A single Botox treatment can work greatly in achieving a smooth facial appearance. This article explains how Botox works for wrinkles, the injection procedure and the frequently asked questions about the anti-wrinkle treatment.
Most clinics in the UK offer botulinum toxin treatments to eliminate wrinkles. There are two types of facial wrinkles, dynamic and static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle movements when you smile, laugh or squint. Botox is a good option for eliminating dynamic wrinkles. It effectively reduces these wrinkles and restores a more youthful appearance. Static wrinkles are caused by loss of elasticity and collagen in your skin, sun and smoking. Static wrinkles make the skin dry and thinner, making it look old to o the loss of volume. Some cosmetic doctors may recommend Botox for static wrinkles. This article highlights more on botox procedures and how the treatment works.
How Botox Works for Wrinkles
According toSatriyasa (2019), botulinum toxin injections reduce the activities of muscles when injected into areas with facial lines and wrinkles. Since the muscle can no longer move, the wrinkles soften and hinders the formation of new ones. Li et al. (2014) explained that the results of botulinum toxin injections could last for 3- 6 months after treatment. Since this treatment is temporary, wrinklesmay resurface. Botox treatments offer a predictable result and have minimal side effects after the procedure. The result and the procedure’s safety depend on the cosmetic doctor administering the injections. Botox works effectively to eliminate the following types of facial wrinkles:
Forehead Wrinkles
The movement of the forehead muscle causes forehead wrinkles. Botox treatment relaxes the muscle to help reduce the appearance of the forehead muscle.
Crow’s Feet
These types of wrinkles mainly occur when you smile or laugh. Crow’s feet wrinkles are visible at both ends of the eyes. They extend horizontally from the corners of the eyes. Cosmetic doctors should be careful when administering Botox injections into the areas near the eyes to avoid Botox spreading into the eyes.
Frown Lines
Frown lines refer to the vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows. They are also referred to as glabellar lines. These types of wrinkles are dynamic, and injection of Botox into the area between the brows makes them disappear.
Patients Who Should Avoid Botox Treatments
Not all patients with dynamic facial wrinkles can get botulinum toxin treatment. In the UK, A patient should be at least 18 years old to get the treatment. According to Biello,Oney& Zhu (2021), patients suffering from the following conditions should avoid botulinum toxin treatment.
- Neuromuscular diseases, for example, myasthenia gravis
- If the muscle to be treated is weak
- Skin problems on or near the injection site
- Drooping eyelids
- Deep facial scars
- If the patient’s facial features are uneven
Since there are not enough studies done to show the effect of Botox on breastmilk, we cannot conclude that Botox does not affect breastmilk. Pregnant mothers and breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid Botox treatment.
To find out whether you are a good candidate for a Botox treatment, kindly book an appointment with a qualified cosmetic doctor. It is important to tell your doctor about your current medical prescription.
Botulinum Toxin Injection Procedure
- After consultation, your cosmetic doctor cleans the site to be injected to eliminate bacteria that can cause infection.
- A numbing cream can be applied to the skin after cleaning is done. The doctor can wait a few minutes for the skin to completely numb.
- Botox injections are done using a thin needle into the intended muscle beneath the area with the wrinkles.
- The procedure is simple and can take approximately 15 minutes. You will start noticing results in about five days after treatment.
Botox Units
A syringe contains 50-200 units. Cosmetic doctors must assess their patients to determine the units required for every treatment. Small (2014) stated that a Botox treatment for frown lines requires about 20 units. Most patients can be treated with fewer units if the wrinkles are not considered deep by the cosmetic doctor after an examination. For first-time Botox patients, a low dose can be administered first. After a few weeks, the doctor should assess whether you require additional units to achieve the intended result.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox Treatment
Is Botox Painful?
Botox treatment is not painful. Some patients experience slight discomfort after treatment though it does not last long.
How Soon Will I See Results After an Injection?
How soon you see results after treatment may differ from one patient to the other. It takes about five days to notice changes. After 10-14 days, you will see a near result. a full result is achieved 30 days after treatment.
How Should I Prepare for the Treatment?
According to King (2017), patients should avoid taking alcohol, medicines and supplements that have blood-thinning properties at least a week before the procedure. Having a consultation appointment with your doctor before the procedure is good.
When Is It Safe to Have Another Treatment?
Patients can have another Botox treatment when lines and wrinkles start to reappear. Having another treatment helps to relax the muscles and, therefore, can prolong the anti-wrinkle effect.
Conclusion
Botox treatment requires a skilled cosmetic doctor who can assess the patient’s needs and develop a treatment customised to the patient’s desired result. Because our body’s metabolism rates differ, how long Botox lasts can vary from one patient to the other. Like other skin treatments, Botox may require multiple treatments to achieve the best results. The procedure has minimal side effects like bruising and swelling that disappear a few days after treatment. If side effects prolong, please consult your doctor. A good Botox treatment gives a youthful, natural result.
References
Biello, A., Oney, R., & Zhu, B. (2021). Botulinum Toxin Treatment Of The Upper Face. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
King, M. (2017). The management of bruising following nonsurgical cosmetic treatment. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(2), E1.
Satriyasa, B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223.
Small, R. (2014). Botulinum toxin injection for facial wrinkles. American family physician, 90(3), 168-175.
Li, S., Lian, Y. J., Chen, Y., Zhang, H. F., Ma, Y. Q., He, C. H., … & Zhang, Y. (2014). Therapeutic effect of Botulinum toxin-A in 88 patients with trigeminal neuralgia with 14-month follow-up. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 15(1), 1-6.
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