Botox

This is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces wrinkles without surgery. At Average Dermatology our board certified dermatologist will use botox to treat various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, and excessive sweating. To learn more about the benefits of botox call us or schedule an appointment online!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is botox?

Botox is the only FDA-approved treatment to temporarily reduce the appearance of both moderate and severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. It is a brand name drug made from botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are two different uses of botox including medical and cosmetic.

Cosmetic Botox
Botox works temporarily by paralyzing or weakening muscles which smooths out the overlying skin. Common areas include forehead lines, frown lines (in between the eyebrows), and crow’s feet (around the eyes).

Medical Botox
Botox is FDA-approved to treat medical conditions such as chronic migraines, overactive bladder, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), neck muscle spasms (cervical dystonia), crossed eyes (strabismus), eyelid twitching (blepharospasm).

How does botox work?

Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, which temporarily paralyzes them or weakens them. Normally your nerves release a chemical called acetylcholine between a nerve-ending and a muscle. This chemical binds to receptors on the muscles signaling it to contract. Botox disrupts this signal. It blocks the release of acetylcholine, because without this chemical the muscle cannot contract. This causes temporary muscle relaxation.

How long does botox last?

Botox typically lasts 3-4 months. After 3-5 days of injection you should start seeing results. The full effect takes about 1-2 weeks and it gradually wears off as nerve endings regenerate. Depending on the area it can last a shorter period of time as well. You can maintain your results by returning to Average Dermatology for routine treatments.