Botox
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE
About the procedure
Botox is a botulinum toxin-based product that, when injected into the facial muscles, temporarily relaxes them and stops their contractions. Relaxing the muscles allows the fine lines and wrinkles above them to smooth out and soften. Botox is applied with a thin needle, and the amount of substance injected is measured in units. The amount of units depends on the area being treated, the condition of the patient’s skin and numerous other factors.
Application areas:
• Forehead: approx. 10-30 units
• Between the eyebrows: 10-15 units
• Above the eyebrows: 2-5 units on each side
• Around the eyes (crow’s feet): 5-15 units on each side
• On the sides and on the bridge of the nose (bunny lines): 5-10 units on each side
• Around the lips: 3-6 units on each side
• For visible gums when smiling (gummy smile): 2-4 units
• Neck: 25-50 units
Effects of therapy:
Botox treats wrinkles caused by mimicry. Most often it is used for horizontal lines on the forehead and wrinkles in the shape of the number 11 in the space between the eyes, as well as the wrinkles on the sides or on the bridge of the nose visible when laughing, frowning or speaking. It is also used to treat lines in the corners of the lips that go down to the chin and sometimes cause drooping of the corners of the lips, as well as wrinkles on the neck.
As the effects are best visible after seven to ten days, patients come for follow-up appointment after two weeks, when possible corrections can be made if necessary.
Candidates for Botox:
This treatment is an excellent option for patients who want to correct fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck without undergoing a more extensive cosmetic procedure.
Duration of therapy:
Depending on the needs of each patient and the area being treated, Botox can last from 3 to 6 months, and can be repeated two to three times a year. Taking this into account, it is best to determine a long-term maintenance strategy, in order to create a treatment plan and schedule, so that the results are always optimal.
Duration of treatment:
A Botox treatment lasts 15-20 minutes and after the treatment it is best to avoid exposure to heat and the use of make-up for 24 hours as well as to take a day or two break from physical activity.
Side effects:
Sometimes a slight headache, bruising or feeling of heaviness on the forehead may occur, but these symptoms pass very quickly.
Combining with other therapies:
Depending on the patient’s needs, skin condition and other factors, Botox can be combined with a number of other treatments, such as fillers or peels, and sometimes these treatments can even be done on the same day as Botox.