How Botox works for the face - possible negative consequences and photos before and after the procedure

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:

• Pregnancy, lactation.
• 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.
• Syndrome of rapid fatigability of striated muscles or false paralysis.
• During menstruation, premenstrual period (2 days before bleeding) and during menopause.
• Exacerbation of herpetic disease.
• Impaired normal circulation or other blood diseases (including hemophilia).
• Myopia, farsightedness.

Benefits of Botox injections

Botox is one of the most common and studied drugs that is used throughout the world and has undergone more than 300 clinical trials. In Europe and the USA it is called a “lunchtime beauty injection”: this procedure is so effective, short-term and painless. The consequences of administering the drug are absolutely invisible to others: the cosmetologist performs injections only at certain points of the facial muscles, using the finest needle.

As a rule, together with preparatory measures, the procedure takes no more than 30 minutes. The visible effect of Botox injections for the face appears already on the 4th day.

• facial wrinkles of varying depths are smoothed out;
• skin in problem areas is noticeably smoothed;
• motor activity of facial muscles decreases.

Photos before and after Botox injections

The maximum effect occurs within two weeks after the procedure and lasts up to 6 months, after which the procedure can be repeated. At this time, the muscles remain relaxed, the bad habit of frowning disappears, which in itself solves the problem of the appearance of new facial wrinkles. It is worth noting that to maintain the positive effect, cosmetologists recommend repeating injections regularly. You can get a “beauty injection” twice a year. Botox injections are used against:

• mimic wrinkles in the area between the eyebrows
• crow's feet in the corners of the eyes
• wrinkles in the forehead area.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to smooth out absolutely all wrinkles on the face: the cheeks and chin are little affected by botulinum, which is due to the almost complete absence of facial muscles in these areas. To correct wrinkles in these areas, it is recommended to use another procedure - facial modeling using fillers based on hyaluronic acid.

Botulinum toxin injections can become the final part of a complex of anti-aging procedures aimed at correcting age-related changes in facial skin: the drug helps to consolidate the results. Injections are also effectively combined with contour plastic surgery.

Indications

The purposes for which botulinum toxin is used include:

• correction and formation of facial oval;
• treatment of local increased sweating (hyperhidrosis);
• correction of facial wrinkles in the periorbital area, bridge of the nose, frontal area;
• correction of wrinkles in the perioral area and severe platysis.

The Botox procedure is indicated for patients aged 18 to 45 years. The question of the advisability of using the drug at a later age is decided individually, after an appointment with a dermatocosmetologist. The product has contraindications, so its use is possible only after consultation with a doctor.

Contraindications

• individual intolerance to the ingredients included in the drug;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• inflammatory process in the area of ​​the proposed injection;
• somatic diseases during the period of exacerbation or in the stage of decompensation;
• conditions accompanied by an increase in temperature;
• myasthenic and myasthenic-like syndromes (including Lambert-Eaton syndrome);
• pronounced gravitational ptosis of facial tissues;
• pronounced “hernias” in the upper eyelids;
• high degree of myopia (according to the opinion of an ophthalmologist);
• taking certain pharmacological agents (antibiotics, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.).

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

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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.

Botox and mesobotox - what is the difference?

Before we start talking about mesobotox, it is important for us to understand that all medical botulinum toxin preparations - Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin - are powder . In colloquial speech they have long been called one common word “Botox”.

Difference 1.

Before the procedure, the powder is carefully diluted with so-called saline solution at the rate of 1 bottle of 100 units per 2 - 2.5 ml of saline solution.

The dilution of the drug for the mesobotox procedure is made at the rate of 1 bottle per 10 ml of saline solution, and compared to the Botox solution it is 5 times less concentrated.

Difference 2.

Classic Botox is injected directly into the muscle - that is, quite deeply. To achieve the effect of the drug exclusively in the injection area and to avoid its migration, Botox is administered pointwise, in small doses.

Botox injection schedule

The toxin disrupts the transmission of impulses along nerve fibers. As a result, some muscles relax, others contract.

Mesobotox is a procedure for multiple injections of small doses of a toxin. The technique is reminiscent of mesotherapy - the drug is injected not into the muscle, but into the skin, or rather, into the dermis.

Mesobotox administration scheme

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 zones
To determine the 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:

• To remove longitudinal wrinkles on the forehead
  , punctures are made in the central zone and points located 1.5 centimeters further from it.
• 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.
• subcutaneously
  in approximately 1 centimeter increments.

Contraindications

• individual intolerance to the ingredients included in the drug
• pregnancy and lactation
• inflammatory process in the area of ​​the proposed injection
• somatic diseases in the period of exacerbation or in the stage of decompensation
• conditions accompanied by fever
• myasthenic and myasthenic-like syndromes (including Lambert-Eaton syndrome)
• pronounced gravitational ptosis of facial tissues
• pronounced “hernias” in the upper eyelids
• high degree of myopia (according to the opinion of an ophthalmologist)
• taking certain pharmacological drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.)

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 :

• Alcohol inactivates botulinum toxin. Therefore, you should not drink for a week after the injections.
• It is important to avoid physical activity (especially heavy lifting and bending forward), otherwise the solution will spread.
• 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.
• You should not wear makeup until the punctures are completely healed.
• 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:

• Lips, corners of the mouth – from 4 to 12 months.
• Crow's feet, brow ridges - from 3 to 6 months.
• The area of ​​the chewing glands, cheekbones – up to 6 months.
• Nasolabial folds – from 2 months to six months.

Prices for services

Number of Botox and Dysport units for working with different areas of the face

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, to preserve the effect for a longer period of time, it is not recommended :

• 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.
• Paint your face in the first 7 days after the procedure.
• It is forbidden to take antibiotics - they can inactivate the toxin solution.
• Touch and scratch the skin.
• Facial cleansing after Botox is carried out only with soft preparations without abrasive particles.
• 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.

Technique 3. Botox microinjections

This technique is based on the administration of microdoses of Botox.

Micro Botox is injected deep into the muscles, but using a special technique. Knowing the anatomy of the face perfectly, a plastic surgeon can work wonders, masterfully playing with the doses of the drug and the degree of muscle relaxation.

Microinjections of Botox into the masticatory muscles relax them and thin out facial features, making it more graceful and feminine. The procedure eliminates trismus (clenching of the jaw) and reduces the load on the mandibular joint. The result is getting rid of wrinkles, a lifting effect, narrowing the face by relieving tension from the lower jaw. The oval of the face becomes clear and feminine.

The same technique is used to lift the ends of the eyebrows and corners of the lips.

Expert comment:

“Rosa Syabitova in the photo below received a liquid facelift (injection facelift). The technique involves the simultaneous administration of combined fillers and botulinum toxin.

A significant advantage of mesobotox is that we get all the above effects without surgery and without incisions. The entire rehabilitation after the procedure takes no more than 2 hours.

I perform the procedure using very thin 33 G needles. They are not felt by skin receptors, so anesthesia is not required.”

Andrey Iskornev, plastic surgeon.

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:

• Quincke's edema
  . This is an extremely dangerous allergic reaction that can be fatal. Occurs due to an allergy to botulinum toxin.
• 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.
• 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.
• Weakening of natural turgor, sagging muscles.

Recovery after beauty injections

Description of the procedure

Before starting the injection of botulinum toxin, the dermatocosmetologist, during a conversation with the patient, collects an anamnesis about his state of health, finds out the presence of chronic diseases and allergic reactions, and warns about contraindications to the use of Botox and possible consequences. Photo documentation is also carried out for the patient’s personal medical record. The client directly fills out and signs consent to the processing of personal data. After this, the doctor begins to examine the patient’s face. This manipulation is carried out in a vertical position. During the preparation, the dermatocosmetologist studies the individual features of the patient’s facial anatomy, calculates the amount of the drug for each point, and determines problem areas and injection points.

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:

• Relatox
  . This is “Russian” Botox made from type A toxin. Its cost is much cheaper than natural Botox, but the effect is similar.
• 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.
• 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.

Technique 1. Rejuvenation squared

Enhancing the effect of mesobotx with the help of biorevitalizants. These are hyaluronic acid preparations that moisturize the skin and maintain its water balance for a long time.

Consecutive administration of drugs within one procedure gives an amazing effect. Mesobotox smoothes the skin, improves its structure, and hyaluronic acid gives firmness, elasticity, and freshness.

Acting together, these components work like two catalysts, enhancing and prolonging each other's effects.

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:

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 clog 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.