Basics of Botox

Botox may not be for everyone but if you’re trying to decide if it’s right for you and want to understand a bit more about it, here’s some more information:

First, Botox is a brand name but the name is often used to describe a whole class of neuromodulators that includes Dysport, Xeomin and others that work in a similar manner. I will use “botox” here to describe these products generally.

With botox, the effect occurs at a specific location where it is injected in the muscle and attaches to nerve endings. Once attached it inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions. This reduces the strength of the muscle, thereby minimizing the appearance of wrinkles as muscles remain relaxed. The effects will generally last for 3-6 months.

One of the most common uses for botox is to treat lines in the upper third of the face. These lines are formed due to repetitive muscle movement. One location is the glabella, where botox is used to treat the “11s” (the lines made when you frown). Botox can also be used to treat horizontal forehead lines, “crow’s feet” and "bunny lines."  There is a large list of areas that can be treated, both on and off label, but these are some of the most common.

“Baby botox” is a term sometimes used to describe treatment with smaller doses but the number of units needed varies from person to person depending on their goals, the treatment areas and strength of muscles. In general though botox can be used to soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles while maintaining natural movement and not “freezing” the face.

It's important to understand that botox works primarily to treat dynamic wrinkles, not static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles appear when you make facial expressions, for example when you furrow your brow or smile. For deeply etched in static lines (present at rest), botox may not help reduce completely and hyaluronic acid fillers could be considered to soften these lines further.

Filler 101

While Botox (and similar neuromodulator) treatments have become fairly commonplace, the idea of injectable fillers may still be a bit of a mystery to some. People may be wary of filler and looking “done” with an image in their mind of an overfilled celebrity. The reality is that filler injections, when done by the right person, should deliver subtle enhancements and harmonization of facial features. 

Hyaluronic acid (HA) based fillers are most frequently used. Common brands include Juvederm, Restylane, etc. HA is a natural substance found in our skin. HA filler is a gel-like substance that can be injected into the area of concern at different depths to help soften a line or fold, lift tissues, or enhance a feature. Over time the filler will gradually be absorbed by your body. The results from filler can be seen immediately and generally last 6-18 months. There are a wide variety of HA filler options, with different thickness or viscosity, intended for different purposes. An advantage of HA fillers is that they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed.

The range of different formulations of filler provides the injector with the ability to select the appropriate product to achieve a specific outcome. Fillers can be used to provide treatments ranging from general facial contouring to lip enhancement to filling under eye hollows to “liquid rhinoplasty.” There is even a class of fillers referred to as biostimulators, like Sculptra or Radiesse, where the injected product encourages the body to produce collagen.

Filler injections are generally quite safe but as with any procedure there are risks, and the risks with filler are greater than those with Botox. Bruising, redness and swelling may occur. Inadvertent injection of filler into a blood vessel can lead to more serious complications including loss of blood supply to the skin or eye. This is one reason why it is extremely important to see a qualified injector who understands facial anatomy as well as how to manage complications should they arise. With strategically placed filler, and when safety and natural looking outcomes are top of mind, we can have great results with filler treatments.

Botox 101

Some basic information for anyone considering cosmetic botox or just curious to learn more... 🔍

Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin A. The name is often used to describe a whole class of neuromodulators / neurotoxins but there are multiple products on the market, like Dysport,  that work in a similar manner. Fun Fact: Canada was the birthplace of cosmetic botox. It was pioneered by Vancouver physicians Drs. Jean & Alastair Carruthers (who I did my fellowship with) 

With botox, the effect occurs at a specific location where it is injected in the muscle. Here the botulinum toxin attaches to nerve endings. Once attached it inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions. It reduces the strength of the muscle, thereby minimizing the appearance of wrinkles as muscles remain relaxed. The effects will generally last for 3-6 months.

One of the most common uses for botox is to treat lines in the upper third of the face. These lines are formed due to repetitive muscle movement. One location is the glabella, where botox is used to treat the “11s” (the lines made when you frown). Botox can also be used to treat horizontal forehead lines, “crow’s feet” and "bunny lines." We also use it to provide an eyebrow lift, to help with dimpling of the chin, and to treat masseters for TMJ pain and to slim the face. There is a large list of areas that can be treated, both on and off label, but these are some of the most common. “Baby botox” (smaller doses) may be used in younger patients to try to prevent the formation of lines over time. 

It's important to understand that Botox works to treat dynamic wrinkles, not static wrinkles.  Dynamic wrinkles only appear when you make facial expressions, for example when you furrow your brow, frown, or smile, so you don't see them when your face is still. For deeply etched in static lines, soft tissue fillers may need to be considered as well.

Only you can decide whether or not botox (or any other cosmetic treatment) is right for you. If you are looking for more information or ready to proceed, speak to a specialist trained in the use of injectables.

Appearance on Skinterviews by Nathan & George

I had a great time on the Skinterviews video podcast talking about everything from my childhood to my career. This is what they had to say about the episode…

“This week on Skinterviews by Nathan & George we head to the West coast. Vancouver, BC to catch up with the exciting, passionate, innovative, and extremely funny @DrKatieBeleznay. This could go down in history as one of the funniest maybe most entertaining episode so far. We got to talk about J-LO and olive oil, Dr. Beleznay growing up on the farm, social media in our industry and how we can collaborate more as an industry to raise the bar for future success and lots more. It was a blast getting to know Dr. Beleznay.”