Botox: Answers
What exactly is botox?
When we talk about botox, we actually mean the trade name of botulinum toxin type A, which comes from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Its form is injectable. It is the most popular worldwide, minimally invasive medical aesthetics treatment for women and men, since according to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgery, in the USA alone, 6 million applications were performed for aesthetic reasons and approximately 1 billion $ were spent in the year 2013.
When was botox first used?
When in 1968 neurologists, orthopedists and ophthalmologists were looking for new and more effective treatments for various neuromuscular diseases that afflicted their patients, botox was used for the first time with impressive results. Its use was extended to other specialties and indications. It is used with excellent results to this day.
Application & results
Where exactly is botox applied and why?
The most common muscle groups it is applied to are the following:
- pyramidal or furrows, responsible for the wrinkles between the eyebrows
- circulation of the eyelids, responsible for crow's feet wrinkles
- frontal muscles, responsible for horizontal forehead wrinkles
How difficult is it to apply and who is it not suitable for?
It is a harmless micro-surgery since the amount of medicine used is practically negligible and of course completely controlled. Use may be contraindicated in patients with myopathy, neuropathy or other severe neurological conditions. In such a case the doctor should be informed.
How long does the application take and who chooses it?
Facial wrinkle treatment with botox is performed by a specialist doctor, plastic surgeon, dermatologist or ophthalmologist and lasts from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the situation. The drug is injected into the wrinkle with a tiny insulin needle only half a millimeter thick.
When do results appear and how long do they last?
The onset of action begins 3 days to 3 weeks after the infusion. The duration of the drug's action depends on the organism, the indication, the dosage and the method of administration. In general, however, the duration of the results is from 4 to 6 months and many times longer.
Frequent questions
Does this particular operation leave any scars and if so, when do they disappear?
After application the patient can return to work as the signs usually subside in less than 30 minutes. These signs are a minor irritation, like a mosquito bite. It is also recommended that the patient not lie down for at least 3 hours after the operation for the most effective effect of the drug. Botox: Answers
What ages are most suitable for botox treatment?
The indicated age with the best results is after 30, where the treatment ensures visible and naturally impressive results, without excluding younger ages if there is an appropriate indication.
Close-up female face with a big wrinkles on her forehead – isolated on white
Are there any possible side effects?
Side effects are extremely rare. Such side effects are due to the fluid moving to neighboring muscles resulting in their unwanted temporary immobilization. However, even such a rare side effect is 100% reversible and transient. Botox: Answers
Is there a chance of the appearance of antibodies that will reduce the effectiveness of the drug?
Antibodies to the botulinum toxin may appear, resulting in reduced effectiveness of the drug the next time it is used. Of course, this may only occur in very long-term use and in large quantities of the drug. It is worth noting here that in cases of spasticity of the lower limbs, in infants under 2 years of age, amounts are given that reach ten times that in cases of wrinkles, and again we have no serious production of antibodies or other risks.
Post-treatment instructions
Helpful hints & tips:
- try to exercise your facial muscles for 20 – 30 minutes after the treatment (eg frowning, raising eyebrows). This helps the medicine to work faster in the muscles. Although this technique will help, it does not mean that forgetting it will have a negative impact on the final result
- do not try to rub the treated areas for the next 24 hours
- do not use make-up for 4 hours after the treatment
- do not lie down or exercise vigorously for 3 – 4 hours after treatment
- avoid hot showers, hair dryers and excessive sun exposure for the next 2 days
- be sure that small marks or redness will disappear completely within a few hours
Better results:
Treatment results may appear after 2 weeks. They are not permanent. They usually last 3-4 months. As long as you follow your treatment appointments as often as your doctor recommends, the results will last even longer. At the Institute of Ophthalmology & Microsurgery Ophthalmica the goal is for patients to be completely satisfied with the result.
So we see our patients between the 3rd and 4th month. The best clinical results are achieved within this period. If you allow the drug to wear off completely (6+ months), and then see your doctor again, it will be harder for him to see how different muscles have responded to the treatment. Botox: Answers
Finally, it is worth noting that the treatment is carried out with a special technique that personalizes the injections to the specific muscle structure of each patient. For this reason it is necessary for the doctor to see you before the muscles are activated again. The doctor needs to see you at the exact point in time when the muscle is just starting to activate, but before it is fully activated. In this way, it becomes possible to personalize the injection that will have the best effect on your face
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