December 15, 2020

BOTOX® 101: A Starter’s Guide to Treatment

While sunscreen and serums can help protect your skin, time eventually affects us all. Wrinkles start collecting around the eyes, lips, and brows and make you look older than you truly feel. It’s no surprise that BOTOX ® and Dysport®—wrinkle-fighting injectables—have become some of America’s most popular treatments. With a few simple sessions, BOTOX can smooth away fine lines and instantly take years off your appearance. 

If you’re new to the world of cosmetic treatments, don’t worry—our team is here to help. Let’s talk about some of the most common questions we receive from new BOTOX patients at our Atlanta-area practice. 

What is BOTOX? How does it work?

BOTOX is a nonsurgical injectable treatment used to smooth out “dynamic wrinkles.” These wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions that occur when you frown, smile, or squint. BOTOX treatments work by injecting a purified protein that temporarily stops those muscle contractions. As the muscles relax, there is less pulling and tugging on the skin, and creases and lines begin to soften.

What problems can BOTOX fix?

BOTOX can fix wrinkles and fine lines that collect along the face and neck. A few common treatment areas include:

  • Horizontal forehead lines
  • Frown lines between your eyebrows (also called “the 11s”)
  • Crow’s feet at the corners of your eyes
  • Vertical muscle bands in the neck

How much does BOTOX cost?

The price of BOTOX in Atlanta depends on several different factors. At our practice, we charge by the treatment area—not by the unit—and your treatment is performed by an experienced physician injector. A session can range from $240 to $760 depending on the number of areas you wish to address. We also provide rewards programs , such as Allē℠ and Aspire, to help you earn points for additional savings.

How long after my BOTOX treatment will I see results?

Around 2 to 5 days after your appointment, you will begin to see BOTOX take effect. Treated areas will gradually smooth out as fine lines and wrinkles fade away. Your final results are usually reached after 7 to 10 days. BOTOX results typically last for 3 to 4 months, so you can schedule touch-up treatments at your leisure.

When can I exercise, swim, or go back to work after BOTOX?

BOTOX is a nonsurgical treatment with no required downtime, so you can return to work or home right after your session. However, for the best possible results, you should wait at least 24 hours before swimming or starting intensive workouts. 

Aging is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer with stubborn wrinkles and lines. By incorporating BOTOX into your beauty routine, you can enjoy a fresh-faced look no matter your age or lifestyle.

To ensure your best results, it’s important to choose a trained professional to perform your injections. If you would like to learn more about BOTOX treatments in the Marietta-Atlanta area, please request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice by phone at (770) 421-1242.

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In the high-stakes professional environments of Atlanta—from the boardrooms of Buckhead to the innovative hubs of Midtown—presence is often defined by confidence. For many women, physical proportion plays a significant role in how they carry themselves and how their professional attire fits. However, the modern approach to breast augmentation has shifted away from the pursuit of maximum volume. Today, the focus is on "proportional harmony"—a strategic alignment between your surgical goals and your unique physical frames. At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we view breast augmentation not as a standalone procedure, but as a corrective and enhancing measure designed to bring the body into balance. Understanding that "size" is a subjective metric is the first step toward achieving a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and enhances your professional silhouette. Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
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