For little lines and wrinkles, there’s no solution more tried and true than BOTOX. That’s why it’s by far the number one cosmetic procedure in the U.S. with millions of treatments every year. It’s been in the toolbox of physicians for nearly 20 years, an easy way to wipe out wrinkles with no plastic surgery required. Did you know your primary care doctor can do BOTOX treatments, too? You don’t have to see a plastic surgeon. Many primary care physicians and nurse practitioners are trained to offer BOTOX treatments as a convenience to their patients.
What Is BOTOX?
Think about those very common lines in your face, the ones we all get from frowning, squinting and raising our eyebrows. They’re a part of life, but we don’t have to live with them. BOTOX is a naturally occurring protein that temporarily removes facial lines non-invasively through a simple injection. BOTOX has been proven safe and effective and is backed by more than 15 years of clinical studies. When injected by a trained professional, the BOTOX protein blocks nerve signals to the muscles and prevents them from contracting. This causes muscles to relax and smoothes the skin.
What Is BOTOX Used to Treat?
According to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, BOTOX treatments are by far the most common non-invasive procedure in the U.S., with more than seven million procedures in 2017. Approved for cosmetic uses in the early 2000s, BOTOX has a track record of nearly 20 years of successful and safe use to temporarily treat facial lines. Some of the most common trouble spots are frown lines around the mouth, crow’s feet around the eyes and forehead lines. We’re also using it to treat bunny lines around the nose and upper lip. These are all nagging little issues, but they can do so much to damage self-esteem. That’s why a non-invasive, inexpensive treatment like BOTOX can have such a big impact.
Who’s Getting BOTOX? What Age Should I Start?
The stereotypical BOTOX user is often a woman in her 40s or 50s. But as the manufacturer says, it’s not about your age, it’s about your lines. We’re starting to see more clients in their early 30s as those tiny lines begin to crop up. Everyone’s lines develop differently based on factors ranging from genetics to sun exposure to facial expressions so everyone’s needs will be different. We should also note that more men are using BOTOX to treat crow’s feet, forehead lines and frown lines. In many cases, getting BOTOX treatments from a primary care provider is an ideal option for men and women who don’t have more extensive plastic surgery needs.
What Should I Expect at My First BOTOX Treatment?
The most important upside of a noninvasive treatment like BOTOX is that it’s quick and easy with essentially no downtime. There’s no anesthesia or complicated prep involved, and treatments can be done quickly and safely in your primary care physician’s office. Your practitioner will inject BOTOX into the area of concern using a very small needle. You’ll just feel a small pinch at each site, and the entire treatment usually only takes 20 minutes. You may see results within 3 days but full results are typically seen at 10 – 14 days. Other than the possibility of bruising, side effects are rare. We suggest you plan your treatment a few weeks in advance of a special event so that the results will be visible and any minor bruising will be gone. You can easily return to work or normal activities after your treatment. You should not exercise vigorously for 10-12 hours and you should not lie down for 4 hours. Also, remember not to rub the injection site. These precautions help make sure BOTOX stays where it was placed.
How Long Does BOTOX Last?
Remember, BOTOX treatments are not permanent, so they need to become a regular part of your health and beauty routine. The skin-firming component of the BOTOX protein gradually wears off, but results typically last for up to three months. This will vary based on how strong your muscles are in the area being treated. Considering the low cost and ease of treatment, BOTOX is a terrific alternative to plastic surgery.
Can My Primary Care Provider Offer BOTOX?
The good news is you don’t need to go to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for BOTOX treatments. But you should avoid so-called BOTOX parties and treatment from unqualified individuals. BOTOX can be risky when administered by someone without the right training. With counterfeit injections circulating in some circles, you want to be sure that you’re getting the real thing and that the person doing the injection has the experience and training required.
In many cases, your primary care provider is the best person for the job. You’re working with a trusted and trained medical professional who understands your health status, medications and pre-existing conditions. Your primary care provider is becoming a one-stop-shop for your well being. At Comprehensive Primary Care, we work to keep our patients looking and feeling good. We offer BOTOX and other injectables at our Bethesda and Woodley Park locations. We have the tools and training to make sure your non-invasive cosmetic needs are being met safely and beautifully.