At края the end of the year, it's time to talk about one of the most used procedures, namely botulinum toxin - Botox.
What substance is Botox?
Botulinum toxin or Botox is a neurotoxin. It is a protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
The mechanism of action of this substance is by blocking neurotransmission, which in turn leads to relaxation of the treated musculature.
What are the uses of Botox?
In medical science, botulinum toxin has multiple uses. It finds application in neurology, eye diseases, urology, gynecology, ENT, orthopedics and others. In recent years, it has been much advocated in the practice of dermatologists, mostly with an aesthetic focus.
What are the indications of Botox in aesthetic medicine?
In the last 15-20 years, Botox has occupied an increasing percentage of aesthetic procedures administered. We dermatologists use it to relax the muscles of the face and neck in order to prevent or treat already formed wrinkles. The most common areas treated are the glabellar (the area between the eyebrows), frontal (forehead) and crow's feet (the area around the eyes). But Botox can also be applied to the back of the nose (bunny lines), the columellar area (to lift the nose), treatment of the gummy smile (the area of m. levator labii superioris alaeqe nasi), the marionette lines (the area of m. depressor anguli oris), the neck area (platysmal bands).
Also, we dermatologists very often use botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis. This is a condition associated with excessive sweating of the armpits, back, upper, lower extremities, etc.
Botulinum toxin also finds use in migraines and migraine attacks. By treating specific points of the frontal facial area, this condition can be significantly influenced.
After how long is the effect of Botox administration visible?
Since this substance is a neurotoxin a certain amount of time is required for its effects to unfold. This period is from 7 to 14 days.
What is the duration of the effect and what amount of product is needed?
This is strictly individual. It depends both on the type of product used, the activity of the muscle groups treated, the age of the patient, individual anatomical and physiological features, the aesthetic views of the patient and the doctor, the lifestyle of the patient and others. The average duration of the effect is about 4 months.
Is the procedure painful and how long does it last?
The manipulation is slightly painful. For patients with a lower pain threshold, local anaesthetics in the form of cream may be applied.
The duration of the manipulation is about 5-15 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
Are there any restrictions after the procedure?
The following should be avoided after the procedure:
- 24 hours : sports
- 5 days : sauna, steam, bath, solarium
- 5 days : sharp bending
- 5 days : massage of the treated areas
During what period of time should I visit my dermatologist for such a procedure?
The minimum period between treatments should be 4 months. We advise our patients to visit us every 6-8 months for a new product application.
When should I start applying Botox?
This is also very individual. It mostly depends on the activity of the muscles and the patient's vision. We are visited by patients who don't need Botox at the age of 50, but there are some who need it at 28.
What is the best season for such a procedure?
Botulinum toxin can be administered year round.
We hope we have been helpful to you!
