BOTOX

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a toxic drug derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This drug has been used medically for over 20 years, in a highly diluted (attenuated) state, to provide relief against muscle contractions. In the United States, the FDA has approved the use of this drug. It is the most commonly performed aesthetic procedure in the world.

This substance temporarily relaxes the muscles into which it is injected. Botox (Botulinum toxin) works by preventing the release of substances that provide transmission at the nerve endings, temporarily stopping the connection between the nerves and the muscles or organs they reach.

The muscles that allow us to make the expressions and movements of our face are attached to the skin above them. As we age, as a result of use, the muscles create visible lines and wrinkles on the skin above them. With Botox (Botulinum toxin), the formation of more wrinkles is prevented by relaxing the muscles.

For example, it prevents the contractions of the muscles in the wrinkles that form between the eyebrows, on the forehead and around the eyes due to aging by paralyzing them, and the wrinkles become invisible. Botox (Botulinum toxin) does not have a harmful effect on the muscles or other tissues. Its effect is only on the area between the muscle and the nerve, and it has an effect like cutting off the electrical current here. As a result, the muscle cannot contract and the wrinkle disappears until the effect of Botox (Botulinum toxin) wears off in 4-6 months. It is most often seen on the forehead, between the eyebrows, around the eyes and around the mouth. The lines on the forehead and around the eyes give a more aged appearance, while the lines between the eyebrows give the person a frowning, angry expression.

Botox (Botulinum toxin) application

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is applied quickly while the patient is sitting in an upright position. It is important to stay in an upright position for 1-2 hours after the application to ensure that the drug stays in the injected area. In addition, during this time, exercises are applied to the muscles where the drug is applied.

Points to consider before Botox (Botulinum toxin) application;

• Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing medications.
• Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 10 days before the application. These drugs can make bruising more likely, but this is not permanent.
• Do not consume alcohol for one week before the application. Alcohol can also increase the likelihood of bleeding and/or bruising.
• Stay in an upright position for 1-2 hours after the treatment and exercise the muscles in the botox injection area.

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is not a filler and is not used in every area. However, it can be used together with fillers in areas where Botox (Botulinum toxin) is not effective.

Botox prevents the contraction of muscles, but in cases where the facial lines and wrinkles that have deepened over the years, especially the deep ones, that is, those that cannot be corrected with botox alone, fillers, tissue cocktail (fat skin cells) injections or even some minor surgical procedures can be applied.

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is applied with a needle. There is a very slight pain during the application and it is temporary. The full effect of Botox appears within an average of one week. The duration of the effect is about 3-6 months.

Another effect is the eyebrow lifting effect. When applied to the forehead area, since the middle parts of the forehead muscle are paralyzed, the sides of the forehead muscle remain active, which makes the eyebrows appear lifted.

Side effects of Botox (Botulinum toxin) applications

Since the effect of Botox (Botulinum toxin) treatment is not permanent, there are very few significant side effects. Bruising or redness may be seen at the injection points. Sometimes headache may also occur. If it is done close to a point close to the eyelid, a condition such as temporary drooping of the upper eyelid may occur. However, this is a very rare side effect.

People who regularly receive botox may experience a noticeable weakening of their muscles and a consequent change in their facial expression if they continue the application. Therefore, it is beneficial to have the applications done at longer intervals after the second year.

It is not correct to give botox (botox) to pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it is necessary to wait for the end of the pregnancy and breastfeeding period. It is not suitable for those with muscle nerve disorders or bleeding problems, those with skin diseases in the areas to be injected.