Botox and hyaluronic acid for youth? Before you decide, read the 10 things you (probably) don't know.
Dr. Konstantina Mamali, dermatologist and venereologist and associate scientific director of Cosmetic Derma Medicine (www.cosmeticderma-medicine.gr).
1/ Botox
It is a form of natural protein produced by Clostridium botulinum (botulinum toxin). It is injected locally and is used to temporarily relax facial muscles that contract to cause wrinkles and fine lines. It can also be used medicinally to treat hyperhidrosis, and in recent years it has been shown to be effective in treating migraines.
2/ The Fillers
In the category of fillers, hyaluronic acid has now prevailed, a substance that is naturally found in your body, but its production diminishes over time. It has the form of a transparent crystalline gel and has the property of retaining water in the skin, giving it volume and elasticity. Fillers are used to "fill" wrinkles in the area around the mouth, between the eyebrows, for acne scars or other marks, but also for wrinkles around the eyes and improving the shape of the lips.
3/ You can do botox at any age!
Experts classify the opinion that you should start early (ie even before 30) to do botox if you want to prevent the formation of wrinkles to the level of urban myth. In fact, there is no restriction and you can do botox (one or more times) at any age you think there is a reason.
4/ You will hurt (a little)
Whether you're getting botox or hyaluronic, the material is injected into the skin with a small injection. Many doctors use a topical anesthetic cream to reduce pain at the injection site, but the truth is that you will feel pain. However, it is perfectly tolerable and instantaneous.
5/ You will be able to return to work the same day
There will be no marks from the treatment, so you can immediately return to your daily activities. At the injection site, the next day there may be a small bruise, a little bigger than a dot, which you can easily cover with make-up. If you have had hyaluronic injections in your lips, it is quite possible that they will swell due to the sensitivity of the tissues – but not so much that your face looks weird. The swelling will subside within 12-14 hours.
6/ You shouldn't bathe, but you shouldn't talk either
If you have had botox done, you should not bathe, use a hair dryer and go to the gym on the same day, so that the effect of the material is not reduced. If, again, you have had hyaluronic, it is better to remain silent – or speak as little as possible – for a few hours and avoid exercise for the same reason as with botox.
7/ It won't be long before you see the results
In hyaluronic, you will see them almost immediately. There will be a slight local swelling for about 12-24 hours, especially if the injections are in the lips, but you will have a good idea of the final result. The effect of botox starts after three to four 24 hours and the final result will be visible in about 1 week.
8/ Yes, there is an "antidote" for hyaluronic acid, but you better not need it
If there is any failure in placing the hyaluronic on the face, there is an "antidote", hyaluronidase, which dissolves it. However, most dermatologists and plastic surgeons who use it prefer to put in a smaller dose and will recommend that you come back in 10-14 days for a top-up if needed, rather than risk "overdoing" it the first time.
9/ Botox: There is always a risk of side effects, but it is small
In addition to small bruises at the injection sites, some women suffer from headaches for the first few days, but the discomfort quickly subsides. A more serious side effect is the asymmetric reduction of wrinkles as well as eyelid drooping, but this is something that happens rarely and, if you choose an experienced doctor, you probably won't be concerned about the issue.
10/ These treatments work, but you should repeat them regularly
Their success is also due to their great popularity among women and men of all ages. The results last from 4 months for botox and 6 for hyaluronic up to about 12 months, depending on how your body will react. Finally, it doesn't happen often, but the injection of hyaluronic acid in the "problem" spot on your face may activate the natural production of collagen and elastin and thus you will have a result that will last for many years!
Eleni Daskalaki writes
