Treatment with Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport)
Botox, as the treatment with neurotoxins is now widely known, is the most popular treatment, synonymous with a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. The popularity of this treatment has skyrocketed in recent years among both women and men who wish to smooth out the signs of aging and enhance their image. At the same time, the prices of Botox are now clearly more affordable than years ago.
Facial Botox has become widely known for its effectiveness in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, especially those of the forehead, glabella, and eyes.
The action of Botox is based on a neurotoxic protein, which when injected in very small and controlled quantities, causes temporary paralysis of the muscles we target. This results in muscle relaxation and subsequently the smoothing of the overlying fine lines and wrinkles of the skin. Thus, we achieve a more youthful, rested, and radiant appearance.
It is an injectable treatment, meaning that the substance is injected into the muscles with needles. However, it is a safe, relatively painless, and quick treatment, with minimal downtime. The cost of Botox varies and depends on the number of injections, the quantity and quality of the material, and the practitioner.
What is the suitable age to start Botox?
As with any cosmetic treatment, there is no specific age at which one can start Botox application. This decision has more to do with the condition of the patient's skin and the presence or absence of wrinkles. It is an ideal treatment for dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles formed with movements but disappear at rest. However, significant improvement can also be achieved in static wrinkles, those that are visible even at rest. However, they may require more frequent applications for a more long-term result. In recent years, there has been a trend towards earlier treatments aimed at preventing the appearance of wrinkles.
This is because Botox acts both as a restorative treatment, temporarily correcting our appearance by eliminating wrinkles, and as a preventive treatment, because as long as its action lasts, the muscles do not move, preventing wrinkles from forming and deepening.
What do I need to do before the application?
The application of neurotoxins is a minimally invasive treatment. This means that there is no need for special preparation on the part of the patient.
Ideally, one should avoid alcohol and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the likelihood of bruising during the treatment.
However, the most important thing before treatment is evaluation by a Dermatologist to make the correct planning of the application points.
How is the application done?
Initially, the area where Botox will be applied is carefully cleaned. Then, we assess facial movements and select the injection sites. It is very important to consider factors that the patient often does not think about. For example, if we do intense Botox in a face with eyelid ptosis, based on the levator palpebrae superioris muscle to lift the 'dropped' eyelids, it may lead to temporary drooping of the eyelids. We also need to be aware of muscle interactions because if we only treat one muscle group, we leave the opposite group to act unopposed, which can lead to a bad outcome.
Application Points
The application points are not always the same and are determined by the anatomy of the face and the type of result desired by the patient. For example, a longer frontalis muscle may require 3 application points, while a smaller one may be treated with just one. Also, the range of application on the forehead will somewhat determine whether the edges of the eyebrows will be raised, which usually leads to an undesired and unnatural result. The depth of application is also very important and varies depending on the position and the case.
When is it Recommended?
The application of toxins is a favorite and common treatment for the upper part of the face usually. There is no easier, quicker, and more effective way to address wrinkles on the forehead, glabella, and around the eyes. It can also be used in other areas such as the upper lip, the sides of the nose, the chin, and the marionette lines.
It can also be used to reduce the volume of the masseter muscles to improve the shape of the face and to improve the contour of the face by applying it to the neck at specific depths at targeted points on the platysma muscle.
Advantages of the Method
The application of toxin is a very quick and convenient option that provides great solutions with minimal inconvenience. The fact that the results are not permanent allows even those who are unsure if they want to undergo anti-aging treatments to try it.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The results of Botox depend on various factors. In general, after 2-3 months, muscle mobility returns, and after 4-6 months, the wrinkles of the overlying skin affected by the movement of these muscles return. This is true for about 70% of cases, but there are cases where the result lasts less or more.
It should be noted that the duration of the result depends on the dosage. This means that a higher dose will lead to a more 'frozen' result as well as a longer duration of this result.
Also, the anatomy and strength of the muscles we affect play an important role. A well-developed strong muscle will recover more quickly. Also, the frequent and regular application will lead to the weakening of the muscle and a longer-lasting result with the same dose. Finally, there seem to be biological differences between individuals in how quickly they 'metabolize' the drug, while very rarely, after years and probably incorrect use, some may develop antibodies against the drug that hinder its action.
What is the Cost of the Application?
Unfortunately, this is a favorite question that is often asked over the phone. As it is a medical procedure, it should be understood that clinical examination and assessment of both the suitability of the case and the positions and doses required for the desired result are required. It is also necessary to adhere to medical ethics as it is a drug which, if diluted in a larger quantity of liquid, drastically reduces the cost of application but also its effectiveness.
In our office, our prices are competitive, and besides having a deep understanding of the action and anatomy of the face, we take all necessary measures for the best and most effective application of the drug with absolute safety.
