BOTOX®

To arrange a consultation for BOTOX^®, contact Portland’s Waldorf Center. Fill out an online contact form or call 503-646-0101.

Any type of facial movement—such as frowning, smiling, squinting, chewing, or pursing the lips—can contribute to the development of wrinkles. The lines or creases that form in our skin due to facial expressions are known as expression wrinkles. When our skin is young, is plump and has good elasticity, these lines are faint and disappear when our skin returns to a resting position. As time goes on, however, the wrinkles can become deeper and more etched in.

Unfortunately, these wrinkles can make you look tired or unhappy—even when you aren’t. Happily, there’s a method for relaxing the muscles below the skin to soften these wrinkles: BOTOX^®.

How does BOTOX^® work to reduce wrinkles? Before exploring the benefits of this treatment, it’s important to understand what it is and how it operates. BOTOX^® is a safe, effective form of botulinum toxin type A—also known as an injectable neurotoxin or neuromodulator—used for the treatment of wrinkles. Botulinum toxin, which is derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, is the primary active ingredient for relaxing facial muscles.

BOTOX^® works by disrupting the transmission of the electrical impulses from the nerve endings to the muscles, so that the muscles can no longer contract as they usually would. This prevents specific facial muscles from moving for a limited time by blocking certain chemical signals.

What areas can you treat with BOTOX^®? This injectables is FDA-approved for three signs of aging: forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines or frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet next to the eyes. It’s intended for relaxing moderate to severe facial wrinkles. BOTOX^® also has many off-label uses, such as correcting bunny lines next to the nose, a dimpled chin, and neck bands, or for slimming a square jaw to re-shape the face.

You may be wondering, “Who does BOTOX^® work best for?” On the other hand, a good question to ask may be: “Is there anyone who shouldn’t get BOTOX^®?”

Here’s what you should know about what would make someone eligible for this cosmetic injectable. Adults who are searching for a quick, temporary way of addressing certain conditions will likely be good candidates for BOTOX^®.

This treatment is not recommended for patients who have active skin infections, are unwell in any other way, have allergies to ingredients in the product, have certain types of neuromuscular conditions, are taking certain medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

More information on our injectors’ depth of experience and the importance of selecting a recognized and reputable provider is available.

How do you prepare for BOTOX^® injections? This is an in-office, non-surgical procedure that does not require much preparation. However, it’s important to let our team know about your medical history and any allergies or other medical conditions you have. Certain types of medications and supplements increase the risk of bruising at the injection site. If you take blood thinners, you may need to stop taking them several days before your appointment to reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Injections take only a few minutes and are done using an ultrathin needle. There is some mild discomfort from the needle, but we will ice the area for added comfort pre-treatment. A topical anesthetic is rarely necessary.

BOTOX^® requires no recovery period, although you may experience some mild bruising or tenderness at the injection sites for a short time. Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure the treated areas for 24, because doing so could cause the medication to spread to other areas and negatively impact your results.

How soon after BOTOX^® do you notice results? Can you see BOTOX^® results right away? It’s important to understand that this treatment does not work instantly. Instead, it takes some time to take effect on the facial muscles and block the signals that trigger muscle contractions. In most cases, you will notice some visible improvements within three to four days after this treatment, but it can take up to 14 days for the full results to show. When the muscles stop contracting, wrinkles don’t form on the surface and the appearance of the skin improves.

The results will gradually show over the next two weeks and will last three to four months for most people.* Patients who want to maintain their results can return for follow-up treatments. Retreatment is recommended when the results wear off.

The experienced surgeons at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery—Dr. Kathleen Waldorf and Dr. Rachel Streu—built the practice on a foundation of providing patients with highquality, ethical care. One of their guiding principles is a belief that cosmetic surgery is as much an art as it is a science.