Botox® in Reno, NV

Botox is a versatile injectable that has become an option for those looking to address different types of wrinkles and fine lines. At Reno Sparks MedSpa in Reno, NV, we utilize Botox not only for its cosmetic benefits but also for its therapeutic effects, which have been found to aid in various conditions beyond just skin rejuvenation.

What Is Botox?

Botox Cosmetic is a protein that relaxes the muscles into which it is injected. It is most commonly used on the face to reduce facial creases, commonly known as “expression lines” and wrinkles. It is typically used on the upper area of the face. Those with stronger muscles or more wrinkles benefit from larger doses of Botox.

How Does Botox Work?

As a neuromodulator, Botox temporarily relaxes muscle activity by blocking nerve signals in the treated areas. This action reduces muscle contractions that cause wrinkles, leading to a smoother skin surface. By hindering these nerve impulses, Botox can diminish undesirable facial expressions and signs of aging, providing a more rested and youthful appearance.

What Can Botox Treat? 

• Forehead Lines: These are horizontal lines on the forehead that form due to repetitive facial expressions and aging. Botox softens these lines, leading to a smoother forehead appearance. It often requires 4-20 units of Botox to markedly reduce wrinkles in this area.
• Glabella Lines: These are the frown lines often found between the eyebrows. This muscular area often requires 12-36 units of Botox to calm down wrinkles that are sometimes called “the elevens”.
• Crow’s Feet: These are lateral eye wrinkles, more common in those who smile a lot. They typically require 4-18 units of Botox on each side to calm these wrinkles down. Botox effectively minimizes their appearance, contributing to a more youthful look around the eyes.
• Upper Lip: Fine lines can appear on the upper lip due to aging or smoking. Botox results in a smoother, more refined appearance of the lip area by relaxing these fine muscles. Between 4 and 7 units of Botox are often used here.
• Chin Dimpling: Resembling the surface of an orange peel, dimpling on the chin can be reduced. Botox relaxes the chin muscle, also known as the mentalis muscle, resulting in a smoother chin texture. Between 8 and 16 units of Botox are often used in this muscle. 
• Bunny Lines: These are the diagonal or horizontal wrinkles that appear on either side of the nose when one scrunches their nose. Botox can soften these lines, enhancing the overall nasal aesthetic. This area usually requires only 4-10 units of Botox.
• Axillary and Hand Sweating: Excessive sweating under the arms or in the hands can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Botox treatment can reduce sweating in these areas, improving comfort and confidence. About 50 units of Botox are typically used in each armpit and 100 units in the hands to reduce sweating. 

What Are the Benefits of Botox?

Minimizes Visible Signs of Aging

The natural aging process can lead to the development of wrinkles and lines that make individuals appear older than they feel. Botox targets these signs effectively, softening them and contributing to a fresher, more youthful appearance.

Quick and Non-Invasive Treatment

Neuromodulators are non-invasive and quick treatments that are preferable to surgery for many people. Patients can go into the office for treatment and come out ready to continue with their day. 

Prevents New Lines and Wrinkles

Beyond improving existing facial concerns, Botox results may also include the prevention of new lines and wrinkles. Relaxing facial muscles reduces the likelihood of new wrinkles forming, maintaining a smoother and more youthful complexion over time.

A Closer Look at the Botox Treatment Process

Preparing for Botox

Before your appointment, avoid any medications or supplements that might increase your risk of bruising, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E. If you currently use retinol-based skincare products, stop using them a few days before treatment to reduce skin sensitivity. Come in with a clean face and avoid applying makeup, lotion, or sunscreen on the day of your appointment. Let us know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have had recent infections or cold sores.

During Your Botox Treatment

We will start by cleaning the treatment area with an antiseptic cleanser. Topical numbing cream can make the treatment more comfortable. Using a very fine needle, we inject Botox into specific facial muscles based on the areas you want to address, such as between your brows, your forehead, or around your eyes. Each injection only takes a few seconds, and most treatments take about 10 to 15 minutes in total. Once finished, we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.

After Your Botox Treatment

Stay upright for at least four hours following treatment to keep the product in the intended area. Avoid touching, rubbing, or applying pressure to your face for the rest of the day, especially around the injection sites. Skip activities that raise your body temperature, such as workouts, saunas, or hot showers, for the next 24 hours. Wait until the next day before applying makeup or using skincare products directly over the treated areas. Mild redness or swelling can happen, but it usually fades within a few hours.

Factors That Can Impact Your Botox Results

• Your Metabolism: Everyone metabolizes Botox results at a different rate. If your body processes substances quickly, your treatment may wear off sooner than expected.
• Facial Movement and Expressions: If you frequently use your facial muscles through expressive talking, laughing, or frowning, you may notice the effects of Botox fade a bit faster. Areas with more movement tend to require more frequent touch-ups to maintain the same smooth appearance.
• Level of Physical Activity: Patients who exercise often, especially those who engage in intense cardio or strength training, may break down a neuromodulator faster than those with less active routines. High activity levels increase circulation and can affect how long the product lasts in your system.
• Frequency of Injection: Spacing treatments too far apart can lead to a full return of muscle movement before your next visit. Consistent maintenance can help extend your results by gradually training your muscles to relax.
• Amount of Product Injected: Using less product may result in less noticeable improvement or shorter-lasting effects. The right dosage depends on your muscle strength, treatment area, and aesthetic goals, which we assess carefully before each session.

Botox for Men

We use Botox for men to soften forehead lines, frown lines, or crow’s feet while maintaining a natural, masculine look. Injection patterns may differ slightly due to stronger facial muscles and broader features. Most men prefer subtle results that do not freeze expression but still create a more rested appearance. We take care to balance your aesthetic goals with your unique anatomy, so your results look refreshed but not obvious.

Botox Considerations

Results Are Temporary

Botox may not be right for patients who are looking for longer-lasting results because it does not create permanent changes in the face. If you decide not to continue treatment, your natural facial movement and lines will gradually return. This allows flexibility in deciding whether and how often you want to continue.

Facial Movement Is Still Possible

A botulinum toxin treatment like Botox does not freeze your entire face. We carefully place injections to reduce specific muscle activity while leaving other areas untouched, so you can still smile, frown, and express yourself naturally.

Not All Wrinkles Respond to Botox

Botox works best on dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements, such as forehead lines or crow’s feet. Static wrinkles, which are visible even when your face is at rest, may need different treatments like dermal fillers or skin resurfacing to improve their appearance.

A Conservative Start Works for Many Patients

If you are new to Botox, you can start with a lower dose and get a more conservative treatment. This approach helps you ease into treatment while still seeing improvements, and it allows us to build on your results over time. You can always add more at your follow-up if you want a stronger effect.

Botox FAQs

How Long Does Botox Take to Work?

Botulinum toxin treatment typically begins to show results within 24 to 48 hours, with the full effect visible after about 10 to 14 days. The speed at which results appear can vary based on individual factors such as the treated area and muscle strength. Patients may notice a gradual softening of wrinkles and lines as the treatment takes effect.

How Long Do Botox Results Last?

Botox Cosmetic lasts about 2-4 months after injection. With lower doses, patients may see results on the lower end of the spectrum. Higher doses can last longer than three months. It has a cumulative anti-wrinkle effect on the treated areas, with subsequent treatments often needing less Botox to produce the same result.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox?

A good candidate for Botox treatment is a healthy individual who is looking to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines and has realistic expectations about the results. It is suitable for most adults who are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases.

Are Botox and Dermal Fillers the Same Thing?

No, Botox and dermal fillers are not the same. While Botox relaxes the muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dermal fillers work by filling in wrinkles or adding volume to areas such as the lips or cheeks. Dermal fillers are often made from a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid, while Botox is made from Botulinum toxin type A. Both treatments are used to rejuvenate the face, but function in different ways and target different types of facial concerns.

Why Finding the Right Injector Is Important

Your results depend on the injector’s knowledge of facial anatomy, their ability to read your unique expressions, and how precisely they administer your Botox treatment. A well-trained physician knows how to balance symmetry, adjust dosage to muscle strength, and avoid overtreatment. This is especially important when treating areas like the forehead or around the eyes, where subtle changes can impact your natural expression. Experience also matters when it comes to identifying which lines will respond well to treatment and which may require alternative solutions. Poor technique can lead to uneven results or unnecessary touch-ups, which is why proper training and a medical background make a meaningful difference.

Our Botox Injections

Dr. Calvin H. Van Reken brings decades of experience in internal medicine and geriatric care, paired with years of training in aesthetics. His deep understanding of both facial anatomy and aging allows him to deliver Botox injections with precision and confidence. As a physician who has trained other doctors in cosmetic techniques, he remains highly involved in continuing education and regularly updates his methods. We focus on creating results that look natural, not overdone, and that suit your facial structure and goals. Each treatment is customized to you, whether you are new to Botox or maintaining past results.

Experience the Benefits of Botox Treatments in Reno, NV

Botox offers a range of benefits from reducing wrinkles to treating medical conditions, which is why at Reno Sparks MedSpa, we provide detailed consultations to meet your aesthetic and therapeutic goals in Reno, NV. By choosing us, you gain access to skilled professionals who are ready to guide you through the Botox experience. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please reach out through our online form or call us at (775) 571-4665.