Botox

Botox is an injectable wrinkle treatment used here in Seattle, all over the United States, and in more than 70 countries worldwide. Aside from its many cosmetic applications, Botox has also been utilized in a variety of therapeutic treatments. At Dr. Rand’s office in Bellevue, we use Botox to smooth out facial wrinkles and often combine treatment with one of our popular wrinkle fillers.

Who Should Use Botox Cosmetic?

Botox is best for treating facial wrinkles caused by muscle action. Throughout your life, you probably squint or frown a countless number of times, which eventually carves a line into the surface of your skin. Common areas for this to occur are the…

• glabellar region, between and above the brows
• periorbital region – i.e. crow’s feet, horizontal lines near the eyes
• forehead – horizontal lines traveling across the forehead skin

Wrinkles like these begin as dynamic wrinkles, meaning they are not visible unless your facial muscles contract. Over time, they become static wrinkles – which are always visible on the skin surface.

How Botox cosmetic works

Botox is made with a miniscule amount of the botulinum toxin. When injected, the product inhibits the release of acetylcholine, which effectively stops the contraction of small, localized facial muscles. Those muscles enter into a temporary paralysis during the days following your treatment, and lines and wrinkles gradually flatten out to become unnoticeable.

Treatment requires injections, which are relatively comfortable and can use a numbing cream if necessary. Dr. Rand identifies the areas for injection that will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and injects a specific does of Botox beneath the skin. Total treatment time can be under ten minutes and there is no downtime – you can return to your normal routine (aside from rigorous exercise) immediately.

Botox FAQ

How long does Botox last?

Results of Botox typically last 3 to 4 months.

Will my results look natural?

The results will be noticeable but natural. Only specific areas are treated, so facial expressions will appear normal after Botox.

What type of physician should I see for Botox treatment?

Although both plastic surgeons and dermatologists may be excellent Botox injectors, the plastic surgeon has the advantage of operating on many of the underlying muscles that are injected. They are therefore able to visualize these muscles and their depth and relative location in their minds eye more easily than doctors who have not done this.