MEDICAL AESTHETICS
Botox
Botox or Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This protein acts by temporarily paralyzing the muscles and, when used correctly, temporarily relaxes them. Botox is the trade name for a substance called botulinum toxin.
When Botox is used for cosmetic purposes, it is most commonly used to reduce wrinkles on the face. But it can also be used in the treatment of migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and in the treatment of certain muscle diseases that cause spasticity. Botox applications must be performed by a medical specialist. Botox, Botulinum toxin, is a poison and dosage is very important in its application. The post-treatment effects usually last for several months and may need to be repeated.
What are the Uses of Botox?
It would be appropriate to collect Botox applications under two headings in general: Aesthetic Botox and Medical Botox.
Aesthetic Botox
Aesthetic or Cosmetic Botox is often used to reduce facial wrinkles or remove fine lines in the skin. It is especially used in the treatment of forehead lines, lines between the eyebrows (glabella lines), wrinkles around the eyes (called crow’s feet) and wrinkles in the neck area. Eleven lines are vertical wrinkles on the forehead between the eyes, between the eyebrows. It takes its name from these lines that resemble the number “11”. They are often evident during facial expressions, especially when frowning or making a surprised expression. Eleven lines can occur as a result of factors such as loss of collagen and elastin in the skin with the aging process, constant use of mimic muscles, sun damage. Emotional factors such as stress and tension can also contribute to the prominence of these lines. Botox treatment can be an effective option for Eleven lines. In this way, the appearance of eleven lines can be reduced or eliminated. However, it should be known that Botox treatment is a temporary solution and its effect may decrease over time.
Botulinum toxin can also be used for the treatment of gummy smile. Gummy smile refers to the condition where the gums are too visible when a person smiles. Botox injection can help reduce the appearance of gums in the smile by temporarily relaxing the overly vertical upper lip lifting muscles. In addition, small wrinkles extending from the bridge of the nose to the cheeks, called bunny lines, can sometimes be an aesthetic concern and may be uncomfortable for some people. These wrinkles, which appear when you smile or facial expressions, can make the face look older or tired. Botox treatment can help reduce these wrinkles. These wrinkles are called “bunny lines” because they resemble the folds on the nose of a rabbit.
Medical Botox
Medical Botox refers to the use of Botox for therapeutic purposes in the treatment of various health problems.
- Treatment of Bruxism (Bruxism): Also called masseter botox. Masseter Botox is usually performed to treat problems such as excessive contraction in the jaw area, involuntary clenching of teeth, even to the point of causing deformation of the teeth, or having large and prominent jaw muscles. Botox injections are administered directly into the masseter muscles and provide temporary relaxation of the muscles. This reduces excessive contraction, prominence and, if any, pain in the jaw area.
- Migraine Treatment: Botox injections can be given to the head, neck and shoulder muscles to reduce chronic migraine attacks. Botox prevents excessive contractions by creating temporary paralysis or weakness in the muscles. This can reduce the pain during a migraine attack by reducing the excessive contraction of the muscles that cause the headache.
- Treatment of Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Botox injections can be used to reduce excessive sweating in the armpits, hands or feet. Excessive sweating is usually associated with overactivity of the sweat glands. Botox injections prevent the sweat glands from overworking by blocking nerve impulses. Botox can relieve the symptoms of hyperhidrosis by temporarily reducing the activity of sweat glands. In this way, the amount of sweating is temporarily reduced and sweating is controlled. This is particularly effective in areas such as the armpits or palms.
- Treatment of Eye Spasms (Blepharospasm): Blepharospasm is a condition characterized by involuntary and repetitive contraction of the eyelid muscles. These contractions can result in closing or restricting the eyelids, which can negatively affect daily life. Blepharospasm is often associated with specific causes and is sometimes referred to as primary blepharospasm, while sometimes it can occur in association with other neurological conditions. The use of botulinum toxin (Botox) in the treatment of blepharospasm is quite common and usually provides effective results.
- Cervical Dystonia Treatment: Cervical dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive involuntary and uncontrolled contractions of the neck muscles. Botox injections are an effective treatment option as they can help relax these muscles, reducing pain and limitation of movement.
- Spasticity Treatment: In the treatment of spasticity, Botox is usually used in the upper limbs (e.g. muscles of the hands and arms) and lower limbs (e.g. leg muscles). Botox can be especially effective in patients who have difficulty with functional movements or feel pain.
- Urinary Incontinence Treatment: Botox injections can be used in some cases of urinary incontinence, especially in cases of neurogenic urinary incontinence. These injections can reduce urinary incontinence problems by providing control of the bladder muscles.
How is Botox Applied?
The first step in Botox applications is to determine the wishes and expectations of the person who wants Botox by interviewing and examining the person who wants Botox, and to determine the Botox points and doses to be made accordingly. The dose applied to each patient is not standardized, and how much the patient uses facial muscles and facial expressions may affect the response. The treatment and possible consequences are explained to the patient.
Before application, the application area is cleaned and local anesthetic cream is applied if necessary. This can help the patient to go through the procedure in comfort.
Botox is injected directly into the muscles using a very fine needle. The area to be applied is determined depending on the location of the wrinkles and the desired result. The classical application includes the upper face area, i.e. forehead, lines between the eyebrows, wrinkles around the eyes and crow’s feet. In addition, masseter botox can be used in individuals with teeth clenching problems, and armpit applications can be performed in those with excessive sweating complaints. In the presence of horizontal lines and neck wrinkles called neck lines or “neck bands”, neck applications can often be preferred to reduce this appearance. Needle insertion is usually quick and pain is minimal. There may be mild swelling, redness or bruising after the procedure, but this is usually short-lived and mild. Applying a cold compress can relieve these symptoms.
After administration, it is important to act in accordance with the instructions recommended by your doctor.
What Should Be Considered After Botox?
There are some recommendations to be considered in the first few days after Botox. Excessive physical activity should be avoided. Our recommendations include not being exposed to extreme heat or cold, not bending over for at least a few hours, and not lying face down while sleeping. The injection site should not be massaged or rubbed, this may cause the effect of the Botox to be corrected or dissipated. It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption for a few days after Botox injection, alcohol can accelerate blood circulation and thus reduce the effect of Botox. Avoiding excessive facial expressions for a few hours after Botox injection can help the effect of Botox to settle better. Failure to follow these simple recommendations may reduce or change the effect of Botox.
How Long Does Botox Effect Last?
The effect of Botox usually occurs within a certain period of time after the injection, this period may vary from person to person and depending on the area of application. Typically, the effect of Botox is noticeable within 3 to 7 days after administration. In this process, botulinum toxin temporarily blocks nerve conduction in the muscles and allows them to relax. However, the full effect is usually seen within 2 weeks after injection. During this time, the effect of botox is fully revealed and the desired results are achieved.
The effect of Botox usually lasts between 3 and 6 months, but this can vary from person to person and depending on the area treated. Afterwards, the muscles become active again and a re-injection may be needed, depending on the person’s wishes. There is insufficient data on the safety of Botox during pregnancy and breastfeeding and it is not recommended.
