Botox

What is Botox?

Botox is a type of injectable neuromodulator that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Doctors also use it to treat neck spasms, urinary incontinence, lazy eyes, chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and more. Made up of onabotulinumtoxinA, a neurotoxin, Botox prevents muscle movement in its injection site.

How does Botox work?

Botox works by blocking chemical signals from the nerves that aid in muscle contraction. Because of these blocked signals, the muscles at the injection site can no longer contract, preventing wrinkles from forming on the skin atop them.

Once the muscles relax, your skin smoothes out and presents a fresh, more youthful appearance. Botox is more often used to treat the following types of wrinkles:

• Crow’s-feet
• Horizontal forehead wrinkles
• Wrinkles between the eyebrows
• Frown lines
• Chin dimples
• Lip lines
• Bunny lines around the nose
• Marionette lines around the mouth

Dr. Albaugh recommends Botox primarily to treat dynamic wrinkles (those formed by muscle movement). Static wrinkles (saggy skin) are best treated with dermal fillers.

What can I expect from my Botox treatment?

Before the procedure, Dr. Albaugh recommends coming in for an initial consultation to talk about your medical history and design your individualized treatment plan. 

He may ask you to move your face around and make certain facial expressions to determine the right injection points for your desired results.

At your second appointment, Dr. Albaugh marks the treatment areas before applying a mild cleanser and a numbing cream or ice to make the session as comfortable as possible. He then injects Botox into the targeted facial muscles and applies pressure to reduce inflammation.

Botox is a minimally invasive treatment that requires little to no downtime. In most cases, you can resume your regular activities right away. 

Following the treatment, avoid lying down for approximately four hours and resist the urge to rub your face. You must wait at least 24 hours to exercise after the treatment.

While Botox causes very few side effects, it’s normal to expect:

• Minor bruising
• Facial inflammation
• Numbness
• Redness at the injection site

Dr. Albaugh performs safe, effective Botox treatments at his Oxnard office. Call Visage Ventura Medi-Spa or book an appointment online for more information.