Wrinkle development is a natural part of life as the skin loses its elasticity with age. Various elements contribute to the forming of wrinkles, such as genetics, lifestyle, skin type, skincare regimen, gender, and how stress is handled. Expression wrinkles, which are the initial wrinkles that show up on the face, are often the result of frequent facial movements. When the muscles are in frequent motion, the skin creases, leading to wrinkles. More active facial expressions are more likely to make wrinkles appear earlier. Simple activities like squinting due to wearing glasses or poor eyesight may also expedite the arrival of wrinkles on the face. Generally, wrinkles can be seen around the age of 20-25 and become more pronounced by 30-45.

Skin wrinkles can appear due to a variety of reasons, with muscle activity being a major contributor. To reduce the visibility of wrinkles, various strategies of impacting the muscles may be used. One of the most successful treatments is the injection of botulinum toxin as part of a Botox procedure. At our North York clinic, a Botox injection works by relaxing the tissues, preventing wrinkles from forming by obstructing the signals going between the nerves and the muscles. The result of this is the tightening and smoothing of tissues, contributing to a significantly improved appearance.

Injections of Botox are a common way to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and creases on the face. Results of the procedure can usually be seen in five to seven days, with the complete effect becoming visible after two weeks. The onset of the effect of Botox can vary depending on the individual, with some people noticing it as soon as two days after the procedure and others needing up to a month. People that have a history of botulism or have been treated with high doses of Botox for medical reasons might not be affected. However, this makes up less than one percent of all people, and for the majority of people Botox injections are safe and produce impressive outcomes.

The potential risks that can hinder the efficiency of Botox injections are:

• Individual sensitivity to the drug or its components
• Inflammation of the area to be treated
• Skin lesions at the site of injection
• Pregnancy and lactation period
• Adverse neuromuscular effect
• High degree of myopia
• Concurrent medication (especially antibiotics and antiaggregants)
• Any illnesses or acute diseases (autoimmune diseases, clotting issues, chronic lung disorders, diabetes)
• Age under 18 (in certain medical circumstances Botox injections are permitted from the age of 2).

You can be confident that you will be able to go back to your regular routine right after the Botox injection process. The injection itself is fast and straightforward, but it takes several hours or even a day for the Botox to be fully absorbed into the tissues. To ensure the best results, we advise that you adhere to the following limitations:

• Do not sleep or lie down (3-4 hours)
• Refrain from taking medications that affect blood clotting
• Avoid the use of alcohol (1 day)
• Do not touch the skin where the injection was performed (2 days)
• Do not tilt your head down for an extended period of time – for example, to clean floors (2 days)
• Do not exercise (2 days)
• Avoid direct or sustained heat, such as a hot bath, sauna, direct hot air from a hairdryer (10 days)

Are you considering a Botox injection? Visit our beauty clinic specializing in Botox near the North York area. We are located at the intersection of Major MacKenzie Dr. West and Dufferin (near Yummy Market). Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation regarding Botox.