Botox Cosmetic

Botox is a neuromodulator that smooths the wrinkles on the upper face. Botox helps relax facial muscles and prevents new wrinkles from forming.

Smooth the Wrinkles and Relieve the Stress

Our skin guards the frontlines in our struggle against the effects of aging. It protects us from environmental factors and is often the first sign of recognizable aging. Frowning, concentrating, and squinting can create severe wrinkles between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and at the side of the eyes (crow’s feet).

Fortunately, Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa offers Botox in the Baltimore area to help women and men successfully erase lines caused by years of constant muscle contraction in these areas. Alyson Wells, M.D., F.A.C.S., founder of Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon. She is considered one of the Baltimore-Washington area’s most accomplished plastic surgeons. Dedicated to providing her patients with the highest quality care, Dr. Wells maintains a blog to keep her community more informed.

About Botox in the Baltimore Area

Botox is one of the most popular, minimally-invasive aesthetic procedures in the United States with over 7.7 million treatments performed in 2019.^[1] This popularity results from time-tested proven results and the diminished stigma associated with undergoing cosmetic treatments.

What Exactly Is Botox?

Botox is formulated from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Muscle contractions in the face result from the release of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for neuromuscular communication.^[2] Repetitive muscle tension and contraction can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, around the eyes, and in other locations.

Injecting Botox into the muscles responsible for frown lines and crow’s feet temporarily blocks nerve impulses. This relaxes the muscles and reduces wrinkles that cause the face to look stern or upset. The result is a refreshed and more youthful look. Many people also experience a subtle yet definite lifting of the eyebrows after treating the forehead with Botox. This effect enhances the natural arch of the brow and gives a brighter appearance to the eyes.

Benefits

Despite being known primarily as a wrinkle treatment, Botox has revolutionized the treatment of a variety of conditions related to nerve-muscle interaction. It can treat ophthalmic spastic disorders (muscle twitches), curb hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), help with an overactive bladder, and treat Bell’s Palsy.^[3] 

Suitable Candidates

Suitable candidates for Botox treatment are in good health and want to smooth lines and wrinkles in their upper face. These typically include forehead wrinkles, the “11s”, and crow’s feet. If you are unsure whether the wrinkles you want to treat are appropriate for Botox, ask during your consultation. If your facial wrinkles don’t result from muscle tension, Valley Plastic Surgery will recommend alternative treatments.

About Forehead Wrinkles and Crow’s Feet

Squinting and frowning when you’re a child doesn’t seem to have any lasting effect on your appearance. The repeated contraction of the brow muscles for years, however, produces an accordion effect on the overlying skin. Deep creases, also known as glabellar lines, frown lines or 11s (because the vertical creases resemble the number 11), form in the skin.

Before you know it, your expressive wrinkles start becoming permanent even when the muscles are at rest. Squinting (and expressing happiness by smiling and laughing) can likewise contribute to the sunburst array of lines at the corners of the eyes that we know as crow’s feet.

Your Personal Consultation with Dr. Wells

If you are interested in Botox treatments, the best option is a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Wells. She teaches what she practices: sophisticated surgery with an empathetic demeanor. Dr. Wells takes the time during the initial consultation to get to know every patient and understand their ultimate aesthetic goals and expectations. She will answer all of your questions and discuss Botox and any other treatments that might help you reach your goals.

Her rare combination of impeccable training, keen aesthetic sensibilities, technical skill, and being a great listener sets this Baltimore surgeon apart from the rest. She is board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Dr. Wells serves as a teaching physician at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital and at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) as the Chief of Plastic Surgery. Both Baltimore Magazine and patient review site Real Self have named her a Top Doctor. With Dr. Wells, you should feel secure that one of the best plastic surgeons in the country.

To achieve optimal results from Botox, precise placement of the injections and a thorough understanding of dosage is required.^[4] Dr. Alyson Wells will gladly assist you in identifying the ideal cosmetic enhancement for you. 

Preparation

• Avoid blood-thinners. These include over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen as well as herbal supplements like fish oil, ginseng, and garlic.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin K such as kale, leafy greens, and spinach.
• Refrain from smoking as much as possible. Smoking brings many health risks and should always be avoided. If quitting is not possible, at least refrain from smoking for a few days before and after your Botox injections.
• Follow any personal instructions provided to you by Dr. Wells and Valley Plastic Surgery.

Botox Injections

Botox is a simple procedure to understand, but it requires an expert understanding of anatomy and physiology to achieve the best results. Dr. Wells combines this knowledge with an exquisite instinct for the subtler elements of beauty.

There are many med spas that offer services from Botox injectors, but patients should be wary. To achieve natural-looking results, visit a board-certified surgeon such as Dr. Wells to avoid the unsatisfying results that some med spas produce.

Straightforward Recovery

Recovery and aftercare from Botox is safe and comfortable. Remain upright for at least 4 hours following your procedure to allow Botox the time to settle properly. Avoid touching, itching or rubbing the area that was injected. You should also refrain from strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after your procedure. Avoid blood-thinning medication for a few days after your procedure.

After a Botox session, some patients experience some minor bruising and swelling. These effects should be minimal and usually resolve on their own within the following week. By the third week, you’ll start to notice your final results.

Natural-Looking Results

Botox produces a smoother appearance usually within 3 to 7 days, with the full impact being seen after a month as progressive effacement of the more ingrained lines continues.

Botox creates a noticeable improvement for as long as 4 months. And Botox is not only for women. Men commonly receive Botox treatments to achieve greater vitality and youthfulness in their appearance.

Botox does not completely prevent muscle movement. It reduces muscle activity to produce smoother skin and a rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Wells uses her aesthetic skill and her experience with Botox to produce results that look like the most stunning version of yourself.

Related Treatments

Not all of the effects of aging can be treated with a neuromodulator. Some fine lines and wrinkles result from sun damage, smoking, stress, or a poor diet. Additionally, Botox doesn’t add volume to the face or resolve “sunken” or “gaunt” features. As Botox only affects muscle-related wrinkles, alternative procedures are necessary to treat other unwanted manifestations of maturity.

You may want to combine Botox injections with other treatments for a more complete revitalization. Related options include chemical peels, Latisse eyelash enhancement and fillers and injectables such as Juvéderm, Laviv and Radiesse.

FAQ

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic Surgery Statistics. (2020). Retrieved December 03, 2020, from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/plastic-surgery-statistics
2. Nigam, P. K., & Nigam, A. (2010). Botulinum toxin. Indian journal of dermatology, 55(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.60343
3. Satriyasa B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223–228. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S202919
4. Dover, J. S., Monheit, G., Greener, M., & Pickett, A. (2018). Botulinum Toxin in Aesthetic Medicine: Myths and Realities. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 44(2), 249–260. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001277