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While aging is something that cannot be avoided, many advances in skin care have allowed men and women to slow the signs of aging. The aging process is different for each individual – intrinsic aging, also known as ‘natural’ aging, takes on many forms, and the rate at which you age greatly depends on family genes.

Some of the most common signs of aging include:

• Dry skin
• A loss of fat in the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks
• Lines and wrinkles, most prominent in the forehead, around the eyes and around the mouth
• Thinning skin

While the aging process is natural, several factors cause the skin to age at an increased rate. This is called extrinsic aging, or external aging, caused by environmental factors such as:

• Unprotected sun exposure
• Smoking

Various skin treatments and procedures help minimize the appearance of wrinkles or lines on the skin – one of the most common being Botox injections. In Los Angeles and surrounding cities, men and women use Botox treatments frequently to keep skin looking youthful and supple.

How Botox works:

Botox, also known as onabotulinumtoxinA, is used for many reasons; one of the most prevalent is for the treatment of moderate to severe lines in the forehead. Since deep lines and wrinkles develop in the skin over time with repeated movements, Botox is injected into various sites on the face to relax muscles and prevent them from contracting. While Botox is often used to minimize the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles in the brow, doctors are also using it in other areas of the face, such as around the eyes.

Botox injections are administered quickly and have very little discomfort – so you can be in and out of the office in a short time. It’s essential to remember that Botox provides a temporary solution to wrinkles, so additional treatments are needed approximately four months after the initial injection, but with frequent use, injections may be spaced up to six month.

While complications of Botox use are not very common, there are some side effects to be aware of, including:

• Discomfort at the injection site
• Headache
• Itching
• Redness

Speak with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few days. It’s important to have Botox administered by a certified and skilled doctor – ask for a referral from your primary physician, or research reputable skin care centers to ensure you find an experienced doctor.