When we frown, smile or laugh, the facial muscles contract. Over time, wrinkles and lines form in the folds of the skin. For example, such as "crow's feet." Over time, these dynamic wrinkles deepen and remain forever, causing concern to the beautiful half of humanity.
Cosmeticians have come up with a fairly simple solution - botox injections, doctors' advice, however, are not so optimistic about this method. Why are Botox injections recently so popular and how does it work? The thing is that botulinum toxin can effectively smooth out facial wrinkles and restore youth's youthfulness and freshness of skin.
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is the strongest known biological toxin. This neurotoxin is a derivative of Clostridium anaerobic bacillotubism. There are 7 types of toxin. And the poisoning in humans occurs after eating contaminated canned food with the main types of toxin A, B and E. In medicine, two pharmacological preparations of botulinum toxin type A are used:
- Botulinum toxin - the international company Bofur Ipsen.
- Botox is the Allergan company.
How does the toxin work?
Mimicry is the result of the action of stimuli-signals sent by the brain to the muscle cells of the face. Botox injections block impulses from the nervous system into tiny facial muscles associated with facial expression. Botox prevents muscle contraction, resulting in wrinkles and folds of the skin being smoothed. After all, the subcutaneous muscles relax and no longer perform their task. Restoration of the function of the nerve endings of the muscles takes place approximately 4-6 months after the injections of Botox. That's the time it takes for toxin to work. Botulinum toxin acts only in those muscles to which it is injected, and the remaining muscles work as usual. As a result, the facial expression does not change, and the wrinkles disappear. As a result of the application of Botox, the facial expression seems to freeze.
How does the procedure work?
The drug containing Botox is injected with a disposable syringe with a very thin needle. A very small amount of the drug is dissolved in physiological saline and injected very accurately in several places on the face. During the procedure, the patient, as a rule, sits. Pain associated with injections is minimal. Many patients compare it to a few seconds of the ant bite. With the introduction of Botox, no local anesthesia is required. You can immediately return to normal daily activities. The procedure lasts about 15 minutes, depending on the area of the treated areas of the face. Botulinum toxin begins to act 2-3 days after the injection. And the full effect of the treatment can be seen only after 7-14 days. Botulinum toxin is widely used for removal:
wrinkles between the eyebrows;
- horizontal lines on the forehead;
- wrinkles in the corners of the eyes or between the eyes.
More and more botox is used to give smooth lines of the neck and raise the eyebrows. Thus, giving the face youth and softening the expression of the eyes.
How long will the result be visible?
The effect of treatment is temporary and lasts about 4-6 months and more (up to 1.5 years), depending on the individual's reaction. If everything suits you and you are happy with the result, you can repeat the treatment regularly, increasing the number of target places for face care. Since the effect of treatment is gradually disappearing, injections should be performed 2-3 times per year. Clinical studies show that the time to preserve the effects of prolonged therapy with a subsequent reduction in the frequency of injections occurs without reducing the effectiveness of treatment. Using injections of Botox, you stop the functioning of certain facial muscles. Thus, botulinum toxin is an effective means of preventing wrinkles on the face.
Councils of doctors on the use of injections Botox.
Therapy with Botox injections for aesthetic purposes is relatively simple. It is performed on an outpatient basis, does not require specific diagnostic tests and immediately after the procedure the patient can return to his daily activities. However, doctors' advice on the use of Botox injections is quite certain. This procedure is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Neuromuscular system diseases;
- an allergy to human albumin;
- allergy to botulinum toxin type A;
- an allergy to antibiotics.
In addition, like any intervention in the human body, the use of botox can lead to unpleasant side effects. The most common side effects include:
- pain at the injection site;
- small hematomas that may occur at the injection site, where the needle enters the blood vessel;
- the appearance of a tumor with a sensation of tingling at the injection site;
- other manifestations are possible.
There is no risk of scar formation or visible damage after injection. Doctors advise: in order to reduce the risk of toxins spreading, it is important to avoid rubbing and massaging the muscles treated with Botox within 4 hours after the operation. It is at this time to avoid tilting the head, for example when tying shoes or while sleeping. The risk of side effects depends on the group of muscles that will be exposed to Botox. All possible consequences should be discussed in detail with the doctor before the operation. Botox injections, according to the advice of doctors, should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Since there was not enough research to reliably confirm the absence of toxin exposure to the fetus and breast milk.
Is botulinum toxin administered to men?
Botulinum toxin as an anti-aging agent is effective for both men and women. In practice, men are increasingly turning to Botox treatment to look younger. They are interested in this effective way of removing wrinkles. This method is popular among many business people, increasing their attractiveness and demonstrating success. After all, a respectable look and charisma are very important during business negotiations.