Botulinum toxin injections, or Botox, improve the appearance by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and visible furrows in the forehead. This procedure is most often performed to reduce mimic wrinkles that have appeared over the years.
Botulinum toxin injections can be performed from the age of 18 to a respectable age. Based on your own feeling and wishes, everyone chooses the time for the aesthetic procedure.
Botulinum toxin injections block nerve signals to muscles. As a result, the injected muscles can no longer contract (tense). The results of injections are visible for about 3 or 6 months, sometimes even up to a year. It depends on the muscle being injected. To keep the results, the procedure needs to be repeated.
They are safe when given by a qualified healthcare provider. Before the procedure, it is important to make sure that the person giving the injections is properly qualified to perform these procedures.
Before making a final decision on injections, apply for a consultation with a specialist who will perform this procedure. The specialist will inform you about the course of the procedure, the most suitable treatment for you, the most common risks and complications, aftercare and costs. Also, don’t be shy to ask questions that interest you.
Botulinum toxin injections are given to reverse the signs of aging. This procedure smoothes fine lines and wrinkles:
- eyebrows;
- forehead;
- for the nose;
- eyes (crow’s feet);
- lips;
- chin;
- jaw line;
- for the neck.
However, these injections are also given to treat medical conditions:
- excessive muscle contractions (dystonia);
- excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis);
- chronic migraines;
- etc.
- The specialist will inject a small amount of Botox into the required treatment area with a fine needle.
- Depending on the problem and the desired result, it can be done in several and different places;
The discomfort is usually mild. The injection will feel like a small, uncomfortable but quick sting. - Most often, the procedure itself takes 10 minutes.
- There is no need for a long recovery period, you can return to daily work immediately after the procedure (taking into account the specialist’s instructions);
- Do not rub or touch the treated area for 12 hours;
- 4 hours after the procedure, be in a vertical position – standing, sitting, etc.;
- Avoid intensive physical exercise, sunbathing for 2 days;
- Avoid baths, saunas for a week.
After the procedure, most people notice the desired effect on about the third or fourth day. Full results will be visible within 10 to 14 days.
The risks of botulinum toxin injections are small if properly administered by a suitably qualified specialist.
However, sometimes after treatment:
- headache and flu-like symptoms may appear in the first 24 hours;
- bruises, swelling and redness appear on the skin (at injection sites);
- you won’t be able to move your facial muscles if too much botulinum toxin is injected.
For other possible risks, ask your specialist.
Botulinum toxin injections are not recommended if:
- you have a skin infection;
- feeling unwell;
- you have a neuromuscular disease;
- you are taking certain medications (the specialist will inform you about this);
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding.