We all want to stay young and beautiful as long as possible. But time inevitably leaves its traces on our body, and firstly they appear on the face in the form of wrinkles. Botox helps to effectively cope with age-related changes. Today, botulinum toxin injections are considered one of the most popular methods of combating signs of aging in aesthetic medicine. The procedure promises rapid rejuvenation without surgery and long rehabilitation. But how does Botox work? When to expect the first results? And what are the possible risks? In this article we will tell you in detail how botulinum toxin works, who it is suitable for, and who should refuse the procedure, and what recommendations are important to follow after injections.
What Is Botox
Botox is a preparation that contains purified botulinum toxin type A produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The main useful property of this substance is its ability to temporarily block the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. Nerve endings release a special substance called acetylcholine, which causes muscles to contract. How does Botox work? It inhibits the release of acetylcholine, causing the muscles to relax temporarily. And when they are in a relaxed state, the skin over them stops patching up, which means that wrinkles are smoothed out or become much less noticeable.
It is important to understand how Botox works. It does not «freeze» the face completely and does not affect the sensitivity of the skin. It acts locally — only in the areas where it has been injected. If the procedure is performed correctly, the natural facial expression is preserved, but the skin looks smoother and younger.
Indications for the Use of Botox
Botox is widely used in cosmetology and medicine to solve various problems. The main indications for its use include:
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Correction of expression lines — hound's feet in the corners of the eyes, horizontal wrinkles on the forehead, vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows, wrinkles around the lips and on the neck.
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Treatment of hyperhidrosis — Botox helps to cope with excessive sweating in the armpits, palms and feet.
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Correction of facial asymmetry — the drug can be used to equalize facial expressions after injuries, strokes or as a result of congenital features.
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Treatment of chronic migraines — Botox reduces the frequency and intensity of headache attacks.
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Correction of bruxism — injections can reduce teeth grinding and excessive tension of the chewing muscles.
Contraindications to the Use of Botox
Despite the safety of Botox, there are conditions in which its use is contraindicated:
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding period.
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Inflammatory processes in the area of intended injections (acne, skin infections).
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Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
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Myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome and other diseases of neuromuscular transmission.
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Individual intolerance to the drug components.
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Oncologic diseases.
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Severe disorders of blood coagulation.
Before carrying out the procedure, it is necessary to consult with a specialist to exclude all possible risks.
Description of the Procedure (Botox Injections)
We have already figured out how Botox works. Now it is worth talking about how its injections are done. This is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that usually takes no more than 15–30 minutes and does not require extensive preparation or rehabilitation. Before starting botulinum therapy, a cosmetic doctor conducts a consultation. He evaluates facial expressions, determines the areas to be corrected, discusses with the patient the expected results and possible limitations. The procedure itself consists of these steps:
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Skin preparation. The face is cleaned from cosmetics and treated with an antiseptic solution. At the patient's request, an anesthetic cream may be applied to reduce skin sensitivity.
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Marking the areas. The doctor makes special markings to pinpoint the exact locations where the drug is injected.
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Injections. Using a very fine needle, Botox is injected into the desired muscles in small doses. Usually, the patient feels only slight tingling or slight discomfort.
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Completion. After the procedure, a cold compress may be applied to the skin to reduce possible swelling or redness.
The procedure is an outpatient procedure — immediately after the injections, the patient can return to their normal activities.
When Botox Starts Working and How Long It Lasts
How does Botox work? It does not start working as soon as it is injected. It needs time to block the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. The first results usually become noticeable 2–5 days after the procedure. The maximum effect develops after 10–14 days. By this time, wrinkles are visibly smoothed out, and the face looks more relaxed and fresh.
On average, the effect of Botox lasts from 3 to 6 months. Over time, the muscles gradually recover their activity, and facial expressions return to their original state. The duration of the effect after botulinum therapy depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the area of injection, the dosage of the drug and the patient's lifestyle.
Recommendations After the Procedure
In order for Botox to work properly, and the result of the procedure was preserved as long as possible, it is important to follow a few simple recommendations. After the injection of the drug is not allowed:
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Tilt your head down and lie in a horizontal position for the first 4–6 hours.
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During the first 24 hours, rub and massage injection sites.
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Do not use cosmetics for 24 hours.
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In the first 2–3 days, do sports, visit baths, saunas and solariums.
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Do not drink alcohol or smoke during the day.
Important: Compliance with the doctor's recommendations after the procedure will help to avoid complications, consolidate the effect and prolong its effect for as long as possible.
FAQ
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Should I Get Botox?
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Whether to get Botox or not is a decision that everyone makes for themselves. If you want to reduce the severity of expression wrinkles and preserve the youthfulness of the skin, botulinum therapy will be an effective solution for you. The main thing is to have the procedure done by an experienced specialist who uses certified preparations.
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How Long Does Botox Last in Lips?
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Botox in the lip area usually lasts on average for 3–6 months. In this area, the muscles are very active, so the effect of the drug may last a little less than, for example, on the forehead or in the eye area.
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What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
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With proper injection technique and the use of a certified product, all risks are minimized. After the procedure, only minor side effects are possible, such as slight bruising, swelling or redness at the injection sites, which will subside within a few days. However, in the case of using a poor-quality drug or violation of the technique of its injection, more serious complications may occur, such as headaches, facial asymmetry, temporary drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows.
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How to Remove Botox?
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Botox cannot be removed — its effects gradually wear off naturally over 3–6 months. If you want to speed up the recovery of muscle activity, massages and active mimicry exercises can help you.
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What Are the Harmful Effects of Botox for the Face?
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When done properly by a cosmetic doctor and using a certified Botox for face is absolutely not harmful.
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On What Day Does Botox Begin to Take Effect?
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The first results from Botox usually become noticeable on the 2nd—5th day after injections. The maximum effect appears after about 10–14 days.
