Botulinum toxin for wrinkles

Various aesthetic cosmetology methods are used to treat wrinkles. This is filling voids in the skin with fillers, introducing hyaluronic acid into the upper layer of the epithelium, etc. One of the most common techniques is Botox for the face. The difference between this anti-aging technology and others is the area of ​​impact. Botulinum toxin preparations are not introduced under the skin, but into certain muscle groups.

Indications and contraindications

Botulinum toxin is a protein neurotoxin that is a waste product of Clostridium botulinum. In fact, it is one of the most powerful natural poisons known to science. Naturally, its use for cosmetic purposes has both indications and critical contraindications.

Botulinum toxin injections

In fairness, it should be noted that modern anti-aging procedures use safe botulinum toxin. It blocks the transmission of nerve impulses from the cerebral cortex to certain areas on the face, without having an aggressive effect on other tissues.

Indications for using Botox:

1. The presence of deep wrinkles in problem areas of the face. This is the frontal lobe, nasolabial folds, the so-called. “bunny” wrinkles are sharp depressions on the bridge of the nose.
2. Acute hyperhidrosis. Neutralized bototoxin is actively used in the treatment of excessive sweating.
3. Age-related changes in facial oval. This procedure is called Botox lifting and is used as an alternative to surgical intervention.

Contraindications for Botox for the face:

1. Pregnancy, lactation.
2. Sessions are prohibited while taking “aggressive” medications, including antibiotics and chemotherapy. Experts say that such rejuvenation is not used even with the use of calcium-containing vitamins.
3. Syndrome of rapid fatigability of striated muscles or false paralysis.
4. During menstruation, premenstrual period (2 days before bleeding) and during menopause.
5. Exacerbation of herpetic disease.
6. Impaired normal circulation or other blood diseases (including hemophilia).
7. Myopia, farsightedness.

Botox procedure for face

Botox injections are performed under completely sterile conditions. They cannot be done at home - it is possible to introduce infection into the skin puncture sites. In addition, storing botulinum toxin requires special conditions: the slightest rise in temperature and injection can cause serious illness.

Injection process

The thickness of the needle for the procedure does not exceed 0.3 mm. This is slightly thinner than a human hair.

How are Botox injections performed for the face in the frontal area:

1. Before the session, the skin is completely cleansed of cosmetics and secretions. To do this, it is treated with an alcohol-free disinfectant solution.
2. Conventionally, the forehead is divided into several areas: the central point, the sides, the hairline, and the lower zone. The central zone is worked out first.
3. The cosmetologist grabs the skin in the middle of the forehead. The result should be a thin fold (up to 5 mm wide). The needle is inserted into it all the way. The piercing occurs literally to the bone.
4. As soon as the needle rests on the bone, the technician releases the skin and begins to slowly inject the solution. Muscle injection
5. If after removing the needle there is bleeding, then it is stopped with a simple cotton pad soaked in Chlorhexidine.
6. The next injection point is located at the same level as the previous one. The action is completely repeated: the fold is clamped, the needle is inserted into it until it stops, and then the injection is made.
7. Depending on the number and complexity of wrinkles, 6 to 8 injections are required on the forehead.

Sometimes lumps form at the injection site. This is kind of a side effect. Accumulations of botulinum toxin resolve on their own over time.

Where can Botox be injected on the face - diagram

There are two options for administering Botox:

1. Subcutaneously. B, so-called, layer of lemon peel. This session is performed if the patient is diagnosed with excessive sweating. Also, intradermal administration is promoted as a means of combating small facial wrinkles.
2. Intramuscularly. To ovalize or eliminate complex nasolabial wrinkles, botulinum toxin is injected into the lower part of the face, strictly into the muscle area. Muscle injections are used to remove deep wrinkles on the bridge of the nose or in the area of ​​the brow ridges.

Botox injection areas

To determine points on the face where Botox can be injected, a cosmetologist performs electromyography. This is a study of muscle responsiveness. Afterwards, puncture sites are marked on the skin. An injection is given at these points.

Skin examination

Botox injection schedule:

1. To remove longitudinal wrinkles on the forehead, punctures are carried out in the central zone and points located 1.5 centimeters further from it.
2. To “soften” the fold on the bridge of the nose, botulinum toxin is injected into the side edges of the wrinkle. Here the distance is maintained by eye.
3. Subcutaneously the solution is injected in approximately 1 centimeter increments.

Rehabilitation period

As such, there is no recovery period after an injection rejuvenation session. Immediately after the session, the patient can return to his normal life.

Of course there are some restrictions:

1. Alcohol inactivates botulinum toxin. Therefore, you should not drink for a week after the injections.
2. It is important to avoid physical activity (especially heavy lifting and bending forward), otherwise the solution will spread.
3. It is recommended to avoid hot rooms and direct sunlight. In windy weather, we recommend staying at home. After punctures, microtraumas remain on the skin. If bacteria gets on the damaged shell, infection may begin.
4. You should not wear makeup until the punctures are completely healed.
5. It is better to wash your face with plain water, without soap or gels.

After two days, the toxin will begin to act actively. There will be a “mask effect” on your face for some time. It occurs as a result of muscle relaxation. Over time, you will get used to this feeling. In the end, it is thanks to this effect that the tightening occurs.

Another common side effect is swelling. This is a normal reaction to the introduction of an aggressive drug under the skin. The accumulation of fluids will stop 3-5 days after the procedure.

How often can you do Botox on your face?

The first correction with botulinum toxin can be carried out already on the 14th day after the session. It may be necessary if the master, for some reason, was unable to work on the entire area at once. Full injections are given no more often than once every six months. Botox has a cumulative effect, i.e., after each subsequent procedure, the rate of resorption of the toxin slows down.

Botulinum toxin

Dynamic wrinkles are the first to be corrected - these are folds around the eyes, “smiles” in the corners of the lips and other facial signs of aging. Injections in these areas can be done once every 3 months. Complex static wrinkles (nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks) are corrected every six months.

How long does the effect last?

Reviews from doctors claim that Botox for the face lasts from 3 to 6 months. In many ways, the duration of the effect depends on the patient’s age and skin condition.

Forehead after Botox injections

Where and how long does the effect of botulinum toxin last:

1. Lips, corners of the mouth – from 4 to 12 months.
2. Crow's feet, brow ridges - from 3 to 6 months.
3. The area of ​​the chewing glands, cheekbones – up to 6 months.
4. Nasolabial folds – from 2 months to six months.

What not to do after facial Botox

The most important thing that you should not do after facial Botox is take hot baths, steam in saunas and play sports. Such strict requirements apply only in the first 7 days after injections.

Bruises after Botox

Also for a longer lasting effect Not recommended:

1. Specially strain the muscles in the chipped areas. But, remember, immediately after the session you need to make a special grimace for better distribution of botulinum toxin.
2. Paint your face in the first 7 days after the procedure.
3. It is forbidden to take antibiotics - they can inactivate the toxin solution.
4. Touch and scratch the skin.
5. Facial cleansing after Botox is carried out only with soft preparations without abrasive particles.
6. Girls who practice rejuvenation using Japanese methods often wonder whether it is possible to do facial massage after Botox. This is strictly prohibited in the first week after the procedure.

Consequences of Botox

If not properly cared for, Botox for the face may not only fail to take root, but also cause irreparable harm to the body.

Consequences of Botox

What can happen:

1. Quincke's edema. This is an extremely dangerous allergic reaction that can be fatal. Occurs due to an allergy to botulinum toxin.
2. Displacement of parts of the face. For example, when eyebrows are pierced, one eyebrow goes up and the other goes down. This occurs as a result of the lack of professionalism of the doctor or the “spreading” of the drug.
3. Mask effect. After a long period of inactivity, the muscles simply “forget” how they worked before the injections. As a result, the face may appear lifeless.
4. Weakening of natural turgor, sagging muscles.

Recovery after beauty injections

Analogs

Despite its proven safety (taking into account proper use and sterility of the procedure), Botox injections cause some concern among many girls. Therefore, doctors often use analogues of botulinum toxin for injection rejuvenation. They are considered less harmful. This:

1. Relatox. This is “Russian” Botox made from type A toxin. Its cost is much cheaper than natural Botox, but the effect is similar.
2. Dysport. This is one of the variants of the hemagglutinin toxin. It is used to treat muscle spasms and prevent the formation of wrinkles. The drug relaxes muscles and has a strong muscle relaxant effect.
3. Xeomin. German Botox. An excellent alternative to Dysport. The drug is characterized by a long-lasting effect and lack of muscle addiction. This explains its cost, which is twice as high as regular botulinum toxin.

Masks with Botox effect

Botox injections are not performed at home, but as an alternative, you can make a face mask. Of course, their effectiveness is much lower than that of injections, but they are characterized by a complete absence of side effects. Preparations for external use do not contain Botox, since the toxin is almost instantly inactivated when exposed to air.

Botox analogs

The most famous masks with the lifting effect of botulinum toxin:

1. Face mask Botox Active Expert. Ideal for facial contours and treatment of deep wrinkles in the nasolabial folds. The product contains hyaluronic acid, sakura honey extract, shea butter and peanut base oils. Botox Active Expert
2. Dizao Boto Mask 8. Heavy product for the care of mature skin. It contains petroleum jelly, tocopherol, green tea extract, aloe extract, and mineral compounds. Dizao Boto Mask
3. Face cream with Botox effect Evalar Cream Qi-Clim botoeffect or Cyclim Botox. Contains a unique complex of peptide argireline. This component is characterized by its unique ability to relax muscles and moisturize the epidermis. In addition to the peptide, the cream contains hyaluronic acid, lecithin, D-panthenol, and rice extract. Evalar Cream Qi-Klim
4. Nano Botox facial serum. This is a unique emulsion enriched with silver ions and synthetic peptides. As a result of the effect of the drug, small facial wrinkles are smoothed out. Nano Botox
5. Serum Shary. Korean anti-aging elixir contains Argireline, hyaluronic acid and a complex of plant extracts. Shary

An excellent analogue of artificial lifting products is a homemade face mask made from starch instead of Botox. It consists of completely natural ingredients, does not pollute pores and does not dry out the skin.

Step-by-step instructions for preparing a home remedy for wrinkles:

1. A tablespoon of potato starch is dissolved in 100 ml of water. The mixture must be mixed thoroughly so that there are no lumps.
2. At the same time, you need to boil 50 ml of water. After boiling, pour cold starch mixture into hot water and stir until a thick mass forms.
3. After this, the pulp is cooled and combined with chicken yolk.

The composition is applied to the face, neck and décolleté. The holding time ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure must be repeated every 3 days.

Mask with potatoes and starch

Essentially, this is the same thing. Botox is a highly concentrated botulinum neurotoxin. It is produced by Allergan (USA). Dysport is the same toxin, but only with a concentration 2 times less. This is a French drug from Beaufour Ipsen. Accordingly, the latter drug has a higher consumption and less danger to health.

Botox Allergan

Other differences between botulinum injections:

1. Price. Dysport is much cheaper. On average, an ampoule of the drug costs from 15 to 20 dollars. Botox is exactly twice as expensive.
2. For those interested in whether Botox is harmful for facial rejuvenation, it will be interesting that the product from Allergan is more dangerous than the drug Beaufour Ipsen. An allergic reaction occurs as a result of the active production of antibodies. The higher the concentration of botulinum toxin, the more likely the body’s negative reaction.
3. The effect after Botox appears on days 5–7 and lasts up to 1 year. The results from Dysport appear within a day after the injections. But, the duration of its action is up to 3 months.

Photos before and after Botox injections

In the before and after photos of Botox for the face, it’s hard not to notice the result. Two weeks after the injections, even deep wrinkles are completely smoothed out. Over time, the toxin is eliminated from the body, but a certain effect remains even after its complete dissolution.

Botox injections for wrinkles are an affordable and common alternative to plastic surgery. Due to its painlessness and effectiveness, the procedure has gained great popularity among patients who have become concerned about age-related changes. In cosmetology, Botox is widely used to eliminate facial wrinkles in the forehead, lips and eyes. But before you decide on “beauty injections,” you should carefully study the consequences, contraindications and reviews of Botox for wrinkles.

What is Botox

A special drug used to correct facial wrinkles is called Botox or botulinum toxin. It contains purified and weakened group A botulism neurotoxin. The work of the neurotoxin is to block nerve impulses and atrophy the necessary muscles, due to which the muscle tissue remains in a static position even with excessive mobility.

Initially, botulinum toxin was used for medical purposes to treat spasms of the orbicularis oculi muscles, migraines, excessive sweating, and relieve muscle spasms in patients with cerebral palsy. But over time, a side effect from using the drug was noticed - facial activity disappeared at the injection sites and wrinkles disappeared. Gradually, the drug began to be used in cosmetology to eliminate wrinkles and tighten the oval of the face.

Does Botox smooth out wrinkles?

Almost the entire human face is covered with muscles that hold the skin in the necessary tension. With age, facial muscles weaken and the skin loses its elasticity. The problem worsens when the blood supply to the skin, its nutrition, hydration and oxygen supply are disrupted. For example, when the muscles in the cheekbones weaken and sag, “bulldog cheeks” are formed. Also, with frequent facial activity, both fine and deeper wrinkles or creases appear.

In order for overstrained muscles to relax and wrinkles to disappear, Botox injections are injected into these places. The so-called “freezing” of muscle tissue occurs and the skin remains motionless when emotions are expressed, which allows you to avoid repeated creases in vulnerable areas of the face. Thus, we can definitely say that removing wrinkles with Botox is now quite realistic and possible. You just have to find a trusted cosmetologist and trust him with your problems.

Pros and cons of Botox for wrinkles

Like any other cosmetic procedure, Botox injections have their advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:

1. Instant results. This procedure has been tested for years and has many positive reviews from clients who noticed changes within a week after the injections.
2. No bruising. This is one of the significant advantages of the procedure, since the absence of a rehabilitation period allows you to appear in public literally immediately after the injections.
3. Painless introduction. The sensations can be compared to injections at the dentist. For those people who have a hard time with injections, it is possible to carry out the procedure under local anesthesia.
4. Possibility to avoid surgical intervention. Since plastic surgery requires a large amount of investment, as well as a long recovery period, many clients prefer Botox injections, which have few contraindications and do not provide a powerful shock to the body.
5. Fast procedure. The whole process will take at most 30 minutes, not counting examinations and preparations.
6. Low cost. The drug is affordable. On average, the price of an injection is 300 rubles per unit.

The drug also has certain disadvantages. These include:

1. duration of action – no more than 12 months;
2. ineffectiveness of the drug in individual cases;
3. noticeable disturbance of facial expressions;
4. discomfort from injections;
5. side effects such as redness and slight numbness;
6. the need for a competent choice of specialist and correct dosage calculation.

As you can see, the ratio of pros and cons is equal. Whether it is worth getting rid of wrinkles with Botox, the choice is always up to the client.

How does Botox work on wrinkles?

Most often, Botox injections are used to get rid of facial wrinkles, as well as to treat excessive sweating. In this case, the drug is injected into the armpit. Despite the similar action of the drug, these procedures have their own subtleties. To do this, it is worth understanding the effect of Botox after its administration.

1. Interaction occurs between the motor nerve and botulinum toxin and a connection is created.
2. Then the production of acetylcholine, which is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses to muscle tissue, stops.
3. Without the action of acetylcholine, the muscle can no longer contract and the patient can no longer tense the muscles, which leads to skin tightening and wrinkle smoothing.

Unfortunately, the drug has its own expiration date. In about 6-12 months, shoots appear at the nerve endings, creating new connections between muscle tissue and nerves. Over time, the muscle begins to contract again.

What wrinkles does Botox remove?

By the age of 25, women may notice the appearance of the first wrinkles, which is due to a decrease in the production of elastin and collagen. This indicates that the skin lacks moisture and elasticity. Depending on the area of ​​injection, significant results can be achieved. The following localizations are most often studied:

1. Forehead area. In order to remove horizontal wrinkles on the forehead and make the gaze more open, the required number of Botox units is injected into the eyebrow area.
2. Nasolabial folds. Over time, noticeable fractures appear in this area, which aesthetically spoil the face. This is one of the most common areas for Botox injections.
3. Eye area. Crow's feet are a defect that requires special filigree when correcting. To eliminate it, a highly qualified specialist is required.
4. Lips. To give more beautiful contours to the lips and visually make them fuller, a combination of hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin is used. For vertical or purse-string wrinkles above the upper lip, Botox injections are also used.
5. Folds between the eyebrows. Botulinum toxin effectively copes even with deep muscle tension in the eyebrow folds, which give the face a frowning appearance.

From the above localizations, it can be noted that Botox copes well with expression wrinkles of any depth: under the eyes, between the eyebrows, on the forehead.

How does Botox correct wrinkles?

Before carrying out the procedure, a preliminary consultation with a specialist is necessary, during which he will examine the condition of the skin, determine the depth of wrinkles, and familiarize him with all contraindications and risks. The next stage is the injection procedure itself, during which the patient sits in a chair, and the cosmetologist treats the skin with an antiseptic and marks the injection sites with dots. All injections are performed with a syringe with a thin needle. No additional tools are required for the procedure.

What not to do after Botox for wrinkles

Healing at the injection sites occurs within 2-3 days. Therefore, the following recommendations must be followed:

1. If you experience pain or itching, you should never touch the injection sites with your hands, rub or massage them.
2. After the procedure, it is recommended to remain in a horizontal position for 2-3 hours.
3. It is forbidden to be in direct sunlight in the coming weeks. It is also prohibited to visit baths, saunas, and hot thermal springs.
4. You should not drink alcohol, as it retains water in the body, promotes swelling and interferes with the uniform distribution of botulinum toxin.

Some cosmetologists recommend avoiding excessive facial activity and not straining your facial muscles on the first day.

How long does it take for wrinkles to smooth out after Botox?

The result after the procedure depends on the condition of the problem, the treatment area, individual characteristics, depth of injection and occurs in each patient at different times. On average, botulinum toxin begins to act 2-5 days after injection. A clear result is noticeable after 2 weeks. Don't expect wrinkles to smooth out the next day. This process is gradual, requiring patience and careful attention to the condition of your skin.

How long does the effect of Botox against wrinkles last?

After the procedure, wrinkles in the treated area are smoothed out, the oval of the face changes, the general condition of the skin improves, and the color is evened out. The drug works most effectively in the upper part of the face. Over the course of 6-12 months, Botox is naturally eliminated from the body. This process is individual and depends on several factors:

1. professional injections;
2. taking medications;
3. dosage selection;
4. drinking alcoholic beverages;
5. active sports life;
6. frequent visits to the sauna, solarium, bathhouse;
7. compliance with Botox storage conditions.

In the first year, experts recommend up to 2-3 procedures to accumulate the effect. In the future, one procedure per year is sufficient.

Contraindications to Botox for wrinkles

Like any other drug, Botox has a number of contraindications. These include:

1. age under 18 years;
2. pregnancy and lactation;
3. infectious and colds;
4. individual intolerance to the drug;
5. chronic diseases during exacerbation;
6. oncological diseases;
7. pathological conditions of neuromuscular tissue;
8. skin damage in the form of wounds, ulcers, rashes;
9. taking antibiotics;
10. period of menstruation.

If the patient has previously suffered a concussion and 3 years have not yet passed since this incident, this is also a contraindication to the use of botulinum toxin injections.

Possible consequences and side effects

The Botox injection procedure has some side effects:

1. dizziness;
2. nausea;
3. vomit;
4. headache;
5. swelling;
6. pain at the injection sites;
7. bruising;
8. bruises.

Reviews from doctors say that when using Botox for wrinkles, there may be consequences in the form of disruption of facial symmetry, partial or complete sagging of the eyelid. In this case, it is necessary to completely remove the drug from the body by taking antibiotics. These inconveniences are only temporary. Therefore, before going to the salon, you should take into account individual intolerance to the components and the possibility of an allergic reaction to Botox.

What's better than Botox for wrinkles?

To assess whether there are drugs that are more effective than Botox, it is necessary to compare them in terms of the quality of their effect on the skin during age-related changes.

Botox or Dysport: which is better for wrinkles

When a patient tries to figure out how Botox differs from Dysport and which one is better, he finds himself in a dead end, because he sees that the composition of these drugs is absolutely the same. The only difference is in the country of origin. Botox has been produced in the USA since 1989, that is, it is a kind of progenitor of all other drugs based on botulinum toxin. Dysport is produced by the French company IPSEN PHARMA and has been on the market since 2000. There are also differences in the price category. Botox is a more expensive drug, but at the same time, as many reviews confirm, it is also significantly effective, requiring the administration of fewer units of the drug.

Botox or hyaluronic acid: which is better for wrinkles

To evaluate these drugs for their effectiveness, it is necessary to study their differences.

1. Botulinum toxin is injected directly into the muscle, and hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin without affecting the muscle tissue.
2. Botox causes complete relaxation of muscles, preventing them from contracting. Hyaluronic acid is essential for skin hydration and moisture retention.
3. Botox can only be used in the form of injections, and hyaluronic acid can be used in mesotherapy and biorevitalization. The exception is Botox-based anti-wrinkle gels. They have a slower effect and their effect can be noticed only after a month of regular use.
4. The speed of the effect is more noticeable with hyaluronic acid.
5. With frequent use of botulinum toxin, the body gets used to it and eventually stops responding to the injections. Hyaluronic acid has no addictive effect.

It is worth noting that to eliminate glabellar wrinkles or crow's feet, it is better to use Botox. For nasolabial folds, lips, and eliminating wrinkles in the cheek area, hyaluronic acid is more suitable.

Photos before and after Botox for wrinkles

Below, in the form of before and after photos, are reviews of women who regularly use the Botox procedure to get rid of wrinkles.

Conclusion

Consequences, contraindications and reviews of Botox for wrinkles indicate that the drug has been actively used by many patients for several decades. The specific result and effect of botulinum toxin can be assessed only a few weeks after the procedure. When choosing a venue, you should carefully consider the clinic and its specialists, as well as numerous reviews about the drug, which will tell you much more about the risks, side effects and effectiveness of the drug.

A drug called Botox is a development by Allergan (USA), which is patented, so officially no other injections can be called by this name. Prohibitions did not stop the word from spreading, and today Botox refers to all products made on the basis of purified botulinum toxin type A. In professional cosmetology, this drug is widely used to eliminate facial wrinkles and more.

What is Botox for wrinkles

Botulinum toxin is produced from the gram-positive anaerobic bacteria botulinum. Botox was originally used in medicine to relieve muscle spasms in patients suffering from cerebral palsy. The drug has also been used to treat spasms of the orbicularis oculi muscles. Botulinum toxin blocks nerve impulses in muscle tissue, so during the entire period of action of the neurotoxin, the muscles remain in a static position.

While using the drug, doctors noticed that it had a side effect - it blocked facial expressions, thereby eliminating wrinkles on the face. Cosmetologists became interested in the drug, and today Botox is used all over the world to correct facial contours, eliminate excessive sweating, and restore the structure of hair and eyelashes. On sale you can find other names of drugs from different manufacturers (Xeomin, Dysport, Relatox), made on the basis of neurotoxin type A, but they all have the same effect.

How it works

Botulinum toxin injections are made into the muscles that need to be reduced in activity. Some time after the drug reaches its destination, muscle sensitivity to nerve impulses is blocked. This process leads to skin tightening and wrinkle smoothing. The effect of Botox is temporary – from 3 to 6 months. The drug does not completely paralyze facial expressions, but only relieves muscle hypertonicity.

You should not expect an immediate reaction after botulinum therapy. In rare cases, the effect becomes visible within the first 24 hours after the session. Only after a week can you notice the effect of botulinum, and it begins to work fully 10-14 days after the procedure. The toxin is removed from the body through natural metabolic processes.

Doctors recommend beauty injections at the age of 30-50 years. During this period, expression lines become pronounced, but the epidermis does not yet lose its elasticity. After 50 years, for some people, Botox is no longer effective in solving appearance problems, so in adulthood it is sometimes more rational to use other, more radical rejuvenation methods. In what cases are Botox injections indicated:

1. vertical fold between the eyebrows;
2. horizontal forehead wrinkles;
3. nasolabial folds (pronounced);
4. wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”);
5. creases around the lips;
6. facial folds in the nose area;
7. wrinkles on the chin, neck, and décolleté;
8. increased sweating of the armpits.

Cosmetologists say that if beauty injections are started even before the first wrinkles form, they will not appear at all. For this reason, young people often receive their first botulinum toxin injections before the age of 25 as a prophylactic measure to prevent skin aging. It is believed that botulinum injections are effective up to 65 years of age, but this criterion is individual, so the advisability of administering the toxin in old age can only be decided together with a cosmetologist.

Advantages and disadvantages

Botox injections, like other cosmetic procedures, have their positive and negative sides. Advantages:

1. growing effect;
2. restoration of skin in the fold area;
3. elimination of facial wrinkles;
4. unnoticed drastic changes;
5. minimum contraindications;
6. does not provoke addiction;
7. lack of rehabilitation period;
8. affordable price;
9. combination with all cosmetic procedures.

As already mentioned, Botox is a poison, but it is contained in an ampoule in a very small dose. Although clinical studies in many countries have proven that it is safe, it is advisable to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to undergo the procedure. The main disadvantage of this injection technique is the limited effect of the injection. Unfortunately, the drug is eliminated from the body, after which wrinkles and other imperfections on the face appear again. The objective disadvantages of using Botox include:

1. low effectiveness for injections into the chin and cheeks;
2. inability to get rid of deep wrinkles;
3. likelihood of complications.

Is Botox harmful for the face?

Using Botox for wrinkles is much safer than any other method. Adverse reactions occur in isolated cases when the dosage is exceeded, which occurs when the injection procedure is carried out by unqualified specialists. Among them:

1. bruises;
2. redness;
3. swelling;
4. various types of pain;
5. Quincke's edema;
6. nausea;
7. dry eyes;
8. mild headache;
9. stomach upset;
10. temperature increase;
11. lacrimation;
12. muscle weakness;
13. cough;
14. runny nose.

These are the most harmless side effects that do not require treatment and go away on their own within a few days. More unpleasant are the aesthetic defects that can arise due to the doctor’s unprofessionalism:

1. Drooping eyelid (ptosis). If botulinum toxin is administered inaccurately, the side effect can develop up to complete closure of the eye and asymmetry of the eyebrows. These phenomena do not pose a threat to the health or life of the patient, but disappear as the activity of the drug decreases.
2. Double vision (diplopia). Associated with the injection of a large dose of Botox too close to the orbital rim, after which strabismus may occur due to paralysis of the extraocular muscles. Normal vision is restored within 2-3 months.
3. Facial asymmetry. Appears when the dosage is incorrectly calculated or the diffusion of the drug is uneven.
4. Complete lack of effect with repeated procedures. It is explained by the production of antibodies by the immune system that destroy the poison.

How often to do

You can inject Botox for wrinkles up to 4 times a year. The duration of the effect ranges from 2 to 6 months, depending on many factors. Even if the result did not last long, the procedure can be repeated no earlier than after 3 months. This is because Botox may stop working if injected frequently. As the intervals shorten, the body's resistance to botulinum toxin increases.

The effect of the injection will vary for different people. It depends on your lifestyle. Bad habits, increased emotionality, poor diet, prolonged exposure to the beach in the sun and heavy physical activity accelerate the removal of Botox. The frequency of injections also depends on age - in youth the effect lasts longer. The duration of the result is also affected by the duration of use of beauty injections - it is believed that botulinum toxin has a cumulative effect.

With regular injection of botulinum, the facial muscles get used to a relaxed state, so the result after each repeated injection lasts longer. It is impossible to predict which factor will affect the duration of the procedure, but experts agree that repeated botulinum toxin injections should be carried out no earlier than three months later. The more often the course is repeated, the higher the likelihood of developing adverse reactions.

Where to inject Botox on the face

The amount of drug administered is measured in units. Each zone requires a different volume of substance. The dosage is usually determined by the doctor in each individual case. Before administering the drug, the specialist asks the patient to smile, frown, and think in order to set in motion the most mobile facial wrinkles. Based on this diagnosis, markings are made on the face to determine the injection points for botulinum toxin. The average value of drug administration is shown in the table:

Vertical wrinkles are smoothed out. If they are small, then even after the end of the toxin they do not appear.

Eyebrow correction occurs, horizontal folds on the forehead disappear.

Botulinum toxin is almost never used in its pure form. They are often used together with collagen or hyaluronic acid to prevent drooping of the corners of the mouth.

The area where the nose meets the lips

The tip of the nose rises.

Orbicularis oculi muscle

Deep crow's feet become less noticeable, and fine wrinkles are completely smoothed out.

Botox helps remove asymmetry, get rid of purse-string wrinkles, and lift the corners of the lips.

How are injections given?

Wrinkle correction with Botox injections is performed on an outpatient basis. The cosmetologist, in the presence of the patient, opens the injection solution, draws it into a syringe, then injects the required dose with an insulin needle into selected points on the face. If the procedure is performed for the first time, the specialist administers the minimum recommended dosage of the drug. Since the injections are painless, the area where botulinum toxin is injected is not numbed.

If necessary or at the request of the patient, the doctor uses local anesthetic drugs in the form of a cream or gel. After applying anesthetics, the cosmetologist maintains an interval of 20-40 minutes for them to take effect. Before injections, the facial skin is disinfected with an alcohol antiseptic and time is given to dry. Botox is injected under the skin to a depth of 7-10 mm at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees. The procedure takes from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of units injected.

After removing the needle, the cosmetologist can apply pressure to the injection sites to reduce the likelihood of hematomas. After the planned areas are chipped, the facial skin is wiped with an antiseptic, then a cold compress is applied to the affected areas to reduce the possible development of hematomas and avoid swelling. Upon completion of the procedure, you can immediately return to your normal daily routine, but adhere to minor restrictions.

What not to do after Botox

To achieve the longest possible effect after botulinum toxin injections, you should follow some rules. For the first 4 hours after administration of the drug, you should not lie down or tilt your head - you must maintain an upright position. This is due to the fact that the muscles relax under the influence of the toxin and can take an incorrect position.

It is not advisable to touch the injection sites with your hands, massage or apply cosmetics. These actions can cause infection and inflammation. All sports and active physical activity are prohibited for 48 hours. Even leisurely yoga is prohibited - the muscles must remain calm. In the next 2 weeks, you cannot visit baths and saunas, undergo massage and sun exposure, or go to the solarium. Any thermal influence, even drying hair with a hairdryer, accelerates the removal of botulinum toxin from the body.

Swelling can also reduce the effect of the substance, so for the first couple of weeks it is advisable to exclude smoked, salty foods and large amounts of liquid from the menu. As for drinking alcohol, it is generally strictly prohibited for 10-14 days. Alcohol-containing drinks dilate blood vessels, causing Botox to be absorbed into the blood. This is already a dangerous situation for health, in which the likelihood of complications is high.

Consequences

Undesirable results may occur if the dosage of the drug is violated or the administration technique is incorrect. Among them:

1. asymmetry of facial contours;
2. loss of muscle sensitivity;
3. deterioration of visual acuity;
4. seals in the form of bumps and tubercles;
5. spasm of the eyelids;
6. impaired mobility of the upper lip;
7. subcutaneous hemorrhages;
8. drooping eyebrows;
9. loss of natural facial expression.

Contraindications

The administration of botulinum toxin has its contraindications. You should not do Botox injections if:

1. chronic pathologies of the kidneys, liver, lungs;
2. drooping upper eyelid;
3. hernia of the lower or upper eyelid;
4. severe myopia;
5. neuromuscular diseases of an autoimmune nature;
6. oncology of any type;
7. predisposition to hypertrophic or keloid scars;
8. poor blood clotting;
9. individual intolerance to Botox.

When planning the birth of a child and in the early stages of pregnancy, it is better to avoid beauty injections so that the drug does not have a negative effect on the development of the fetus. You should not give injections while breastfeeding your baby, when the hormonal levels are still unstable. Temporary contraindications to the procedure are elevated body temperature, infectious diseases, taking antibiotics and anticoagulants, and exacerbation of chronic pathologies.

Botulinum toxin injections for wrinkles are given today in almost all beauty clinics. The price of the procedure varies, depending on the drug used, the cost of consultation with a cosmetologist, the use of anesthetic and cream after completion of the session. Botulinum therapy is becoming more accessible every year. If a few years ago only stars could afford beauty injections, today they will not greatly devastate the family budget of a person with an average salary. Average price for botulinum toxin injections in Moscow clinics: