BOTOX™ TREATMENTS & INJECTIONS IN CALGARY
BOTOX™
Rediscover a naturally refreshed and more youthful appearance with Botox™ treatments at PHI Medical Aesthetics.
What is Botox™ and how does it work?
Botox™ is a trusted and extensively studied neuromodulator, Health Canada-approved for both aesthetic and therapeutic uses. It’s composed of a purified protein that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles.
The way Botox™ works is by interrupting the communication between nerves and specific muscles. Over time, repeated facial expressions, such as frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows, can cause lines and wrinkles to form. Botox™ blocks the release of the chemical signal that causes these muscles to contract. As the treated muscles soften and relax, the overlying skin smooths out. This process effectively reduces the appearance of existing dynamic wrinkles and can also help prevent new ones from forming.
What are the benefits of Botox™?
Reduces existing wrinkles: Effectively smooths dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.
Prevents new wrinkles: By relaxing muscle activity, it can prevent the formation or deepening of lines.
Natural-looking results: Our skilled approach ensures enhancements appear refreshed and subtle, not artificial.
Quick and convenient: Treatments are typically short, often completed within 10-20 minutes, with minimal to no downtime.
Proven safety profile: Botox™ has a long-standing history of safety and efficacy when administered by trained medical professionals.
Versatile treatment: Botox™ can also be used for therapeutic purposes, like managing chronic migraines or excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Common Treatment Areas
Botox™ is frequently used to treat:
Lip lines
Crow’s feet
Bunny lines
Frown lines
Forehead lines
Marionette lines
Chin dumpling (Cobblestone Chin)
Platsymal bands (vertical neck bands)
Botox can also:
Achieve a brow lift
Slim the jawline
Improve symptoms of TMJ
Botox Before & After
The Botox™ Treatment Process
Your Botox™ treatment at PHI Medical Aesthetics in Calgary is designed to be efficient, comfortable, and tailored to you:
Preparation: After confirming the treatment plan from your initial consultation, and reviewing relevant medical history and medications, your Nurse Injector will cleanse the skin in the targeted areas. They will then carefully mark the precise injection points based on your unique facial anatomy and desired outcomes.
Numbing (optional): Botox™ injections are administered with a very fine needle and are generally well-tolerated. However, if you prefer, we can apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment areas before the injections begin to enhance your comfort.
Injections: The injection process itself is quick, typically taking about 10 to 20 minutes. Using a fine needle, your Nurse Injector will carefully administer small, precise amounts of Botox™ into the targeted facial muscles.
Immediate post-injection: Right after the injections, you might notice small, temporary bumps or a little redness at the injection sites. These usually disappear within a short period, often within an hour.
Aftercare: Your Nurse Injector will provide you with specific aftercare instructions. Key guidelines typically include:
Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for at least 4 hours.
Remain in an upright position for approximately 4 hours post-treatment (avoid lying down).
Refrain from strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, or significant heat exposure for 24 hours.
Avoid consuming alcohol for 24 hours to help minimize potential bruising.
When will I see results?
While individual experiences can vary, many people begin to notice the initial effects of Botox™ within three to four days after their treatment. The most noticeable and complete results (where the targeted muscles are fully relaxed and wrinkles are visibly smoother) typically develop within 10 to 14 days.
How long does it take Botox™ to work?
The Botox™ treatment appointment itself is very quick, typically lasting only 10 to 20 minutes for the injections. Physiologically, Botox™ begins to interact with the nerve endings in the targeted muscles shortly after injection. As mentioned above, the visible smoothing of wrinkles and lines is a gradual process that unfolds over several days, with optimal results typically seen by 2 weeks.
How long do Botox™ results last?
The rejuvenating effects of Botox™ can usually last for 3 to 4 months. However, the duration can vary based on individual factors such as the area treated, the dosage used, your individual metabolism, and the strength of your facial muscles.
Is Botox™ safe?
Botox™ has a well-established safety record and is Health Canada-approved for aesthetic use. When administered by trained and experienced medical professionals, such as our qualified Nurse Injectors at PHI Medical Aesthetics, Botox™ is considered a safe treatment.
As with any injectable procedure, temporary side effects can occur, which are generally mild and typically resolve on their own.
These may include:
Minor redness or swelling at the injection sites
Small bumps that disappear quickly
Bruising (more common if you are prone to bruising or take blood-thinning medications)
Tenderness or a slight headache
Serious side effects are rare. During your consultation, your Nurse Injector will thoroughly discuss all safety information, including potential risks specific to your treatment plan, ensuring you feel fully informed.
Botox Before & After
Is Botox™ right for you?
We recommend Botox™ for those who fit the following profile:
Are 18 years of age or older.
Are in good overall health.
Wish to address dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions.
Are looking for a preventative measure against the formation of new lines.
Have realistic expectations for the outcome of the treatment.
Candidates should also meet these criteria:
Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not have any active skin infections, inflammation, or rashes in the intended treatment areas.
Do not have a known allergy to any botulinum toxin product or its components (like human albumin).
Do not have certain neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, ALS).
Important consideration: If you have certain health conditions, especially autoimmune diseases, or are taking medications that suppress the immune system, please inform us during your consultation. This helps your Nurse Injector determine if Botox™ is a safe and appropriate choice for you.
FAQs
-
Most people report minimal and brief discomfort, often described as a quick pinch. We use very fine needles, and our Nurse Injectors are skilled in gentle injection techniques. We can also discuss comfort measures, like topical anesthetics (numbing cream), if you’re apprehensive.
-
The number of Botox™ units required varies depending on the specific areas being treated, the strength of your facial muscles, your aesthetic goals, and whether it's for preventative or corrective purposes. This will be determined during your personalized consultation.
-
At PHI Medical Aesthetics, our philosophy is to achieve natural-looking enhancements. Our experienced Nurse Injectors prioritize a refreshed and softened appearance, maintaining your ability to make natural facial expressions. The goal is for you to look like a more rested version of yourself, not "frozen."
-
Botox™ and Dysport® are both highly effective neuromodulators derived from botulinum toxin type A. They work in a similar way to relax targeted muscles. There are subtle differences in their molecular structure, dosage, and tissue diffusion, which may make one preferable for certain areas or individuals. Your Nurse Injector will discuss which product is best suited for your needs during your consultation.
-
Yes, however, we recommend scheduling your Botox™ treatment at least two to three weeks before any Big Event. This allows sufficient time for the full effects to develop and for any potential minor bruising or swelling to completely resolve.
-
It’s generally recommended to avoid strenuous exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating for at least 24 hours after your Botox™ treatment. This helps to prevent the product from migrating and minimizes the risk of increased swelling or bruising. Light activities, like walking, are usually fine.
-
If you choose to discontinue Botox™ treatments, the treated muscles will gradually return to their previous level of activity. Consequently, the wrinkles and lines that were softened will slowly reappear over time, eventually returning to how they looked before you started treatments. Botox™ does not make your wrinkles worse if you stop.