There’s little question that Botox® and similar injectable cosmetic treatments have taken the medical aesthetics field by storm. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a beauty treatment in 2002, Botox and botulinum toxin type A injections now account for over seven million treatments every year.
Because of this popularity, everyone wants in on the action, patients and clinics alike. However, there are reasons why it’s important to choose a medical professional to administer your Botox-type treatment. Dr. Richard Blanchar and the team at Bayview General Medicine provide everything you need to feel confident about your treatment, and here’s why.
Knowledge of anatomy is a crucial part of a doctor’s education. Complicating things further are the unique quirks, the slight differences in anatomy that make you who you are.
Why is this important for Botox injections? Well, the lines, creases, and wrinkles treated by botulinum toxin type A come from the semi-permanent contraction of facial expression muscles. Frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet have little to do with the condition of your skin and much to do with the underlying muscles.
The botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin. It acts, temporarily, on muscles, blocking their motor nerve signals, forcing them to relax. The tiny traces of this toxin, as used for aesthetic treatment, is enough to cause a contracted muscle to ease up, and as it relaxes, your facial appearance smooths.
There are seven muscles central to Botox treatment, each in a slightly different spot in every patient. Who do you want injecting botulinum toxin in your face? A medical clinic with a doctor trained in anatomy, or a cosmetician who specializes in fingernails and toenails? Dr. Blanchar is a Botox specialist.
Unlike many medications, there’s no generic version of Botox. There are, however, other formulations of cosmetic treatment based on the botulinum toxin type A. Each of these is manufactured in different ways, with their own unique properties. In addition to Botox, Dysport® and Xeomin® use versions of the botulinum toxin type A.
However, these formulas are not interchangeable. They have their own characteristics and dosages, and they’re definitely not “mix and match” treatments. Once again, it’s important to choose a trained professional who understands what these differences mean, and how they might affect the outcome of your treatment.
The dangers of Botox and other botulinum toxin cosmetic products is exceedingly small. The most common side effect is irritation around the injection sites, and that typically passes in a day or two. However, there are potential “worst-case” side effects that could happen due to errors in the injections, whether the dosage or the location.
Skilled Botox practitioners like Dr. Blanchar and his team eliminate virtually all the risks of an already safe treatment. You’ll also have the comfort of knowing you’re under the care of a fully qualified physician should an unlikely complication develop.
You live with the results of a Botox treatment between three and six months, so you want the job done right, safely, the first time. Contact Bayview General Medicine by phone or online to schedule your consultation. Choosing the right professional for your Botox treatment is important, and Dr. Blanchar and his team are the experts you need.
