How does Botox work on the forehead?

Over time, all the moments of life experienced are reflected on the face: laughter, sadness, surprise, anger. All these emotions do not pass without a trace. Each of them leaves its own imprint in the form of wrinkles. You can take care of prevention in advance and prevent their occurrence by using various cosmetics. But, unfortunately, they are not always effective. Therefore, many desperate people decide to go to a cosmetologist for Botox for their face. Beauty injections will help erase years from your face. What Botox is, how it is used and what its effect is will be described in detail in the article.

What is this

Faced with the issue of rejuvenation, do you involuntarily begin to be interested in Botox for the face? In cosmetology, this substance is used to improve the appearance of the client. It helps correct deficiencies caused by age-related changes. As they say, this is the penultimate straw when the wrinkle cream is no longer effective.

The substance has a full name - botulinum toxin. It is produced in a very specific way. This is a purified waste product of pathogenic organisms. It belongs to the category of toxic substances of the protein group. When administered in large quantities, it poses a threat to the human body. Up to the development of botulism. To administer cosmetic injections, a very small dosage of the substance is taken. If you follow numerous rules, the effect of its use will delight you for a long time.

How it works

The question immediately arises: how and when does Botox begin to work? When it reaches its destination, the active component blocks the neuromuscular connection. It can affect any human muscle. However, the best results occur in the facial area. After being injected into the right places, the substance begins to work. It disrupts the transmission of muscle impulses. The muscles of the face (specific areas) are temporarily paralyzed. Consequently, facial activity decreases. This is a temporary condition. Later, the artificially induced stupor relaxes. The skin on the face is smoothed out and wrinkles become invisible.

Is it forever or not

Having learned the details of the effect of the drug, doubts arise: is it worth doing such injections? After all, muscle paralysis is no joke. According to reviews from satisfied clients of medical centers and beauty salons, there is nothing wrong with this. When Botox begins to work, all fears become a thing of the past, doubts dissipate, and the majority choose this procedure again. It is worth noting that after a certain period after the injections, the toxin disintegrates. New impulse connections are born. The face gradually returns to its normal state. Muscle fibers regain mobility.

Time of action

The main question clients have at an appointment with a cosmetologist is how long does it take for Botox injections to take effect? There is no clear answer to this. After all, much depends on the characteristics and scale of the client’s problem, since each person has individual needs. There is no single option here. The activation period of the active substance can take up to two weeks. If after this period the effect still does not occur, then the master made mistakes in his work.

Most likely, the cosmetologist is not yet experienced enough. I might have been afraid to administer a larger dose, so I reduced it. And not enough product will not give the desired result. Another option for a technician’s mistake is incorrect administration of the drug. If the needle gets too deep, the composition cannot act on the desired fibers. It is simply digested and excreted by the body without the expected effect.

In general, the rejuvenation procedure itself lasts about one hour. According to reviews, after the injection, Botox begins to work when one day has passed, namely on the second day. During this time, all the necessary reactions occur to see a noticeable result. The average activation of the drug is three days. As you can see, everything is purely individual.

How to understand that Botox has worked

This question plagues many women. Due to the fact that the result manifests itself differently for everyone over time, it is still possible to determine immediately. You can understand when Botox has started to take effect by trying to make faces in front of the mirror. You can check this the next day after the injections. Frown your eyebrows, smile broadly or squint your eyes. If you can’t make a face in the usual human form, then everything is working as it should.

Where is the best place to inject?

The Botox injection procedure involves cosmetic correction of age-related changes in the face. The best method for use has already been studied by cosmetologists and offers a number of injection options:

  1. between the eyebrows (correction of wrinkled folds);
  2. forehead;
  3. skin around the eyes (wrinkles, crow's feet);
  4. area around the lips and eyes.

After all, the most noticeable creases and wrinkles appear in these places. Injections can remove such defects and prevent their growth. After the procedure, the skin looks noticeably younger. In addition to the well-known method of application, Botox is also used for other positive purposes. Namely, to eliminate sweating of the palms and armpits. It is also used for medicinal purposes. Helps treat painful spasms (migraines), strabismus and nervous tics.

How much product is needed for different areas of the face?

Having decided to rejuvenate the skin in this way, the thought arises about the number of injections. After all, many are afraid of such manipulations. But what can you do to preserve its beauty? The most important indicator of youth is the forehead. How much Botox does it take? A specific problem must be solved by a professional. After all, choosing a dosage is a very individual task with each client. It is impossible to come up with the same option for all occasions. Much depends on age, health, globality of the problem and even gender.

It is important that the word “professional” means a person with a higher medical education (dermatologist, plastic surgeon, cosmetologist). Finding yourself in the chair of a pseudo-professional who is drawing a syringe by eye, you need to run away from there!

The company producing Botox has invented its own system for calculating the substance. These are not the milliliters and milligrams that everyone is used to. It is calculated in units. One bottle of the product contains 100 units. A value of 3,000 units is lethal. The drug is not administered in its pure form under any circumstances. It must first be mixed with saline according to a special scheme. So, to make it more clear how much Botox you need on your forehead:

  1. one point injection is 1-2 units;
  2. horizontal type wrinkles in the forehead area require an average of 15 to 25 units;
  3. for creases between the edges you need from 10 to 25 units.

As you can see, there is no single measure. Calculating the correct dosage depends on many factors. This is a condition of the skin, characteristics of the body. Men require more units than women.

Preparation

When you first visit a cosmetologist’s office to perform Botox injections, a normal master will not inject them on the first day. You must first assess the client’s health and determine whether there are any contraindications to the procedure. Sometimes you need to take a blood test, after which the cosmetologist will tell you how to behave before the procedure.

Usually the main requirements are to avoid going to the bathhouse or solarium a few days before the injections. You should also avoid drinking alcohol, blood thinners, and antibiotics. Failure to follow the rules may affect the outcome of the procedure. Therefore, you should take the specialist’s recommendations seriously. Otherwise, the blame for side effects and lack of proper results will lie with the client.

Process steps

When planning to rejuvenate, all stages of the procedure will be clearly communicated to the client. They usually involve several steps. First, makeup (foundation or powder) is removed from the skin. Then the treatment is carried out with a sterile solution, after which an anesthetic is applied to the face. This will help relieve the client of discomfort. Then the cosmetologist marks the places where the drug will be administered. After this, injections are made using an insulin syringe with a very thin needle and ice is applied for a while.

Contraindications to rejuvenation measures using Botox

Not every person can afford this method of rejuvenation. No, it's not about the money. Most often, there are contraindications to prohibitions on such manipulations, namely:

  1. blood clotting disorders;
  2. infections;
  3. oncology;
  4. skin diseases;
  5. autoimmune diseases;
  6. pregnancy;
  7. lactation;
  8. allergy to the administered component.

If a client falls under at least one of these points, then he should refuse to undergo the procedure. In addition to these strict contraindications, there are relative ones. The temporary ban on Botox injections includes acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. It is also worth holding off on this matter until you finish taking antibiotics.

How long will the effect last after injections?

Having received a portion of injections and convinced of the results, clients often begin to wonder: how long does Botox last? To a large extent, the answer to this question depends on the characteristics of the body and the procedure. The decisive role is played by the dosage, the body’s reaction and the place where the drug was administered. The average period for how long Botox lasts is 4-5 months. The minimum exposure period is three months. The maximum time is six months. After the expiration of the period, the person begins to return to its previous state.

How often can injections be given?

Every woman wants to look good and fresh. Various tricks, including beauty injections, undoubtedly help her in this. A reasonable question arises: how often can Botox be done? Cosmetic professionals and medical industry specialists recommend performing this procedure no more than once a year. This is advisable to protect health from negative consequences. Therefore, we can say that such injections still have a disadvantage.

Rules of behavior after injections

To avoid various troubles, the client must know what to do after Botox injections. Well, and, accordingly, what not to do. After visiting a cosmetologist, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, blood thinners, or antibiotics. The latter group should not be taken for at least one month. You will have to give up sleeping on your stomach for a few days. This situation can provoke the occurrence of hematomas and edema.

In the first hours when Botox begins to take effect, it is advisable to lie on your back. If this does not work out, then under no circumstances should you bend down face down. During the first week, the client must strictly follow all rules of behavior. Visiting a bathhouse, sauna, solarium, gym and swimming pool can have negative consequences. It is also necessary to avoid taking a hot bath during this period. As you can see, the final result largely depends on the client himself. Therefore, it is important to listen to your cosmetologist and monitor your actions after the procedure in the name of beauty and youth.

1. Botox – what is it?

Botox is made from botulinum toxin, a substance produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This is the strongest organic poison known to science. In large doses, it causes botulism, a serious disease that affects the entire nervous system and can lead to death. But in microdoses, botulinum toxin is used as a cure for many muscle diseases - nervous tics, amblyopia (“lazy eye”), neck muscle spasms, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and migraines.

2. Is injecting Botox harmful?

In short, no. Botox has been well studied and is generally safe. Over the 17 years of its existence on the market, almost half a thousand peer-reviewed (that is, verified by independent experts) studies of its effects and possible health risks have been published.

But there are nuances. Since Botox is a medicinal product, injections can only be given by a doctor - a specialist with a medical education who has undergone additional training in the use of Botox.

If you end up in the hands of an incompetent cosmetologist or inject yourself with a cheap analogue, the health risks, of course, increase. An incorrectly placed injection can lead to nerve paralysis, asymmetry and more serious consequences. Therefore, you should always contact only certified, trusted specialists - dermatologists or plastic surgeons.

3. How does Botox smooth out wrinkles?

There are many small muscles hidden under the skin of the face. Due to the fact that they constantly contract, expression wrinkles form in the corners of the eyes and lips, on the forehead, above the upper lip and on the bridge of the nose. Botox blocks signals that travel from nerves to muscle tissue. The muscles relax and temporarily stop working, as a result, new wrinkles do not appear, and existing ones are smoothed out.

4. Does it hurt?

Probably not. Although how painless and comfortable the procedure will be depends on at least two factors – the patient’s pain threshold and the professionalism of the doctor. Many clinics offer local anesthesia or a special massage that will reduce the sensitivity of the skin area before the injection.

5. Does Botox have side effects?

Yes, they can be. Short-term side effects may include pain, swelling and bruising at the injection site, headache and cold-like chills. Injections in the eye area can cause temporary drooping eyelid syndrome, eyebrow asymmetry, dry eyes, or, conversely, tearing. Injecting near the lips can give the effect of a crooked smile or increase salivation. All these side effects should subside within a few days. If they last more than 4-5 days, you need to contact your cosmetologist.

6. Does Botox have any contraindications?

Yes, there are many of them, all of them are in one way or another associated with diseases and dysfunction of the muscles and nervous system. For example, if you are severely nearsighted, you should not inject Botox into the forehead and around the eyes. In general, for any chronic medical condition, it is best to consult your doctor before getting injections.

Botox is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with allergies to cow's milk protein.

7. How long does it take to see results?

Botox begins to act 1-3 days after injection, but the final result can be seen after a week or two - it all depends on the condition of the skin and muscles. If your facial muscles are strong, it may take longer to relax them. The same applies to wrinkles of medium depth - it may take 2-3 weeks to completely smooth them out. Botox may not work at all on very deep wrinkles.

8. How long does the effect of Botox last?

On average, from three to six months, but here everything is individual. The duration of action depends on the metabolism and age of the person, the dose of the drug, as well as on the injection site: Botox lasts less on large muscles (for example, on the forehead) than on small ones (near the lips, in the corners of the eyes, and so on). Theoretically, you can prolong its effects by taking a zinc supplement - some studies have shown that the effectiveness of Botox is related to the level of this mineral in the body.

In addition, standard skin care helps maintain the effect - using sunscreen, moisturizing the skin, proper nutrition and healthy sleep. But active sports and regular trips to the bathhouse or sauna, on the contrary, reduce the duration of action of Botox.

9. Is it possible to stop the effects of Botox?

Unfortunately no. Unlike fillers, Botox cannot be removed from the body. The toxin blocks receptors that connect nerves and muscles. The only thing that can be done is to wait until new receptors grow and the muscles begin to contract again.

If the result of the injections is disappointing, you can consult a doctor again: asymmetry or other problems that have arisen can most often be corrected with an additional small dose of Botox. But if you initially injected too much, only time can overcome the effect of the mask.

10. What happens to the face when Botox wears off?

Normally, 4–6 months after the injection, the receptors are completely restored and the muscles begin to contract as before. That is, Botox causes temporary and reversible muscle atrophy and, as far as is known today, does not have a pronounced cumulative effect.

11. At what age can Botox be injected?

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the early (preventive) use of Botox, and its effectiveness is still in question. Therefore, most doctors recommend that if you prick, then only with the appearance of the first shallow, but clearly visible 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 cannot 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.