Botox is a neurotoxin that has been used in medicine and cosmetics for over 30 years. In the cosmetics industry, it is a popular injectable treatment for wrinkle reduction. One of the most commonly treated areas with Botox is frown lines.
Let’s see why frown lines appear, how Botox reduces their appearance, and how long you can enjoy the results.
What Are Frown Lines?
Frown lines, also called glabellar or 11 lines, are wrinkles that form above the nose and between the eyebrows. They are dynamic wrinkles that appear due to repetitive facial movements.
What Causes Frown Lines?
Excessive frowning, combined with the loss of skin elasticity due to aging, results in frown lines. Genes also play a significant role in the frown lines’ formation. That’s why not everyone who frowns develops prominent elevens.
What Does the Botox Frown Lines Treatment Look Like?
Botox for frown lines is a quick, walk-in cosmetic procedure. The medical provider prepares the patient by cleaning the treatment area with rubbing alcohol. They may also apply a numbing cream to the treatment area if the patient’s pain threshold is low. The provider marks the injection sites in the treatment area and injects Botox in each spot. The injections cause minimal pain and take only a few minutes.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Use Botox to Treat Frown Lines?
The FDA approved Botox for frown lines for people over 18. People under 18 can undergo Botox treatment for cosmetic reasons with a parent’s consent. However, providers will generally still refuse to perform Botox treatments on minors.
How Many Doses of Botox Do You Need to Treat Frown Lines?
Women typically require 20 doses of Botox for frown lines, while men need up to 30 doses. The amount of Botox also depends on the prominence of the frown lines and the patient’s desired effects.
Botox Frown Lines Treatment Aftercare
To ensure Botox settles in the treatment area and doesn’t affect unintended muscles, you must follow the provider’s instructions. They usually involve the following aftercare tips.
- Don’t bend your neck for two hours.
- Don’t lie down for four hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol, nicotine, too much sugar, and salt for a few days.
- Avoid blood-thinners and Ibuprofen for as long as your provider recommends.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Don’t rub or apply pressure to the treatment area for a few days.
What Results Can You Expect from the Botox Frown Line Treatment?
Botox paralyzes the targeted muscle, preventing it from contracting and causing wrinkles. The skin in that area becomes smooth, and lines and wrinkles soften.
If you start with Botox treatments in your 20s as a preventative measure, you may expect the fine lines between your brows to disappear fully. If you undergo a Botox procedure for the first time when you’ve already developed prominent wrinkles, the treatment will reduce the appearance of wrinkles but not eliminate them.
How Long Does the Effect Last?
Botox effects typically last three to six months. For best results, Botox injectors recommend that patients repeat the session after three to four months.
Side Effects
Botox side effects are rare and mild. The most common side effects include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. Headaches are also possible. Very rare and more severe side effects include allergic reactions, droopy eyelids, nausea, and difficulty breathing and swallowing.
The Cost of the Treatment
One unit of Botox at Vibrant Skin Bar will cost $12. The total cost of Botox for frown lines depends on the number of units the patient needs. For patients who require 20 units, the treatment costs $240.
Conclusion
Whether you want to prolong your youthful appearance or get rid of your angry look, Botox can do wonders for your frown lines. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that is quickly gaining popularity among both men and women. Smooth, wrinkle-free facial skin is no longer reserved for Hollywood celebrities.
