Dr. Jacono Explains Botox to Women’s Health

Information about Botox injections in New York, NY

Botox: What Is It?

As we age, the face develops fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging pockets. This is due to many factors, including skin laxity and the constant pull of gravity. Repeated muscle contractions from facial expression also cause folds around the eyes, between the brows, and on the forehead. As hard as people try to stop these effects, little can be done without intervention.

Dr. Jacono Discusses Botox

Luckily, cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists have tools at their disposal to treat aging. One of these procedures is Botox, an extremely popular injectable product. Over the last few decades, Botox has risen to mainstream status as a wonder compound that turns back time.

“Botox has been on the market for a long time, and it is just as popular as it was when it first came out,” says Dr. Jacono, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. “This is a testament to its efficacy and reliability as a cosmetic injectable.”

Botox is a simple, non-surgical solution that smooths fine and moderate wrinkles within a matter of days. It can also reduce vertical bands in the neck. Botox is made from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. While this bacterium is toxic in large doses, it has been proven to be safe and effective for cosmetic use.

Botox: How Does It Work

Unlike other cosmetic injectables or dermal fillers, Botox blocks impulses from the facial nerves to certain muscles. After treatment, the muscles relax, and the superficial skin becomes smoother. Muscles that have not been treated can still contract, which allows for completely normal facial expressions. There is a misconception that Botox freezes the face and makes it look unnatural, but this is not true. After treatment, patients look natural. Since its inception, Botox has been an extremely effective option for those seeking a more youthful appearance.

“Botox is unique in that it doesn’t add volume like other injectables,” says Dr. Jacono. “Instead, it smooths wrinkles that already exist. There is a benefit to this. Patients don’t run the risk of coming out of the office looking overdone. Results last between 3 and 4 months, and sometimes longer. So, you’ll look great for a while before you must come in for maintenance treatment.”

When used by an experienced physician, Botox has few side effects, though in some cases, patients may experience pain at the site of injection. Others may have temporary headaches, crooked smiles, or drooling, though these symptoms resolve within a few days.

Botox’s Other Uses

As effective as Botox is for cosmetic purposes, it is also extremely effective at treating different medical conditions. For example, it has been proven to resolve chronic migraines and overactive sweat glands. It can also treat neck spasms, overactive bladders, and even lazy eyes.

“Some patients have come to my office and asked me to inject Botox into their scalps,” says Dr. Jacono. “They’ve seen the research that it can be injected directly into the armpits to prevent excessive sweating.”

In some cases, Botox is combined with other injectables in what is known as a “liquid facelift.” It can be paired with Restylane, Voluma, and Juvéderm, which are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in the body that normally functions as a joint lubricant. When injected, however, it adds volume to specific areas of the face. It can even smooth tough wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid fillers last longer than Botox, between 6 and 12 months. They can also be used to treat smile lines, marionette lines, and dark circles. When combined with Botox, they provide complete facial rejuvenation without the risks associated with more invasive surgery.

The Liquid Facelift

“The liquid facelift is a great alternative to a surgical facelift,” says Dr. Jacono. “There are no cuts, there is no recovery time, and there is very little pain. It is an especially good choice for younger patients who aren’t ready for a bigger commitment and haven’t aged significantly.”

That said, Dr. Jacono and other physicians note that liquid facelifts aren’t quite as effective as their surgical counterparts. While a series of injectables can make the face look smoother, younger, and more attractive, the results are not as dramatic. Most patients will have to revisit their doctor’s office for upkeep every few months to look their best. A single facelift, on the other hand, directly treats underlying structures, and results last for up to 15 years. Even after this time, patients will look better than they did when they initially went in for surgery.

“It depends on the patient’s priorities,” says Dr. Jacono. “It also depends on how far along they are in the aging process. Patients who are older and have developed more wrinkles and folds tend to want something more complete. Younger patients tend to want something simpler and more temporary. In the end, it’s the patient’s decision to go with either a liquid or surgical facelift.”