Botox

Botox® and other neuromodulators (e.g. Dysport, Xeomin) are a natural and safe method of temporarily improving wrinkles and signs of aging. Botox can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and TMJ issues, among other things. Treatments are simple, with effects generally lasting 3-6 months.

Natural Results by a Board-Certified Dermatologist

Neuromodulators, commonly known by brand names like Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are a safe and highly effective method of temporarily smoothing dynamic wrinkles. As a leading board-certified dermatologist in Vancouver, Dr. Katie Beleznay specializes in delivering natural-looking, refreshed results that preserve your facial expressions.

The Science Behind Botox: How It Smooths Out Wrinkles

Botulinum toxin type A is a protein that specifically addresses the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles through several mechanisms.

  • Inhibiting acetylcholine release, a neurotransmitter crucial for muscle contractions
  • Relaxing targeted muscles upon injection to diminish existing lines and creases
  • Preventing the development of new wrinkles by decreasing muscle movement that causes wrinkles

This leads to an appearance that is subtly enhanced and looks refreshed while avoiding a "frozen" expression when correctly dosed and injected by an expert.

Popular Botox Treatment Areas

Botox and other neuromodulators provide non-surgical solutions for diminishing facial lines and can help with contouring the face. The most frequently targeted areas for cosmetic and therapeutic Botox include:

  • Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines or "11s"): The vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows when concentrating or frowning. Botox serves to lessen their prominence, creating a more relaxed and approachable look.
  • Forehead Wrinkles: Resulting from the activity of the frontalis muscle. With precise Botox injections, these horizontal creases become softer and less pronounced, leading to a smoother forehead.
  • Crow’s Feet: Fine lines that emerge around the outer corners of the eyes due to smiling and the contractions of the orbicularis oculi muscles.
  • Botox Brow Lift: Strategic placement of neuromodulators can subtly lift the tail of the brow, opening up the eye area for a more rested appearance.
  • Masseter Botox (Jaw Slimming & TMJ): Injecting the masseter muscles helps relieve jaw clenching and teeth grinding (TMJ) while simultaneously slimming the lower face for a more contoured, V-shaped jawline.
  • Lip Flip: A subtle enhancement that relaxes the muscles around the mouth, allowing the upper lip to gently roll outward for a slightly fuller appearance without the use of dermal fillers.
  • Trap botox (aka “Barbie botox”): Helps relax tense trapezius muscles, leading to the appearance of a more slender and elongated neck.
  • Nefertiti Neck Lift & Neck Bands: Botox can be used to relax the platysma bands in the neck, softening vertical neck cords and lifting the lower face and jawline.
  • Hyperhidrosis: Botox can be used to treat excessive underarm sweating by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate sweat glands.

Botox vs. Fillers: Choosing the Right Cosmetic Treatment

Understanding the distinctions between Botox and fillers can aid in selecting an appropriate cosmetic procedure. Botox minimizes wrinkles that result from muscular contractions of the face, as well as preventing their formation with regular use. Conversely, fillers — particularly those with hyaluronic acid — are optimal for restoring volume, softening folds, and redistributing tissue to help provide lift. They can also be used to enhance features like lips or the chin, for example, or to help provide symmetry and proportion to the face.

In a single treatment session, it’s possible to include both Botox and fillers as part of a 360 degree treatment plan.

Tailored Plans: Consultation and Customization

Botox treatments are not universally applicable in the same way for everyone. Customized strategies take into account each individual’s distinct facial structure and personal aesthetic objectives to preserve natural-looking expressions. The process of consulting about Botox includes conversations concerning one’s goals for their appearance, any relevant health issues, past treatment experiences, and expected outcomes to craft an action plan specifically designed for that patient.

Determining precise dosages of Botox is a critical step influenced by various attributes including specific areas on the face being targeted, severity of wrinkles present as well as muscle bulk. With such tailored applications of Botox treatments, patients can achieve a refreshed look while retaining their ability for dynamic facial movements and expressions which helps ensure a natural looking outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Botox cost in Vancouver? Your total treatment cost depends on the specific areas being treated and the strength of your facial muscles. During your consultation with Dr. Beleznay, we will assess your aesthetic goals and provide a customized treatment plan with exact pricing.

What is the difference between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin? Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are all Health Canada-approved neuromodulators derived from botulinum toxin type A. They work similarly to relax muscles and smooth wrinkles. The primary differences lie in their specific formulations and manufacturing processes. Dr. Beleznay will recommend the best product for your specific anatomy and goals.

How long does Botox take to work? While some patients notice a softening of lines within 3 to 5 days, it typically takes 10 to 14 days to see the final results of your Botox treatment.

Will my face look "frozen" after Botox? No. When administered by an expert, Botox is dosed precisely to soften dynamic wrinkles while still allowing for natural facial expressions. Our goal is a refreshed, rested appearance..

What is post-treatment care for Botox? After your treatment, we recommend following the "4-hour rule," which means remaining upright and avoiding lying flat for at least 4 hours. You should also avoid rubbing the treated area, strenuous exercise, and excessive heat (like saunas) for 24 hours to ensure the product does not migrate to unintended muscles.

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Patient Reviews

"I don't like needles so no botox or filler for me but I see Dr. Beleznay and her team for laser treatments for my skin and recently tried Emface and am quite happy with the results. They put on good numbing on to help with pain and leave that on for a bit which is nice. It’s better than the EMLA wrap I had before."
"Dr. Beleznay is so kind, professional, and an absolute expert at what she does! I am grateful I not only met her but her treatments have never felt short of amazing!"
"OK I’m going to admit I came in and was a little uncertain of what to expect. I was anxious about the consult and just doing treatments in general, but she and her team made me feel very comfortable and I love love love my results! I’m so glad I got off my sofa and came in!"
"Enjoyed my meeting with Dr. Beleznay. The building is hard to get into with construction, but they paid for my parking which was a nice perk. The experience was pleasant without too much pain. I also like my new skincare routine."

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Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology
943 W Broadway #820, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E1
For brand or media inquiries please email katie@katiebeleznay.com.