What exactly is Botox?
It is a compound extracted from the bacterium *Clostridium botulinum*. Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacterium that, when used correctly, prevents muscle contraction. Botox inhibits the transmission of impulses between nerves and muscles. Its effects are temporary, allowing for unlimited repetition of treatments. When injected into facial muscles, it can provide lasting results for up to six months. However, it is important to emphasize that at the beginning of treatments, the effect of Botox typically lasts around 4 to 4.5 months for most patients, and with more prolonged use, this duration may extend by a few months. Botox treatment is strictly age-restricted: it can only be used for clients aged 18 to 65. It is most commonly used to treat the muscles of the upper third of the face, but it can also be applied to other areas. A properly performed Botox treatment does not freeze the face and does not produce an unnatural effect.
How does Botox work?
When injected into the muscle, it produces a local effect. It inhibits the transmission of impulses between nerve endings and muscle fibers, resulting in weakening of the muscles around the injection site.
Who can receive Botox treatment?
It is an excellent solution for smoothing out frown lines between the eyebrows, reducing forehead wrinkles, and eliminating crow's feet around the eyes. It can also be used to shape the arch of the eyebrows while somewhat preserving facial movement.
It is also used on the lower facial area in smaller amounts, for instance, to correct smoker's lines, often in combination with other treatments. Additionally, it can weaken the muscles that pull the lips downward.
Is the procedure painful?
It involves minimal pain, as our doctors quickly administer many small injections.
How long does the effect of Botox last?
The results are visible after 3 to 7 days and can last for up to 4 months, and in some cases, even 6 months.
Are there any contraindications?
Always inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, whether you are planning to become pregnant in the near future, or if you are breastfeeding.
Botox can be applied in the following areas:
- Treatment of frown lines between the eyebrows
- Treatment of horizontal forehead wrinkles
- Treatment of crow's feet
- Treatment of bunny lines on the nose
- Eyebrow lifting
- Treatment of fine lines around the mouth
- Treatment of the masseter muscle (facial slimming, bruxism treatment)
- Treatment of gummy smile
Nefertiti treatment: Jawline characterization
The procedure for Botox treatment:
The procedure begins with a thorough disinfection of the skin. Local anesthesia is not applied, as the injections only cause minor, barely perceptible discomfort. The necessary amount of Botox is injected into the appropriate treatment points. As a side effect, minor bruising may occur most frequently. The effect of the botulinum toxin can be felt a few days after the treatment (the full effect develops over 14 days). After the treatment, gentle movement of the treated area is recommended. You should remain in a vertical position for 5 hours immediately after the treatment. For 48 hours, avoid tanning beds, saunas, sunbathing, and any physical exercise. Cosmetic facial massage is prohibited for 2 weeks.
At our practice, we use Dysport botulinum toxin.
We do not offer Botox wrinkle treatment:
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- in the presence of muscle and nerve disorders
- in the presence of certain autoimmune diseases (e.g., myasthenia gravis)
- during acute illnesses (e.g., colds or fever)
- in cases of hypersensitivity to Botox
- in cases of skin infections (e.g., herpes simplex)
Botox glossary:
The Neurotransmitters substances that facilitate the transmission of impulses in the body.
The Neuromodulators medications that block nerve signals, preventing neurotransmitters from reaching the muscles in the body.
The Botulinum toxin An approved and licensed medication that temporarily and reversibly blocks the nerves that control muscle contraction.
Botulinum toxin, in small doses, is an effective treatment option for both pathological and aesthetic concerns.
Botox treatment applied on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Wrinkles are divided into two groups:static and dynamic. Dynamic wrinkles are lines that become visible on the skin with movement but are not necessarily apparent at rest. Static wrinkles, on the other hand, are those that appear even in a relaxed state, manifesting as superficial or deep grooves on the skin.
After Botox treatment, dynamic wrinkles dissolve almost 100%, while the depth of static wrinkles, although significantly reduced, may not be completely eliminated by Botox alone. In such cases, additional therapy, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
If Botox were to enter the bloodstream during the filling procedure, it would not cause any negative effects in the body; at most, the strength of the effect may decrease. In such cases, additional units may be needed to be administered later on.
The treatment usually starts with an average dose, to which 98% of people respond similarly. Some individuals may need to increase the amount of the dose administered at one time, while others may experience a longer or shorter duration of effect. There is also approximately half a percent of the population that is immune to Botox therapy, and this cannot be determined before the treatment.
After undergoing Botox treatment two to three times a year, a long-lasting, fresh, youthful, and vibrant appearance can be achieved. The depth of existing wrinkles can significantly decrease, and the formation of new grooves is inhibited. If the patient decides to discontinue the treatment, the wrinkles and grooves will gradually return over time.
Properly administered Botox therapy does not alter the appearance or movement of the untreated areas of the face. The untreated muscles continue to function normally, minimizing wrinkles without affecting expressions, allowing you to naturally express your feelings.
Improvement begins 3 to 4 days after the treatment, with 70% of the effect visible by the end of the first week, and the full 100% effect achieved by the end of the second week. Thus, the change is not radical but gradual. The small spots and bumps that may occur after the treatment usually become almost imperceptible after 4 to 5 hours. Following the treatment, you can continue your daily routine while adhering to the guidelines.
Botulinum toxin is excellent for therapeutic optionin the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and chronic migraines as well.
Additional areas of use include:
- Treatment of under-eye wrinkles
- Treatment of the so-called orange peel skin (cellulite)
- Treatment of neck bands (platysma)
- Treatment of tone-lost décolletage
- Treatment of excessive sweating in the armpits, hands, and feet (not only does sweating stop, but so do the "odors")
- Characterization of the jawline, achieving the so-called "Nefertiti lines"
Possible side effects may include:
- Headache
- Pain at the injection site
- Skin reaction at the injection site
- Eyelid swelling
- Drooping eyelid
- Hematoma
- Edema
Most side effects can be avoided with the proper application technique, so always have the treatment performed by a qualified professional.