Botulinum toxin or brand name Botox is a common type of cosmetic injection that blocks nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This effect relaxes and smooths the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive movements on the face and is most common between the eyebrows, forehead, around the eyes and horizontal forehead creases. Botulinum toxin or Botox injections for the face are also used cosmetically to balance facial asymmetry and relax tight neck muscles, and also medically to reduce perspiration and to treat headaches and muscle spasms.
Facts about Botox injections
- Botulinum toxin is a substance that has been known for more than a century and has been used for medical purposes for more than 50 years. Its primary uses were for lazy eye and strabismus, blepharospasm, inability to move the eyelids in certain ways, and cervical dystonia.
- In 2002, it was approved to improve and reduce freckle lines in the area between the eyes on the forehead and has been used successfully in more than 11 million patients since that time.
- In 2004, Botox was approved to treat excessive sweating, and in 2010, Botox was approved to treat migraines.
- A common misconception is that Botox paralyzes facial muscles. Although this can occur in tiny amounts with unregulated use, most clinicians seek to inject only the amount that allows the patient some limited activity but not a great deal of overactivity to the treated areas.
- Patients should know that Botox is not used to stop them from expressing themselves but simply to prevent them from making facial wrinkles and frowning that have become unintentional habits.
- When done correctly, most people who are not trained surgeons will not notice that a Botox injection of the face has been performed but simply that the patient looks more relaxed or happier.
Botox injections for the face
Botox comes as crystals from the manufacturer, which must be reconstituted with saline or another liquid. Practitioners add different amounts of liquid as it is reconstituted. Although there is no right or wrong amount of liquid to add, most doctors add about 2ml – 3ml (about half a teaspoon) of liquid per vial. Some add a little more, which may lead patients to believe they are getting more Botox, when in fact they are getting the same or less Botox than the larger reconstituted samples. It is the total dose of the drug, not the volume of liquid, that leads to the desired effect.
Therefore, it is important to remember that if a clinic or medical spa states that they provide Botox for a set dollar amount per unit, it is very likely that they are diluting the Botox with fluids and are not actually offering the agreed amount.
When can you consider Botox injections?
- When deep lines between your eyes make you look tired, angry or sad.
- Your facial expressions cause wrinkles around your eyes and forehead.
- An asymmetry in your eyebrows or face can be corrected by relaxing the muscles.
- If you suffer from migraines, Botox can provide relief from this condition.
General considerations for Botox injections
Positives
- Botox injections for the face are relatively painless and carry low risks
- Botox injections can help you appear less frowning and more attractive
- You can make simple changes that give you a comfortable look
Negatives
- The effects of the injection will only last three to six months
- Risk of eye or muscle drooping if injected incorrectly
- If the area to be injected is sensitive, bruising may occur
These are the top three pros and cons to weighing when considering Botox injections for the face. If you would like to focus on what is unique to you, please consult your plastic surgeon.
Are you a good candidate for Botox injections?
You might consider facial Botox injections for cosmetic reasons if you are improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles on your face caused by common facial movements. Depending on your genetics, lines can appear on your face from as early as your late 20s to as late as your 40s. If you are prone to developing lines and making facial expressions that lead to wrinkles, your plastic surgeon may recommend Botox injections as a preventive measure.To get pictures and actual experiences of Botox injections before and after,
contact the cosmetic team at the Turkiyaholidays Center now
Facial wrinkles caused by weakness of soft tissues, such as the nasolabial folds, which run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, are usually better treated with fillers, fat grafts, or surgery. Although Botox is sometimes used to soften or partially improve them. If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are likely a good candidate for Botox injections.
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How are Botox injections performed for the face?
Botox injections can usually be done on the same day as the initial evaluation. It does not require working hours or recovery days. Once you and your surgeon have decided on a suitable treatment for your condition, he or she will prepare you and prepare medications for the procedure. The injection site will be cleansed and will not usually require anesthesia before the injection. The needles used are very short and thin, causing minimal pain. Depending on your concerns and your specific condition, a number of injections will be required to achieve the desired result. Mild pain, short-term swelling, minimal redness, and bleeding are likely to occur as a result of your procedure.
Once Botox is injected, it will take several days to reach the full effect, and a follow-up visit will often take place weeks to months after the initial injection. Having the procedure performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, such as a board-certified plastic surgeon, your procedure will look simple and you will feel minimal inconvenience. A surgeon’s understanding of the features and anatomy of the muscles in the face and body is essential to a safe and successful procedure.
Botox injections may seem like a simple procedure to you, as they are just a few injections. But it is actually both an art and a science that should only be undertaken by an experienced healthcare professional. There are 43 muscles in your face and it is essential that the person doing the Botox injections understand where the correct points are to optimize your treatment.
A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles. By carefully selecting specific muscles, your healthcare provider will weaken only the wrinkle-producing muscles, while preserving your normal facial expressions. Botox injections usually take less than 15 minutes.
The number of injections you need depends on your facial features and the extent of wrinkles. Coccyx wrinkles, for example, usually require two to three injections. The furrows above your eyebrows can take five or more injections.
Botox injection treatment options
Botox injection based cosmetic procedures are widely recognized and were the first neurological products approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in the United States. There are many formulations of botulinum toxin, some of which are only suitable for cosmetic use. Below is a list of both cosmetic and medical conditions that Botox can help with:
- Lines and wrinkles
- Facial asymmetry
- Muscle spasm
- blepharospasm
- Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating
- Chronic migraine
- Cervical dystonia
- Movement disorders
- Crossed eyes, strabismus, or lazy eye
Your plastic surgeon will help you decide which type of Botox would be best for your case, based on several initial assessments of facial muscle distribution and the need for facial skin filling.
Your initial consultation appointment
A realistic and open discussion with the surgeon must be held before proceeding which is important in achieving a good outcome. It is important to discuss your specific concerns and overall goals to help determine if Botox injections may be beneficial for you. Once this consultation has occurred, the surgeon will obtain other relevant medical information. It is very important to disclose recent or chronic uses of NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, anticoagulants, or blood thinners.
After fully discussing your medical history, your plastic surgeon will perform an examination to determine the best course of treatment to meet your expectations. Your surgeon will fully explain these matters:
- How will the injection be performed?
- What can reasonably be expected from the procedure.
- Advantages and disadvantages of alternative treatment options, including the use of facial fillers , fat transfer, facelift, skin resurfacing or chemical peels.
- Possible complications of using Botox.
Once the evaluation and discussion is completed, your consent will be obtained. Your surgeon will encourage you to ask questions and give you honest answers about the procedure. Pictures may be taken to document your condition and appearance before, during and after treatment. You can ask these questions to the doctor who will perform the Botox injection for the face:
- Am I a good candidate for facial Botox injections?
- Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
- Do you have before and after pictures of what I can see of the procedure I’m doing?
- Do you recommend using an anesthetic cream?
- What will be the costs associated with Botox injections?
- What do you expect from me to get the best results after the operation?
- What kind of recovery period can I expect and when can I resume normal activities?
- What are the risks and complications associated with Botox injections?
- How are complications dealt with?
- What are my options if the cosmetic results of Botox injections do not achieve the goals we agreed upon?
How can I prepare before injecting Botox for the face?
Although complications from Botox injections are generally low and do not require extensive examination for an invasive procedure, you should always disclose your complete medical history and any medications you are currently using to your plastic surgeon. Regardless of the type of procedure to be performed, hydration is extremely important before and after treatment for a safe recovery. Your doctor may ask you to stop smoking at least six weeks before the procedure.
Inform your plastic surgeon if:
- You have had Botox injections in the past.
- you are using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, anticoagulants or blood thinners.
- You take muscle relaxants, allergy medicine, or hypnotics.
Some medicines may cause complications or additional bleeding or bruising. You should know if you need to stop or skip your medications for several days before your procedure to prevent any problems. It should be noted that there are instructions after Botox injections that must be known and followed accurately.
Recovery after Botox injection
After Botox injections, you can return to your normal activities immediately. However, strenuous activity is discontinued for the rest of the day. The redness and swelling that occurs at the time of the injection usually goes away quickly on the face. Any bruising that may occur will usually heal within a week or two.
Some quick tips to get the best results:
- Avoid massaging or touching the injected area afterwards. This may inadvertently cause the Botox to reach an area not intended for treatment.
- Lying down or turning over shortly after the injection can also cause complications.
- Avoid strenuous or vigorous activities for the rest of the day.
- Ask or call the office before taking analgesics or other medications.
Botox injection prices and costs associated with the procedure
The cost of Botox injections varies widely and depends on a number of factors, including the number of areas to be treated and their location. Charges may be based on the amount used or simply the areas of the face treated. For example, treating a large area of the body, such as the under-eye areas, will require much more medication than above the eyebrow. Discussing the cost with the surgeon or his or her staff is important before starting any treatment. The surgeon’s policy regarding the cost of additional injections within weeks of the initial injection must also be explained to the patient.
Any numbers or fees reflect only the doctor’s or surgeon’s fee and do not include fees for a surgical facility, anesthesia, medical tests, prescriptions, surgical clothing, or other miscellaneous costs related to treatment.
Risks and harms of Botox injections
Although all procedures have some degree of risk, Botox injections are approved by all international food and drug organizations and have relatively low risks if performed by an experienced surgeon. The most common side effects are:
- Temporary muscle weakness.
- Redness, irritation and swelling at the injection site.
- In rare cases, patients may experience dry mouth, headache, dizziness, nausea, and fever.
If you have more serious symptoms, such as a rash or difficulty breathing, please contact your doctor immediately. You can help reduce certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, before and after your Botox injection.