Repeated facial expressions like smiling, laughing, and frowning can result in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the upper face. With Botox, you can smooth out your lines and wrinkles to express a younger version of yourself. Dr. Christopher Newman is a board-certified plastic surgeon offering effective Botox injections in St. Petersburg, FL.

What is Botox?

Botox® Cosmetic (botulinum toxin A) is a purified protein used to relax muscles that cause those unwanted vertical and horizontal frown lines on the face. Botox cosmetic is derived from a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, which disrupts the connection between neurotransmitters and muscles. When injected, Botox temporarily relaxes the facial muscles that are responsible for repeated facial expressions such as frowning, squinting, or scowling. These repeated movements and expressions result in lines and wrinkles such as frown lines, smile lines, “eleven” lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, or forehead wrinkles. Botox Cosmetic is a safe alternative to surgical rejuvenation of the face when administered by the right hands.

Botox was originally used to safely treat blepharospasm for over 10 years. In 2002, Botox Cosmetic was approved by the FDA for the nonsurgical treatment of glabellar lines. Since its FDA approval, it has become the most common nonsurgical cosmetic treatment in the United States. Today, in addition to cosmetic use, Botox is also used to treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating, or twitching or spasming muscles.

Who is a Candidate for Botox?

Candidates for Botox in the St. Petersburg area are those who want to achieve a younger appearance without the use of a surgical procedure. Botox can effectively improve the appearance of fine lines in the corners of the eyes known as crow’s feet, lines between the brows, forehead lines, and similar folds or creases. Generally, the treatment is suitable for any wrinkles that are worsened by the movement of facial muscles. Botox can be used to reduce wrinkles in both men and women.

In some cases, those with certain illnesses or diseases, including neurological problems or those that cause excessive bleeding, should not have Botox injections. In rare instances, those with extremely sensitive skin may also have negative reactions to the product; Dr. Newman may request that you have an allergy test before choosing the treatment. Finally, some types of wrinkles may not be suitably treated with Botox injections, so Dr. Newman may recommend other services to achieve your desired results.

The wrinkles that Botox can treat only include dynamic wrinkles, meaning that they are caused by repetitive movement and can be softened by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles. Plastic Surgeon Dr. Christopher Newman utilizes Botox Cosmetic in Largo, Florida with other treatment options to smooth out deep permanent (static) lines that Botox alone cannot accomplish. This underscores the importance of being treated by a clinician who doesn’t just know Botox. Your treating clinician should know and understand the 3-dimensional contribution of all layers of facial anatomy including muscle, fascia, and skin. Dr. Newman may recommend, for example, that you consider a combination of Botox and dermal filler injections to treat wrinkles throughout the face. Patients in the entire Tampa Bay area (including New Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Belleair, Seminole, Largo, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Plant City, and Lakeland Florida) travel to St. Petersburg to have Dr. Newman administer Botox because of his expertise and consistent results.

The Botox Procedure

At Florida Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Largo, Florida, Botox Cosmetic is administered by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Christopher Newman. Being a plastic surgeon, Dr. Newman takes advantage of his surgical experience and knowledge of facial anatomy to deliver the purified protein Botox Cosmetic (to the exact area intended. This results in more effective treatment and consistent results. The treatment process will begin with the use of a topical anesthetic to numb the area. A small amount of Botox will then be placed by injection in the target area. This will include several injections around the brows and forehead. Botox injections can be completed quickly; typically, an appointment for Botox injections can be completed in as little as 15-30 minutes.

Results from Botox treatment are not permanent as the body naturally and safely metabolizes the product over time. Typically, patients will see reduced wrinkles and smoother skin for about four months after their Botox treatment. However, if you wish to maintain your results, you can have maintenance injections. Most people who receive Botox treatment also report that their results typically last longer as they continue to have repeated maintenance injections over time. Dr. Newman will make recommendations regarding a treatment plan that will help you maintain your results if you choose.

Downtime and Recovery

There is no required downtime after treatment with Botox and patients can get back to their regular routine. However, it is recommended that patients avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after treatment. Patients can expect some swelling, itching, and redness at the injection sites. These minor side effects should resolve very quickly.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about Botox or to schedule your free Botox consultation with Dr. Newman in St. Petersburg, FL, contact our office today.

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