When considering Botox, proper certification is a must

Even before its FDA approval in 2002, Botox was known for its wrinkle-reducing powers among the Hollywood elite. The now-mainstream Botox industry attracts patients looking to reduce lines and wrinkles, resulting in a younger, more refreshed appearance.

Amanda Richardson, a registered nurse at Sona Dermatology & MedSpa in Raleigh, has been providing Botox to patients — as well as using it herself — for the past seven years.

"My job is so rewarding. I absolutely love it," she said.

Patients come to her for treatment for different reasons: they saw a picture of themselves and didn't like it, or they were tired of having makeup build up in the creases of their face, or they were mistaken for being angry when they weren't.

The reasons differ, but one thing is common among many of them: the lines time had etched into their faces were causing major hit to their self-esteem.

Botox providers like Richardson can help patients in an environment where they feel safe and cared for, knowing their concerns are being addressed and their treatments are handled by professionals.

At Sona Dermatology & MedSpa, which leads the nation in Botox treatments and is in the top one percent of providers, staff members like Richardson are trained and certified by Allergan (the makers of Botox and Juvederm), ensuring their qualifications.

"Botox is for anyone who wants to look and feel refreshed. I do recommend patients start before the lines are set in because if you wait too long and the lines become deep, you are going to need more treatments to get rid of them," said Richardson, referring to filler, lasers and other cosmetic treatments.

Why do wrinkles occur and what is Botox?

Over time, the normal, natural movement of muscles in your face combined with the loss of skin elasticity as you age causes wrinkles to form. Botox is a medication that is injected directly into these muscles through the use of very small needles, targeting specific areas such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet.

There are two types of lines that Botox can treat: dynamic lines — lines that appear only when making facial expressions — and static lines, which are deep-set and visible even when you're not moving your facial muscles.

Preventatively treating dynamic lines with Botox can help them from becoming static. Static lines are set in, but Botox can still relax the muscle and improve these lines over time.

The medication used is a neurotoxic protein called botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The very small, localized doses used in Botox treatments are metabolized naturally by the body within three to four months.

"I loved working with my consultant, who walked me through the process," said Alice, who received Botox. "This was my first time receiving injections, and the provider made me feel at ease. The results are perfect and exactly what I wanted."

Because Botox is metabolized naturally, making it reversible in a few months, the movement in the targeted muscles will eventually start back up. The timeline varies for patients, but those with deep-set wrinkles will typically need another treatment after about three months.

Sessions take 15 to 20 minutes, and while there is a small risk of bruising or red dots directly following treatment, there is no significant downtime, unlike many cosmetic procedures.

No anesthesia is required, and common treatment areas include in between the brows, underneath the brow for a brow lift, around the mouth, on the forehead to address forehead lines, and in the crows feet area.

Patients usually see results within three to 10 days. Sona nurses recommend that patients remain upright for four hours after treatments and exaggerate facial movements to get the medication in those muscle groups.

To prevent bruising, avoid massaging or manipulating the injection site, exercising after a treatment, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

As with any cosmetic treatment, be sure to find a provider who is trained and certified in the treatment you desire. If you're considering Botox, Juvederm or other injectable fillers and treatments, make sure your provider has ample years of experience and that he or she has received proper training from a medical professional.

Your provider should give you an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns.

"Going into my late 30s, I wasn't ready to look my age," said Rene, who received Botox. "My injector helped me get the subtle results I was looking for, and I'm so happy with the outcome. I look relaxed, less tired like I did five years ago."