Botox
BOTOX in Surrey, B.C.
Our Vancouver & Fraser Valley service areas include Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows and Mission, BC.
Botox is one of the most trusted names in injectable treatment, thanks to its longstanding reputation for minimizing unwanted lines and wrinkles on the face. When it comes to tackling forehead, crowsfeet and frown lines, patients in British Columbia know to trust the skilled doctors and nurse injection specialist at the Plastic Surgery Group at City Centre for this non-invasive treatment.
Botox is an injectable treatment that uses botulinum toxin type A to immobilize facial muscles. Because the facial muscles used to make common facial expressions can create , creases thinning and aging skin (known as “dynamic wrinkles”), the best way to minimize these lines is to block the nerve’s chemical signals that tell the muscles to contract. This gives the lines an opportunity to fade from visibility.
BENEFITS OF BOTOX
Whereas dermal fillers are designed to add volume to areas with lost fat and thinning skin, Botox addresses dynamic lines, including:
- Brow lines (straight lines across the forehead)
- Frown lines (vertical lines found between the eyebrows)
- Crow’s feet (small wrinkles at the outer corner of the eyes)
- Bunny lines (wrinkles on the bridge of the nose)
Botox also accomplishes other goals such as:
- Elevating and shaping eyebrows to provide a more youthful position and curvature
- Lowering an over-active upper lip to prevent a gummy smile
- Everting the upper lip to create slight volume
- Facial slimming related to an overactive masseter muscle
- Preventing the mouth corners from turning and pulling down
- Relaxing prominent platysmal bands to give the neck smoother contours
- Providing definition to the jawline
- Minimizing discomfort related to chronic migraines and TMJ
- Blocking excess perspiration in the arm pits and hands of patients with hyperhidrosis
BOTOX TREATMENT DETAILS
Each patient is assessed for their unique injection pattern. Just prior to the treatment, ice or a vibrating device is used to reduce any momentary discomfort from the injection. . A Botox injection is straightforward and completed in under a few minutes. Our professional injection team understands the precise injection point and amount of Botox necessary to fulfill the patient’s cosmetic goals.
BOTOX RECOVERY
Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after their treatment. Our experts do recommend that patients avoid sun exposure, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for at least a day to help minimize swelling.
BOTOX RESULTS – HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?
Botox does not produce immediate results because the existing lines need a chance to fade after the facial muscles are immobilized. The deeper the lines are prior to treatment, the longer they will need to disappear. It can take a few days to a couple weeks for patients to see the benefits. Therefore, if a patient is choosing Botox to rejuvenate his or her face before a social event, we recommend scheduling an appointment at least a couple weeks ahead of this event.
On average, Botox keeps muscles frozen for three to four months. At that point, muscle movements will resume, and lines will begin to form on the skin again — unless the patient returns for another injection.
HOW MUCH DOES BOTOX COST?
The price of Botox depends on how many treatment areas the patient requests, as well as how much Botox is necessary to freeze the specific muscles. Our practice offers competitive pricing for injectable treatments.
Botox FAQs
What kinds of lines does Botox not treat?
Botox is highly successful at treating dynamic lines and wrinkles, which are those that form on the skin from facial muscle movements. Unfortunately, Botox is not effective at treating static lines, which are those that develop due to skin laxity and volume loss in the face. The good news is that these lines, typically found on the lower half of the face, can be improved with dermal fillers, which are volumizing and hydrating injectable treatments like Juvéderm, Restylane, and Radiesse.
How safe is Botox?
Although the word “toxin” in botulinum toxin intimidates some people, Botox is considered a very safe treatment, especially when performed by an experienced, knowledgeable injector. Side effects tend to be mild and temporary, with no downtime. Our team will review your allergies and medical history prior to a Botox treatment to ensure that you are unlikely to have an adverse response to the treatment. There is no evidence of long-term effects from using Botox, with many patients finding they need less frequent treatments to smooth out dynamic lines.
Can I avoid cosmetic surgery with Botox?
Although plastic surgery remains the most effective way to rejuvenate and transform your face, Botox is a good way to meet many of your cosmetic goals without needing an invasive procedure. Some of our patients have opted for Botox injections instead of surgeries like brow lift or eyelid lift. If you are undecided, come speak to our specialists to determine what the right cosmetic plan for you is.
At what age can a patient start having Botox?
Botox is appropriate for patients who are 18 and older, but most people do not have a cosmetic need for this injectable until their late 30s or 40s. That is the point when most people start to notice lines on their face linger for longer after making a facial expression. However, the exact timeline can differ significantly from one person to the next, depending largely on genetics and sun exposure.
Can Botox be combined with other cosmetic treatments?
Yes, at the Plastic Surgery Group, Botox is frequently combined with other aesthetic treatments, particularly other non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments. During a consultation, our specialists can devise a customized treatment plan that best fulfills your cosmetic goals.
How does Botox treat migraines?
Botox was first discovered to have this ability by cosmetic Botox patients who also happened to have chronic migraines. Since Botox is effective at blocking nerve signals, experts believe it can minimize pain signals that are transmitted to the brain. While Botox is not known for stopping migraines completely, patients have found that they help make migraines duller and less frequent.
How does Botox diminish sweating?
Health Canada has approved Botox for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, or excessive perspiration. By impeding many of the nerve signals that activate sweat, Botox can help diminish the level of discomfort and embarrassment that accompanies sweatiness. Most patients use Botox in their armpits for this purpose, but it can also be effective on the feet and hands.