Fine lines and wrinkles can be a point of frustration for many individuals, especially as time passes. Luckily, there is a solution to help smooth and soften those lines. Botox, the popular cosmetic treatment, has gained much attention in recent years as a proven method for reducing the appearance of wrinkles for up to six months.
At Gifted Medspa in Cary, NC, we focus on providing high-quality and reliable Botox injections. Our team, led by Anna Ciccolini, PA-C, and Darren Ciccolini, PA-C, is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and results with integrity. With their combined years of experience in emergency medicine and specialized training in aesthetic treatments such as Botox, our team consistently provides clinical excellence and a comfortable patient experience. Whether you are a seasoned Botox user or a first-time patient, you can trust our team at Gifted Medspa for safe and effective results.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a cosmetic treatment that has been used for years to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is short for botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into certain facial muscles, Botox can temporarily paralyze their activity, causing wrinkles to relax and soften. The treatment often addresses wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows.
How You Can Benefit from Botox
Botox injections have been around for a while, mainly popularized for cosmetic purposes, but recent studies have shown that Botox treatment has a broad range of therapeutic benefits.
Fewer Wrinkles on Your Skin
One of the main benefits of Botox is that it can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles, which helps smooth the skin.
Can Prevent New Wrinkles
In addition to reducing the appearance of existing wrinkles, Botox can also help to prevent new wrinkles from forming. This is because Botox prevents the muscles from contracting, which can help to prevent new lines and wrinkles from forming.
Quick Treatment With No Downtime
Botox is a quick and easy treatment that can be done in minutes. There is no need for anesthesia or recovery time, meaning you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Has a Multitude of Uses
Commonly known as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, Botox has several medical applications. The neurotoxin can treat conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms. While Botox is predominantly associated with the beauty industry, its versatile uses in medicine demonstrate its potential to enhance the quality of life for those suffering from certain conditions.
What Can Botox Treat?
Botox is an extremely versatile treatment that can be used to address a number of dynamic lines and wrinkles — those that appear with every facial expression you make. The most common concerns treated with Botox injections include:
- Crow’s feet
- Forehead wrinkles
- Frown lines
- Lip lines
- Bunny lines around the nose
- Jawline slimming
- Chin dimples
- Neck bands
- Lip augmentation (the ‘lip flip’)
Botox is also FDA-approved to treat certain medical conditions, such as excessive sweating, muscle spasms, jaw clenching and teeth grinding, migraines and an overactive bladder. During your consultation at Gifted Medspa, we’ll discuss which areas would benefit most from Botox based on your facial anatomy and goals to develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.
What to Expect From Your Botox Treatment
At Gifted Medspa, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction during your Botox treatment. Before the procedure, we take the time to listen to your unique needs and preferences to ensure your treatment plan will help you achieve your goals, recommending the right dosage and approach. Here’s what to expect before, during and after your appointment.
Preparation
Botox involves little to no prep time, making it a convenient option for busy individuals. Before administering your treatment, we will first cleanse your skin and mark the injection sites for accuracy. While ice or a topical numbing cream may be applied to ensure your comfort, each injection lasts just a few seconds, and the process is well-tolerated by most patients.
Injection
Each Botox injection is done swiftly and accurately, strategically placed to provide maximum results. You may feel a slight pinch at the injection sites that quickly subsides. Only a small amount of Botox is needed in each area, but the exact dosage can vary depending on your needs, goals and anatomy. Men have larger facial muscles and typically require more product to achieve their desired results. Our skilled injectors, Anna Ciccolini, PA-C and Darren Ciccolini, PA-C, will discuss how many units you’ll need so you know exactly what to expect.
Post-Treatment
After your Botox treatment, you’ll be free to return home and resume all normal activities. You may experience slight swelling, bruising or redness at the injection sites, but this is normal and should subside within a few hours. You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions, but the recovery process is relatively simple — stay upright for a few hours after treatment, avoid strenuous exercise until the following day, and don’t touch or rub the treated area. If you have any questions or concerns after your appointment, feel free to call us! Our goal is to provide you with a smooth experience from start to finish and natural-looking results you’ll love.
Botox Results
Botox starts working immediately to relax treated muscles, but it takes some time for your final results to appear. The effects will “kick in” after three to five days, with the full benefits visible after 10 to 14 days. The longevity of treatment can vary, with most patients enjoying smoother, wrinkle-free skin for up to four months. As the Botox begins to wear off, you’ll notice expression lines returning when you frown, laugh or smile — fortunately, treatment can be repeated at this time to help you maintain a youthful appearance and prevent new wrinkles from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox
At What Age Should I Start Botox?
There’s no “right age” to start Botox treatments. While many people begin in their 30s when expression lines and wrinkles start becoming more noticeable, preventive Botox in the mid-to-late 20s has become increasingly popular. The best time to start depends on your needs and goals. Some patients with very expressive faces may benefit from starting earlier.
How Many Units Will I Need?
The number of units required to achieve your desired results varies by treatment area and individual factors like muscle strength. As a general guideline, most patients receive:
- 10-30 units to treat forehead wrinkles
- 20-40 units for glabellar (frown) lines
- 10-15 units for crow’s feet (per side)
- 20-30 units for jaw clenching (per side)
During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized estimate based on your unique needs.
How Long Does Botox Last?
One of the most pressing questions that patients often have is how long the benefits of Botox last. Generally speaking, the effects of Botox begin to appear within a few days of the injections and can last anywhere from three to six months. This timeframe can depend on various factors, including the individual’s metabolism and the specific treatment area. Regular Botox injections may be necessary to maintain the desired results, but with proper care and maintenance, patients can enjoy a more youthful appearance for an extended time.
How Long Does Botox Take to Work?
The protein is injected into the muscle during a Botox injection, causing it to relax. While the results of each treatment may differ, the effects of Botox typically take two to three days to begin showing and can take up to two weeks for the full effects to be visible. It is important to remember that the longevity of the treatment may vary, as individual results depend on factors such as age, skin condition, and dosage.
Is Botox Reversible?
Unlike dermal fillers, which can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, Botox is not reversible once injected into the facial muscles. This is why it’s important to choose an experienced provider for your treatment — if too much product is used, it can leave you looking stiff or frozen until the effects wear off. At Gifted Medspa, our skilled injectors use precise techniques to ensure subtle results that enhance your appearance without looking overdone.
Can Men Get Botox Too?
Absolutely! “Brotox” has become increasingly popular among men seeking a more refreshed appearance without looking “done.” Male treatments often focus on preserving a natural, masculine look while softening expression lines and wrinkles. About 10% of all Botox treatments nationwide are performed on men, and that number continues to grow.
How Can You Get Started With Botox?
If you’re considering Botox injections to target wrinkles or other cosmetic concerns, scheduling a consultation with us is the best way to start. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your goals and assess whether Botox treatment is appropriate for you. We are dedicated to providing impartial and informative guidance so that you can make an informed decision about your cosmetic journey. Whether you’re looking to address fine lines, crow’s feet, or other facial wrinkles, we’re here to help you achieve your desired results with the best care.
Elevate Your Results: When Botox Meets Fillers
Your Botox treatment can be combined with dermal fillers for truly comprehensive results, addressing multiple signs of aging at once. While Botox relaxes the facial muscles to smooth away expression lines, dermal fillers reverse volume loss to restore more youthful contours.
During your consultation, Anna Ciccolini, PA-C or Darren Ciccolini, PA-C, can create a personalized treatment plan that incorporates both treatments for optimal results. The “liquid facelift” effect achieved through this combination offers dramatic yet natural-looking improvements with no surgery and minimal downtime — leaving you looking refreshed, rejuvenated, and never overdone.
“I had a wonderful experience going back for a little Botox after not having kept up with it the past few years. I felt like I was just visiting a girlfriend and she was so professional, efficient, and has the brightest personality and sweetest smile. She’s amazing!”
– Kelly L.
Get Long-Lasting Results With Botox at Gifted Medspa in Cary, NC
At Gifted Medspa in Cary, NC, our highly trained professionals offer Botox injections to help combat signs of aging and enhance your natural beauty. Botox treatment is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that can provide remarkable results by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of care during their treatment. We understand that each client has unique aesthetic goals, and we work with you to create a personalized plan that meets your needs. Contact us today for a consultation to learn how Botox can help you look your best.
