessive sweat the most, helping patients stay dry even under the most stressful scenarios. The results of a treatment session usually last between four to six months.

Bladder Dysfunction

For patients with overactive bladders, any trip out of the house can quickly require a plan of detailed action. Luckily, Botox injections for treating overactive bladders is FDA-approved and considered by some physicians as a highly effective response to the condition.

See if Botox is Right for You

While there is no such thing as a miracle drug, Botox certainly comes close by offering patients a non-invasive, highly effective cosmetic treatment that can be used to improve a wide range of conditions. Learn more about the advantages this procedure offers by calling and scheduling an appointment with our Palm Springs specialist today.

 

Not all wrinkles are the same. While some are the result of repeated motions like smiling or laughing, others are caused by changes to collagen production and lost skin elastin. Knowing the difference between facial wrinkles and their causes can help you get the right care at the right time, helping put the aging process on pause.

What makes Different Wrinkle Types Different?

Different causes call for different solutions. While certain creases can be treated effectively be one cosmetic treatment, that isn’t to say that another type of facial wrinkle treated with the same dermal filler or injectable would be reduced as effectively. As a result, identifying the type of facial wrinkle you’ve developed as well as how to pick up on the early signs of aging can drastically change the effectiveness of any future treatments.

Static, Dynamic, and Wrinkle Folds

Based on the different possible causes, wrinkles have been traditionally categorized as static or dynamic.

Static Wrinkles: Environmental Impacts on the Skin

Do your wrinkles appear even when completely relaxed? Chances are you have static wrinkles. Static wrinkles can be thought of as the result of environmental effects, such as sun damage, poor diet, and smoking as well as genes. These factors impact the skin’s collagen production, causing areas to become deficient and lose their elasticity. Combined with the natural slowing of collagen production as patients age, increased exposure to damaging UV rays or smoking can ultimately cause patients to lose skin elasticity and experience sagging skin.

When it comes to treating static wrinkles, a dermal filler is your best bet for restoring supple, natural-looking volume to your face without surgery. Options like Juvederm Voluma and Restylane are each designed to help restore missing volume and treat sagging skin in different parts of the face. These non-surgical cosmetic solutions are developed using hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring compound that helps skin retain much-needed moisture as well as temporarily stimulate collagen production.

Dynamic Changes Call for Dynamic Solutions

In contrast, dynamic wrinkles develop in response to repeated muscle contractions. Crow’s feet, smile lines, forehead wrinkles and lines between the eyebrows are common types of wrinkles that fall within this category. One distinct difference between dynamic and static wrinkles is that dynamic wrinkles only appear following muscle contracture. For example, if you smile and small lines appear next to your eyes and remain in place for several moments after your smile, chances you have dynamic wrinkles.

If left untreated, dynamic wrinkles can become permanent facial features by deepening into deeper static wrinkles. As a result, treating the underlying muscle early is an important step in putting the aging process on hold. At Aesthetic Art of Palm Springs, Dr. Kato has found that patients showing signs of dynamic wrinkles enjoy the best results with Botox treatment. When strategically injected, Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscle, preventing it from future contractions and ultimately keeping existing wrinkles from further creasing. Preventive injections are especially helpful in helping soften the development of new lines without restricting facial movements.

Considering Wrinkle Treatment? Visit Dr. Kato Today

Whether you’ve just noticed your first rhytid or are looking to correct long-standing creases, Aesthetic Art offers the customized care you deserve.  Starting with your first consultation, our experienced Palm Springs cosmetic specialist is dedicated to ensuring you understand your face’s unique needs and have access to the highest quality care available. Learn more about available wrinkle treatment options by calling (760) 610-5558 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kato today!

 

Are you worried that unwanted wrinkles and frown lines may one day plague your face? If you are in your 30s, then you may be contemplating Botox. More specifically, you may be wondering whether or not preventative Botox in your 30s is worth it.

It is time to find out!

If you are considering Botox, then chances are high that you are already somewhat familiar with the procedure. After all, throughout the past several years, Botox has become an extremely popular treatment, for both men and women.

Just so there is no confusion, Botox is used to temporarily paralyze muscles, resulting in a younger, smoother, wrinkle-free appearance. Made from botulinum toxin, which is produced by Clostridium botulinum, Botox can (safely) be injected into individuals in small concentrations. This toxin prevents the abnormal contraction of muscle cells, in turn, allowing the muscles to become less stiff.

While there are a variety of medical reasons as to why a patient may choose or require the injection of Botox, many individuals opt to have treatment for cosmetic purposes.

Though Botox has been proven to be both safe and effective, as with any type of treatment or procedure, rare yet negative side effects can occur, such as: mild pain, numbness, headaches, nausea, bleeding, blurred vision, and swelling. Of course, these negative side effects do not generally last long, and are less likely to take place when the Botox procedure is performed by a skilled and trained professional, such as Dr. Kato of Aesthetic Art.

Now that you are more familiar with the Botox process, as well as its benefits and possible side effects, you are probably still wondering whether or not preventative treatment in your 30s is effective.

Interestingly enough, some people believe the following mantra: “The age you start getting Botox injections, will be the age you stay.”

There is a common pattern today, in which more and more patients are choosing to pursue Botox treatments at a younger age – even as young as late 20s and early 30s – not to get rid of current wrinkles, but to prevent future ones.

As mentioned above, Botox can temporarily paralyze the muscles, but the injection can also help to improve facial posture, which can eventually cause wrinkles. Simply put, when you freeze these muscles, the muscles can no longer move, meaning less wrinkles appearing on your face.

Think of it this way: You have most likely been told time and time again to not scrunch your face, as the action will cause wrinkles. When you get Botox injected into your forehead, you physically will not be able to scrunch your forehead, even if you try. As a result, wrinkles will not be able to form in your forehead, or at least have a much harder time trying to form.

That is how Botox can be seen as a “preventative action” for those in their 30s, before too many wrinkles have become prominent. Basically, you are stopping wrinkles from forming in your forehead (or anywhere on your face) before they truly exist, or get particularly bad.

Does this mean if you run out now and get an injection that you will never have a wrinkle on your face as long as you are alive? Of course not! However, the point can be argued that if you start Botox treatments sooner rather than later, then you may end up with less wrinkles on your face. After all, many believe that the best time to start treating wrinkles is either before they appear, or as soon as they start appearing.

So, is preventative Botox is your 30s worth it? Or, more so, is it worth it for you?

While Botox is a safe, effective, and FDA-approved treatment, only you can decide the most appropriate time to start getting injections.

Further, before you do decide to schedule a Botox consultation, make sure that you have realistic goals and expectations following the procedure, as well as that you are emotionally, physically, and mentally stable. It is true: Botox treatments can help boost your self-esteem, making you look and feel younger, like the very best version of yourself. Yet, make sure you are pursuing treatment for the right reason . . . because you want it, and not someone else.

To learn more about Botox, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kato at Aesthetic Art, contact the professional staff at our Palm Desert, CA office today by calling 760-610-5558.