Botox
What is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxic product containing Botulinum Toxin A, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. A common misconception is that Botox is snake venom, which is not true. Similarly, it’s often thought that Botox paralyzes muscles entirely, but it does not. Instead, Botox works by temporarily reducing excessive muscle activity, thus diminishing wrinkle-causing muscle contractions without completely paralyzing the muscles. Besides wrinkle reduction, Botox is an effective treatment for conditions like spastic paralysis, facial paralysis, strabismus, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and migraines.
Common Botox Application Areas
Botox is widely used for smoothing wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Key application areas include:
- Forehead wrinkles
- Crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eyes)
- Frown lines (between the eyebrows)
- Bunny lines (bridge of the nose)
- Smoker’s lines (fine lines above the upper lip)
- Gummy smile (excessive gum display when smiling)
- Neck bands
Regular Botox applications help prevent the formation of permanent lines and wrinkles, resulting in a younger, refreshed appearance. Additionally, Botox is used for eyebrow lifting, nose tip lifting, treating involuntary eyelid spasms, migraines, and excessive sweating (in the underarms, hands, and feet).
How is Botox Applied?
Botox is a non-surgical procedure performed using a very fine needle to inject small doses into predetermined areas. The application areas are first disinfected, and a local anesthetic cream is applied and left for around 15 minutes. The Botox is then injected into the targeted muscles using fine-tipped needles. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes, and thanks to the needle’s thinness, it is nearly painless—patients may feel only a mild stinging sensation. Botox is a simple, quick procedure that doesn’t negatively impact daily life.
Post-Procedure Care
- Move the treated muscles every 5 minutes during the first hour after the procedure.
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours post-treatment; avoid bending forward or lying down. Do not sleep face down on the same day.
- Avoid exercise and alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Refrain from rubbing your face, washing vigorously, or applying makeup for 24 hours.
- When washing or applying makeup, follow your doctor’s instructions, using soft touches without pressure.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 8 hours post-treatment.
- Refrain from massages or facial beauty treatments on the treated area for 2 weeks.
- Avoid hot environments like baths, saunas, and tanning beds for 2 weeks.
- Apply ice if you experience pain, swelling, or bruising in the treated area.
These guidelines help you achieve the best results and speed up the recovery process.
Duration of Effect and Repeat Sessions
The effects of Botox typically last 4-6 months. With regular treatments, the duration may extend up to 8 months. Wrinkles begin to fade within 2-3 days after treatment, and muscle activity gradually returns after 4-6 months. If desired, Botox can be repeated every 4-6 months. However, for best results, it should be performed by experienced professionals who understand facial anatomy and muscle function.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal filler treatment is a cosmetic procedure primarily used to fill in facial wrinkles, lines, and hollow areas. Dermal fillers come in four main types: autologous fat, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and synthetic fillers. Among these, hyaluronic acid is the most widely used worldwide. Approved by the FDA, hyaluronic acid is a safe, natural product with a low risk of allergic reactions. It holds some water in the injected area, creating volume, and is gradually absorbed by the body. Depending on the patient and the procedure, the effect lasts between 9 to 24 months. None of the fillers used today are permanent, so repeat treatments are necessary once the effects wear off.
Dermal Filler Uses and Purposes:
- Lip Enhancement: With age, the hyaluronic acid content and moisture retention in the skin decrease, leading to thinner lips. Hyaluronic acid fillers can restore lip volume and redefine lip contours.
- Under-Eye Bags and Hollows: Under-eye bags significantly contribute to an aged appearance. Under-eye light fillers, containing hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamin B6, and antioxidants, can effectively address this issue, evening out the level and color difference between the under-eye and cheeks.
- Brow Lift: Drooping brows can make a face look older and tired. Hyaluronic acid filler injections in the brow area can lift the brows, giving the face a more dynamic and youthful expression.
- Nose Reshaping: Known as non-surgical rhinoplasty, nose fillers can correct gaps, asymmetries, and indentations using hyaluronic acid.
- Cheek, Chin, and Temple Augmentation: With age, fat tissue in the cheeks, chin, and temples diminishes, causing volume loss and skin sagging. Hyaluronic acid fillers restore volume in these areas for a youthful appearance.
- Deep Lines and Wrinkles: Hyaluronic acid fillers can smooth out lines and wrinkles, especially in high-movement areas like the forehead, providing a younger appearance.
- Acne Scars and Depressions: Deep depressions from scars and acne, which are often hard to cover with makeup, can be filled with hyaluronic acid fillers for a smoother skin surface.
Dermal Filler Procedure
Dermal filler treatment is performed using injections. The amount of filler is determined based on the treatment area, and a local anesthetic cream may be applied if needed. The filler is then injected into the skin with a fine needle. Four techniques are commonly used: serial puncture, tunneling (linear), fan, and cross-hatching, chosen according to the practitioner’s expertise. For deep imperfections, wider angles are preferred; for surface imperfections, 30-45 degree angles are used.
Post-Procedure Care
- Mild swelling, redness, bruising, sensitivity, and itching may occur. If this happens, apply ice to the area. If symptoms persist beyond 3 days, consult your doctor.
- Avoid eating for the first 3-4 hours after the procedure.
- One day after the procedure, massage the treated area gently as advised by your doctor.
- Minimize facial expressions for the first few days.
- Avoid massages and facial beauty treatments on the treated area for two weeks.
- Avoid hot environments such as baths, saunas, and tanning beds for two weeks.
- Refrain from alcohol consumption, exercise, and sun exposure on the day of treatment.
- Makeup can be applied one day after treatment.
- For best results, attend a follow-up appointment after two weeks for any necessary touch-ups or supplementary treatments.
These guidelines will help maximize results and support a smooth recovery process.
Procedure Duration and Effect
The dermal filler procedure takes about 15 minutes, after which patients can return to their daily activities. Full effects become visible within two days, once any swelling subsides. In some cases, a follow-up session may be scheduled two weeks later. The duration of results depends on the patient and procedure, ranging from 9 to 24 months. After this period, a repeat session is required.
A successful outcome depends greatly on the knowledge and experience of the practitioner. Achieving a natural look is the ultimate goal—Nothing Unnatural is Ever Truly Aesthetic.