Botox for Treating Facial Scars
We all know that scars from surgery or injuries are permanent. Whether you’re ready to embrace your scars or you’d like them to disappear forever, we hear you! Luckily, Botox is an effective treatment for facial scarring.
What is Botox?
Botox’s main ingredient is botulinum toxin, which temporarily stops movement in the muscles it is injected into. Botox is most commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead, neck, and crow’s feet areas. It generally takes about 7-14 days for Botox to take full effect, and it lasts anywhere from 3-6 months.
After being FDA approved for temporarily paralyzing muscles for cosmetic purposes, scientists discovered that Botox can help reduce the appearance of surgical scars, too. Botox is now being used as a preventative and corrective measure for scarring, specifically for cosmetic facial surgeries.
A 2018 study tested the effectiveness of Botox for scar correcting and found success in every patient who was injected. Test patients had scars from both cosmetic surgeries and injuries. After 4 months, those who received Botox injections healed with flatter, narrower, less noticeable scars than those who didn’t!
How Does Botox Reduce Scarring?
Botox is the most effective when treating scars as a preventative measure or at the start of recovery. Botulinum toxin temporarily paralyzes muscles. This allows the skin around a wound or suture to heal without much tension, therefore reducing the severity of any scars. This works best on facial scarring because the skin is thinner and less tough than it is on a leg or the abdomen.
For the best results, you should receive Botox injections about 2 weeks before any scheduled facial surgery. This prevents the muscles from creating tension before the skin is disrupted by surgery.
It’s important to note that Botox doesn’t always eliminate scarring completely. Flat or thin scars don't have much texture to them, so even though they may still occur, they’ll be much less noticeable and easier to cover with makeup.
Benefits of Using Botox for Scars
Lessened Appearance of Scars
The biggest benefit of using Botox for scars is the overall appearance of the skin once it has finished healing. While it sounds obvious, facial scarring can easily damage a person’s self confidence, so reducing the severity of scars can be life changing.
Botox is Temporary
Similarly to when it is used for reducing wrinkles, the Botox used to treat scarring is temporary. Botox is not a dermal filler, so you will not need to get it dissolved – it will naturally lose its effectiveness as you heal over the course of 3-6 months. Other than the scar itself, Botox will not change the overall appearance of your skin!
Botox is more affordable When You Buy Multiple Areas
Botox used specifically for treating scars will not reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines. If you do have crow’s feet, TMJ, forehead wrinkles, or other imperfections that you want to correct, however, Urban You is currently running a BUY 2, GET 1 FREE Botox promotion! If you purchase 3 areas of Botox, receive a FREE lip flip! Reduce scarring and look younger than ever before with just one visit at any Urban You location in Grand Rapids, Northville, or Rockford, Michigan.
Botox: Before & After Photos
What are the Side Effects of Botox for Treating Scars?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment with few side effects. Before getting Botox (or any injectable treatment), research the rarer, yet more serious possible side effects. Botox injections feel like a small pin prick - you can ask your provider for a topical Lidocaine treatment if it helps you feel more comfortable. The most common Botox side effects are:
Drooping eyelids
Muscle weakness
Difficulty smiling or speaking
Tenderness at injection sites
Double vision
All in all, Botox is a safe, affordable, and effective treatment! If you’d like to discuss the uses and common Botox areas, book a Wellness Consultation at The Urban You! Our expert staff would love to help you feel your most confident. Book now with the free UY app and access exclusive promotions, luxury skin care, and more.