Botox – a way to deal with wrinkles (and more!)

Botox is one of the most popular drugs/preparations used in aesthetic medicine procedures. Although it is often accused of completely freezing facial expressions, when injected correctly, it makes facial features appear softer and wrinkles shallower. The face gains a rested and “exclusive” look. Contrary to popular opinion, Botox is not used for lip augmentation or lifting. Its task is to relax excessively wrinkled skin in some areas of the face and properly relax the skin attachments of the facial muscles, while preventing wrinkles from becoming permanent.

Where did Botox come from?

Botox owes its origins to the Belgian discoverer Emile Pierre van Ermenghen’ne, who in 1897 discovered and named the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. However, the isolation of pure botulinum toxin did not occur until 1944 at the American biological weapons research center in Fort Detrick. In the late 1970s, botulinum toxin began to be used in neurology, and later in aesthetic medicine. In Poland, the first Botox treatments for beautifying purposes are attributed to 1996.

Check: History of Botox

Botulinum toxin

There are several registered preparations containing botulinum toxin type A. Although the substance found in each of these drugs is the same, the size of the toxin molecules and the content of proteins that create capsules for it are different. Therefore, the number of units of one toxin does not always have the same effect as the number of units of the other. Few people are aware that in nature there are several types of this toxin (from A to G). Of which strains A, B and E are mainly used in medicine.

The unattractive names for this substance also include “botulism”, which is directly related to the first discovery of bacteria producing botulinum toxin (Clostridium Botulinum) – they were found in spoiled cold cuts and old canned goods. Interestingly, the largest number of botulism poisonings occur when consuming old honey.

Is botox safe?

Although Botox is quite a strong poison (due to its toxicity, it is classified as a biological weapon), when used in aesthetic medicine, there is practically no possibility of poisoning with this substance – the doses administered for therapeutic purposes are very small.

It should be noted that Botox toxicity occurs only and exclusively when the drug is swallowed in large quantities, which is why its circulation is quite restrictively controlled by manufacturers and pharmacists. Botox can only be legally purchased by a doctor – on prescription. Possession of the drug by non-doctors is not only illegal, but also life-threatening.

There is no doubt that Botox injections should only take place in aesthetic medicine clinics, where the circulation of the preparation is documented. Moreover, the procedure should be performed by people trained for this purpose, who can deal with possible complications after Botox administration. It is worth emphasizing that they do not happen often, but appropriate protection is essential – that is why before each procedure using Botox we conduct an initial consultation in our Biogenica Clinic, excluding any contraindications.

How does Botox work?

Botox works by blocking neuromuscular connections, which prevents strong muscle contraction, despite signals sent from the brain. That is why the first applications of Botox included the treatment of contractures in children with cerebral palsy or eliminating strabismus. At a later stage, botulinum toxin was used to:

reduce facial wrinkles,
prevent the wrinkles from becoming permanent,
local treatment of excessive sweating,
alleviate the symptoms of bruxism (teeth grinding),

In recent times, migraine treatment with Botox has also been indicated as a form of therapy – the substance described here can reduce unpleasant and extremely uncomfortable headaches.

What are the indications for Botox treatment?

In aesthetic medicine, Botox is most often administered to relax the facial muscles, especially the upper part. As a result, the following are reduced:

wrinkles located between the eyebrows (the so-called “lion’s wrinkle“);
transverse wrinkles on the forehead;
wrinkles that appear around the outer corners of the eyes, the so-called “crow’s feet“.

Less frequently recommended Botox injections include:

wrinkles on the nose (the so-called “rabbit wrinkles”);
wrinkles that appear around the mouth (the so-called “smoker’s wrinkles“);
eliminating a gummy smile;
eliminating the symptoms of teeth grinding, which causes the overgrowth of the masseter muscles
alleviating excessive tension in the mentalis muscle.

In very rare cases, Botox can also be injected into the platysma muscle of the neck, but few patients qualify for this procedure, and the effects are not spectacular.

Contraindications to Botox – what to watch out for?

Absolute contraindications to Botox therapy include:

pregnancy and breastfeeding;
some neurological diseases, e.g. Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert Eaton syndrome;
cardiovascular disorders;
diseases related to muscle function;
allergy to human albumin;
taking medications within 7 days before the planned procedure, such as: aminoglycosides (streptomycin, amikacin); aminoquinolates (chloroquine, hydroxycholine), lincomycin, tetracyclines, polymyxins, D-pencicylamine, tubocurarine, pancuronium, gallamine, succinylcholine;
serious blood clotting disorders;
oncological problems;
unstable diabetes.

Being under 18 is a relative contraindication to Botox. In the case of aesthetic treatments, the standard procedure is not to accept underage patients. In other specializations, the use of Botox is thoroughly consulted and discussed with the patient’s parents, while the final decision on the procedure is made by the doctor.

There are also other relative contraindications, despite which the doctor may decide to perform the procedure using Botox. First of all, these include autoimmune diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Grave-Basedow’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis).

Everything you need to know about Botox treatment

Botox injections are extremely popular. Contrary to popular belief, they are not painful – the sensations associated with them are often compared to eyebrow epilation. Anesthesia is completely unnecessary in this case. The duration of a Botox treatment, depending on the doctor’s skills and the size of the area, usually takes no more than 5 minutes (this applies to the use of Botox for wrinkles). In the treatment of excessive sweating, it may take a little longer.

However, we should never approach a Botox injection procedure without:

a thorough interview, establishing a patient card;
ruling out contraindications to the treatment with botulinum toxin type A;
carefully reading and understanding the content of the informed consent to the procedure;
being convinced that this is a procedure dedicated to us, consistent with our expectations;
accepting the possibility of possible side effects of the procedure.

You should also avoid Botox if the origin of the product you are about to receive raises any doubts or if the person performing the procedure forgot to remove make-up – not to mention proper disinfection!

Botox effects – what can you expect?

Immediately after the Botox treatment, small pink blisters are visible on the skin – similar to those after a mosquito bite. This happens rarely, although there is a possibility that a bruise may also occur. Usually, applying make-up immediately after the procedure is not a contraindication.

The effect of Botox begins to be visible after 3-7 days from its performance, however, the full effect is assessed after about 14-21 days. After this period, it is worth having a follow-up visit, during which the doctor will assess the intensity of the Botox effect and, if necessary – in the case of strong or unevenly reacting muscles – in order to maintain symmetry, inject the desired amount.

Unfortunately, the effects of Botox are not permanent. According to the information provided in the leaflets of preparations containing botulinum toxin type A, the duration of the treatment effect is about 2-3 months. After this period, muscle function gradually returns. In some patients, however, the duration of the effects of Botox may be much longer. It all depends on the individual characteristics, the type of toxin injected, the amount and area into which it was administered, as well as the regularity of the treatments. Re-injections with Botox are usually recommended after 4-6 months.

The situation is completely different in the case of injections related to the treatment of excessive sweating. According to some patients, the effect of the treatment lasts for up to 9 months (although it should be noted that the manufacturer’s guaranteed result is about 3 months).

Recommendations after Botox wrinkle treatment

Immediately after the Botox treatment, the skin is slightly pink, although the treatment itself is not a contraindication to applying makeup. Immediately after itHowever, immediately after the treatment – for (approx. 4 hours) – it is not recommended to:

intensive physical exercise, e.g. fitness, gym;
massage of the treated areas;
perform other treatments within the treated area on the same day after this procedure;
heating the treated area, e.g. in a solarium;
prolonged bending or going to sleep immediately after the procedure;
pressing the treated area;
drinking alcohol and taking substances that accelerate blood circulation.

Side effects of Botox

As is the case with any well-studied drug, the use of botulinum toxin type A carries the risk of side effects. Usually, such effects are temporary and last for a few days. These include:

small hematomas that may form at the injection site;
unnatural lowering or raising of the eyebrows (in the case of transverse forehead wrinkles injections, (so-called “Mephisto effect”);
small swelling and a tingling sensation in the injection area;
very rarely headache.

In the case of excessive, incorrect administration of Botox, the following may occur:

drooping of the upper eyelid;
dryness of the eyeball;
swelling under the eyes.

Patients with excess skin on the upper eyelids may experience discomfort associated with blocking the ability to raise the eyebrows and thus a feeling of eye strain and narrowing of the field of vision. In such cases, eyelid plastic surgery should be considered.

Want to change something about your appearance? Botox is here to help!

How about a facial wrinkle reduction treatment? Although the name may be a bit confusing, it is nothing more than the application of Botox to a selected area of the face. Properly injected Botox will bring results within a few days of the procedure. Botulinum toxin type A will make wrinkles much shallower and facial features will look softer. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to take advantage of the offer, but it is worth leaving the consultation to specialists – our experienced experts from the Biogenica Clinic know how to use Botox effectively and safely. Contact us and give yourself a chance for a new quality of being in your own skin!

Cennik