BOTOX
Injection of Botox, also known as botulinum toxin type A, is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure commonly used to reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract, temporarily smoothing wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming.
The results of Botox injections are generally not immediate, and may take a few days to two weeks to become apparent. If necessary, a touch-up is possible after 2 weeks.
The effects of Botox generally last for six months, after which a further injection may be required to maintain results Some patients find that results last longer after several treatments, as muscles atrophy slightly over time.
Wrinkles
Using Botox to treat wrinkles is one of the most common applications of this cosmetic procedure. Here's how Botox is used to target different types of wrinkles:
- Forehead wrinkles: Botox injections are often used to reduce the horizontal wrinkles on the forehead that form when the eyebrows are raised. By injecting Botox into the forehead muscles responsible for these movements, the muscle is temporarily paralyzed, smoothing out forehead wrinkles.
- Wrinkles between the eyebrows (frown lines): Botox injections can also be used to reduce the appearance of vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows, known as frown lines. By relaxing the procerus and corrugator muscles responsible for these wrinkles, Botox helps smooth the area between the eyebrows.
- Crow's feet: Wrinkles around the eyes, known as crow's feet, are also an area commonly treated with Botox. By injecting Botox into the orbicular muscles responsible for these wrinkles, the muscle is weakened, reducing the appearance of crow's feet.
- Smile lines (nasolabial folds): Although less common, the use of Botox can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, known as smile lines or nasolabial folds. By weakening the muscles around the mouth, Botox can smooth these wrinkles and reduce the appearance of aging.
It's important to note that Botox does not treat wrinkles caused by sagging skin or loss of volume. For these types of wrinkles, other procedures such as dermal fillers or surgical interventions may be more appropriate.
Front
Botox injections on the forehead are commonly used to reduce the horizontal wrinkles that form when the eyebrows are raised. These forehead wrinkles, also known as frown lines, can become more pronounced with age and are often associated with facial expression and forehead muscle contraction.
Botox is injected into several points along the forehead line to target the muscles responsible for wrinkle formation.
Lion wrinkles
Botox is one of the most popular treatment options for frown lines, also known as inter-brow wrinkles. These wrinkles form between the eyebrows and are caused by repeated contractions of the frowning muscles.
The doctor will use small injections of Botox into the muscles responsible for frown lines. Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting excessively and thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
GOOSE LEGS
Botox is also used to treat crow's feet, the wrinkles that form around the eyes, often when smiling or contracting the eye muscles.
The doctor will use small injections of Botox around the eyes, where crow's feet form. Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles responsible for wrinkles, reducing their appearance when you smile or squint.
Eyebrows
Botox injections on the eyebrows are not a common practice, as they can affect the ability of the muscles that lift the eyebrows to move. However, in some cases, a technique called "brow lift botox" can be used to adjust the position of the eyebrows and create a more open, rejuvenated facial appearance.
Botox is injected into the specific muscles that raise the eyebrows. By weakening these muscles, Botox can help lower the eyebrows slightly, creating a more open look. This technique is particularly useful for people whose eyebrows appear too high, or who have pronounced horizontal forehead wrinkles.
Droopy eyelids
Botox is generally not recommended for the direct treatment of drooping eyelids (eyelid ptosis), as it can weaken the orbicular muscles around the eyes, which can exacerbate the problem by causing the eyelids to droop further. However, in certain specific cases, Botox can be used to temporarily correct drooping eyelids by adjusting the position of the eyebrows.
Botox is injected into the specific muscles that raise the eyebrows. By weakening these muscles, Botox can help lower the eyebrows slightly, creating a more open look. This can help reduce the appearance of drooping eyelids by slightly lifting the eyebrows.
Gummy smile
Gummy smiles, also known as "gummy smiles", occur when the upper gums are excessive and appear too exposed during smiling, which can make teeth appear shorter than normal. Although Botox is not a permanent solution for the gummy smile, it can sometimes be used to alleviate this problem temporarily and non-invasively.
Here's how Botox can be used to treat the gummy smile - Relaxation of the upper lip elevator muscle: Botox can be injected into the upper lip elevator muscle, located below the nose, to reduce its activity. By weakening this muscle, Botox can prevent the upper lip from lifting too high during smiling, thus reducing excessive exposure of the gums.
Bitter folds (Marionnette folds)
Bitter folds, also known as "marionette folds", are the wrinkles that form between the corners of the mouth and the chin, often associated with aging skin and loss of volume in the facial region. Although Botox is not generally used to treat marionette folds directly, it can be used judiciously in combination with other treatments to reduce the appearance of these wrinkles.
Here's how Botox can be used to indirectly treat bitterness folds:
- Botox injections for muscle relaxation: Botox can be used to weaken the muscles in the mouth and chin area that contribute to bitterness folds. By relaxing these muscles, Botox can help reduce the appearance of bitterness folds and prevent them from worsening.
- Combination with dermal fillers: In combination with dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid, Botox can help improve treatment results by reducing muscle tension and enabling the dermal fillers to fill hollows and wrinkles more effectively.
- Global facial treatment: bitterness folds can be the result of structural changes and loss of volume in several parts of the face. A comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, combining Botox with other treatments such as dermal fillers and cosmetic surgery, can produce the best results in reducing bitterness folds and restoring a more youthful appearance to the face.
Medical facelift - Nerfititi Lift
The "medical facelift", also known as the "Nefertiti Lift", is a non-surgical aesthetic technique that uses Botox injections to rejuvenate and firm the appearance of the neck and jawline. The procedure is named "Nefertiti Lift" after the Egyptian queen, known for her slender neck and defined jawline.
Botox is injected into the neck and jaw muscles responsible for sagging skin and aging of the area. By relaxing these muscles, Botox enables the opposing muscles to contract more effectively, creating a lifting, skin-firming effect.
The benefits of the "medical facelift" or "Nefertiti Lift" include improved jawline definition, neck firming and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin in this region. This technique is well tolerated and offers natural results with no downtime.
It's important to note that the "Botox medical facelift" is not an alternative to a surgical facelift for cases of severe skin sagging of the neck and jawline. It is best suited to people with mild to moderate skin laxity and wrinkles in this area.
Bruxism - Masseter muscle hypertrophy
The use of Botox to treat bruxism, as well as hypertrophy of the masseter muscle, is a common and effective medical application of botulinum toxin type A. Bruxism is a condition characterized by teeth grinding or clenching, often involuntarily and during sleep. Hypertrophy of the masseter muscle, on the other hand, occurs when this muscle, located on the sides of the jaw, becomes overdeveloped, which can lead to a wider appearance of the jaw and associated pain.
Botox is injected directly into the masseter muscles using a fine needle. Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate muscle contraction, resulting in muscle relaxation and a reduction in tooth-clenching force and muscle hypertrophy.
The benefits of Botox treatment for bruxism and masseter muscle hypertrophy include a significant reduction in teeth grinding, excessive jaw clenching and associated pain. What's more, in the case of masseter muscle hypertrophy, treatment can also result in a slimmer, more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the jaw.
Hypersudation
Botox is also used to treat hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable sweating. This medical use of Botox is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States, and has become a popular treatment option for hyperhidrosis sufferers.
Areas most commonly treated include the armpits, palms and soles of the feet.
Botox is injected into the skin's sweat glands, temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat production. This reduces excessive sweating in the treated area.
The benefits of Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis include a significant reduction in excessive sweating and improved quality of life. The procedure is well tolerated and offers long-lasting results.
