Botox Specialist
Marion Dermatology
Bryan C. Hicks, M.D.
Dermatologist located in Ocala, FL & The Villages, FL
Frown lines and forehead furrows are some of the deepest and most noticeable wrinkles on your face, but you don’t have to live with them. When you opt for a Botox® treatment with Bryan Hicks, MD, at Marion Dermatology, you’ll safely and effectively rejuvenate your appearance by smoothing away severe wrinkles. If you have questions about Botox or you’d like to schedule an appointment, call one of the offices in Ocala and The Villages, Florida, or schedule an appointment online.
Botox Q & A
What is Botox?
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions. Allergan's Botox Cosmetic is a brand specifically designed for cosmetic use, and is the brand we use at Marion Dermatology.
When Dr. Hicks injects a small amount of Botox into specific muscles, it makes the muscles relax. As a result, the wrinkles caused by those muscles are significantly diminished or eliminated.
What wrinkles do you treat with Botox?
Some facial muscles attach to your skin and when they contract, they pull your skin to create facial expressions. When you repeatedly use these muscles over the years, the constant pulling on your skin creates dynamic wrinkles.
Botox perfectly targets these dynamic wrinkles, including:
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines
- Forehead creases
- Bunny lines on your upper nose
- Downturning corners of the mouth
Other types of wrinkles on your face, like the laugh lines around your mouth, don’t respond to Botox because they’re caused by aging skin, sun damage, genetics, and lifestyle factors like stress and nutrition.
Will Botox affect my facial expressions?
After your Botox treatment, you’ll still have the same natural facial expressions. Dr. Hicks carefully targets the muscles associated with the wrinkles you want to smooth away.
The untreated facial muscles continue to work, creating expressions and projecting your normal, beautiful appearance. The people in your daily life will notice your look more youthful, but they’ll never see signs that you had a Botox treatment.
What should I expect during a Botox treatment?
Dr. Hicks talks with you about your objective in using Botox and discusses the appropriate number of injections, what to expect during your session. Once he starts injecting Botox, your treatment only takes about 10 minutes.
It’s possible to have slight swelling or bruising at the injection sites, but these side effects usually don’t last long and you can cover them with makeup. You won’t need downtime to recover, although you should avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours.
When will results appear after Botox?
It takes the medication a little time to relax the muscles, but you’ll see the full result in 5-7 days. For most patients, Botox results last for up to six months.
Botox gradually wears off but as soon as your results fade, it’s safe to get another treatment. The results often last longer with each successive Botox treatment.
If you’re ready to counter the effect of time and improve your appearance, call Marion Dermatology or schedule an appointment online.