Botox®

What is Botox®?
Botox® (Allergan, USA) is a drug made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum called botulinum toxin. It is used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. Botulinum toxin is also available commercially under the name Dysport® (Galderma, USA). In Derma Estetika Skin Clinic the only botulinum toxin used is Botox® manufactured by pharmaceutical company Allergan from United States of America.

When is Botox® used?
Botox® is used for removal and prevention of lines and wrinkles on the forehead, in between the eyebrows (glabella, frown lines), around the eyes (crow's feet) and elevating the outer part of the eyebrow (eyebrow lift). Botox® is also used to treat sweating in armpits and palms (hyperhidrosis), teeth grinding (bruxism), to improve the appearance of gummy smile and to narrow the jaw and lower face.

How is the procedure performed?
Botox® is administered by diluting the powder in saline and injecting directly into the skin with a very fine needle.

Who is qualified to inject Botox?
Doctors who specialize in cosmetic procedures will have the most experience. Face rejuvenation requires the knowledge and experience in facial anatomy, drugs used, their side effects and complications. In general, dermatologists and plastic surgeons are the ones who use it most, therefore their skills are way better.
For satisfying results schedule a consultation with our dermatologist.

How long does the procedure take?
10 minutes.

How many treatments are required?
One treatment is enough to achieve results. Follow-up is done in 10-15 days and if needed extra units of Botox are injected.

When to expect improvement?
Botox takes up to 3-10 days to take effect and make a noticeable difference.

How long does the effect of Botox last?
3- 6 months. After this period Botox can be readministered.

How to prepare for a Botox treatment?
Avoid alcohol consumption two days prior to the treatment.

Is Botox treatment painful?
No, however in patients with low pain threshold or fear of needles ice packs may be applied before injection.

How to care of the skin after Botox treatment?
You can practice your everyday skin care routine except.
If you wish, you may put on make-up immeditely after the treatment.
Avoid massaging the treated area for 3 days.
Avoid laying down for 3 hours after the treatment.
You may resume your daily activities immediately after the treatment.

How frequently can Botox be administered?
Every 3 months, if needed. There are no maximum number of treatments that can be done for a life time.

What if Botox is not readministered when its effects fade away?
Your face will gradually return to its pre-Botox appearance.

Who shouldn't get Botox?
Botulinum toxin should not be used in pregnant or lactating women, people with neuromuscular diseases, infections of the skin in the area to be treated, people who have had a previous allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients, as well as people with unrealistic expectations.

What are the side effects?
Injections with botulinum toxin are generally well tolerated and side effects are few mostly being local edema and erythema due to the needle and much less temporary upper lid or brow ptosis which may persist maximum for 3 months after which it totally resolves.

Is Botox dangerous?
In case of unqualified injectors injecting a patient in whom Botox is contraindicated serious side effects may take place. Till now there are no registered lethalities due to Botox used in cosmetic medicine.

Recommendation:

Make an appointment for Botox® treatment if you have following conditions:
1. Facial wrinkles (crow's feet around eyes, glabellar lines in between eyebrows, forehead lines)
2. Excessive sweating of palms (Palmar hyperhidrosis)
3. Excessive sweating of armpits (Axillary hyperhidrosis)
4. Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
5. Migraine


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