Botox injections, mainly in the upper third of the face, blurs the existing wrinkles and prevents the formation of new ones.
As part of the aging process, the natural production of collagen slows down, the skin loses moisture and elasticity and as a result, muscle movements begin to etch their action as wrinkles. The repeated movements of the muscles of expression leave the wrinkles etched on the skin, which over time stops returning to itself and straightening - so the wrinkles are visible even at rest.
Botox (botulinum toxin) is a product of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and its purpose is to neutralize the connection between the nerve and a certain muscle, its effect is local and temporary.
Botox works by weakening the muscles that cause expression lines. Therefore, wrinkles related to the muscles of expression become blurred and sometimes disappear completely, so that smoother and younger-looking skin is obtained.
Today, the treatment is also given to young people who do not show wrinkles while resting. This is due to the understanding that relaxing the muscles at an early stage will prevent the formation of wrinkles in the future.
It is important to remember that Botox is a medicine, therefore the injection is performed by a certified doctor only.
There are three main injection areas for Botox to treat wrinkles:
1. Forehead - the most common wrinkles that may appear at a very young age following eyebrow lifting.
2. Between the eyebrows - for the treatment of "anger wrinkles" which mainly result from muscle contraction during concentration or anger.
3. The sides of the eyes - wrinkles resulting from laughing and squinting.
Botox also has rarer uses: treatment of wrinkles along the nose (bunny lines), "orange" chin, and more.
The initial effect cannot be seen immediately during the treatment, but only a few days after the injection, and only after two weeks can the final result be seen. The action of Botox lasts about 3-4 months but can be shorter or longer.
Is the treatment painful?
Botox treatment is not painful but can cause slight discomfort. It involves several injections with a very thin needle. The injection site can be numbed by applying a numbing cream to the skin before the treatment.
What are the possible complications?
- Redness and local swelling (stinging-like) that go away after a few hours.
- Hemorrhages - can be hidden with make-up and pass after about two weeks.
- Asymmetry - in most cases can be improved by adding botox and disappears after the botox effect ends.
- Ptosis (drooping of the eyelid) - a phenomenon that passes after a few weeks.
- It was found that Botox does not affect about 1-3% of the population - no effect of the treatment is seen.
Remember: the effect of Botox is temporary, so the side effects are also temporary and transient.
Who is Botox treatment not suitable for?
- Women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
- Patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases.
- The treatment will not be performed while taking antibiotics.