Happy Friday!
Today, we're sharing our interview with Dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll to answer the Formulate Community's questions about micro botox. And speaking of questions, y'all sure did have a ton this time around - we received more than we ever have before! Even though we weren't able to include every question, we appreciate (and read!) every single submission.
Before we get into the content, here's a bit more about our illustrious interviewee: Dr. Carroll is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (FRCPC), and an active member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, the Toronto Dermatologic Society, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons and the American Academy of Dermatology. Besides her busy dermatology practice, she is also on staff at the University of Toronto Medical School. Dr. Carroll is an expert on micro botox, as this is a service that she regularly provides to her patients (and has undergone herself!)
We've included the content of our interview with Dr. Carroll below. All of the below questions were submitted by members of the Formulate community. Keep in mind that some questions were edited for length and clarity before being submitted to Dr. Carroll, while others were the result of multiple similar questions being combined into one. If you submitted a question and it wasn't answered in this round, fear not! We will continue our series of interviews with experts on cosmetic procedures in the future - be sure to submit another question then.
Happy reading!
What is micro botox?
Dr. Carroll: Micro botox is a technique where diluted neuromodulation (AKA botox) is injected into the skin in a grid pattern across a larger area of the face, rather than targeting specific muscles as is done with regular botox injections. This technique is used to improve overall skin texture and tone.
Is micro botox the same thing as baby botox? If not, what's the difference?
Dr. Carroll: Micro botox and baby botox are different. Baby botox refers to the use of very small amounts of botox to achieve a natural, subtle effect. Micro botox, on the other hand, refers to the technique of injecting botox across a larger area of the face to improve skin texture and tone.
Does micro botox hurt?
Dr. Carroll: Not really. The pain associated with micro botox injections is minimal. Most people describe the sensation as a slight pinch.
Can you get micro botox if you have deep lines, or is it only for fine lines?
Dr. Carroll: Micro botox is more for tone and texture. Regular botox is best for fine lines and a combo of injectable hyaluronic acid gel and laser work best for deeper lines.
How long does micro botox last?
Dr. Carroll: The effects of micro botox typically last for 3-4 months. Regular treatments can help to maintain results. The effects only last a few months because botox works by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for transmitting signals from nerves to muscles. After three to four months, your body produces enough of the neurotransmitter for the muscle to function again. If you are looking for longer results in terms of skin quality, laser treatments such as Halo laser would be a good option.
Who is a good candidate for micro botox?
Dr. Carroll: Good candidates for micro botox include those looking to improve overall skin texture and tone, as well as those with mild to moderate signs of aging.
Who is a bad candidate for micro botox?
Dr. Carroll: Bad candidates include those with severe wrinkles and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Botox is not approved for use in pregnancy.
Does micro botox affect your ability to move your face the way that regular botox does?
Dr. Carroll: Micro botox can affect facial movement, but to a lesser extent than regular botox injections. The goal of micro botox is not to paralyze the muscles, but to improve skin texture and tone.
Can micro botox actually be preventative, or does it just make already present wrinkles less visible?
Dr. Carroll: Micro botox can be preventative, as it helps to improve overall skin health and reduce the appearance of fine lines before they become more pronounced.
How deep do the needles used for micro botox go into the skin?
Dr. Carroll: The needles used for micro botox are very small and penetrate the top layers of the skin into the dermis. The depth of the needles depends on the area being treated and the desired effect. Typically micro botox needles go less deep than traditional botox because the target is the skin rather than the muscles.
What are the most common side effects of micro botox?
Dr. Carroll: The most common side effects of micro botox include mild swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection sites. These typically resolve within a few days.
Do you yourself get micro botox? Why/why not?
Dr. Carroll: I do get micro botox on the neck. It's great for improving texture and for preventing fine lines.
How much does micro botox cost?
Dr. Carroll: The cost of micro botox varies. On average, the cost ranges from $200 to $500 per treatment.
Does micro botox have any lasting benefits, or is it something that will wear off entirely?
Dr. Carroll: Micro botox can have lasting benefits, as it helps to improve skin health and prevent future signs of aging. However, the effects will eventually wear off if treatments are not maintained.
What are the pros and cons of micro botox vs regular botox?
Dr. Carroll: The pros of micro botox include improved skin texture and tone, preventative benefits, and subtle results. The cons of micro botox are that you get shorter duration of results, may require more frequent treatments, and it's not effective for severe wrinkles.
Many thanks to Dr. Carroll for her willingness to complete this interview. We are grateful for her time!
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