Many facial wrinkles form when we use our muscles to make facial expressions. The wrinkles formed during these expressions are called dynamic wrinkles. For example, when we smile our eye wrinkles becomes prominent and when we frown the vertical lines between our eyebrows become noticeable.
When we are young, our skin springs back to its initial position after a facial expression. But as we get older, dynamic wrinkles remain on the skin to form static wrinkles; they are the wrinkles and folds that are present when the skin is at rest. This process occurs because natural substances such as collagen (the major natural protein in skin), elastic (the protein that causes tissue to stretch) and Hyaluronic acid (which give skin volume) decrease with age. This together with environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, smoking and stress all continue to the creation of wrinkles and folds.
Botox is a natural, purified protein that relaxes wrinkles causing muscles, creating a rejuvenated appearance. Botox is a prescription only medicine and treatment is only available from qualified medical professional.
Botox can be used to relax specific facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles (the wrinkles that are formed during facial expressions). Once they are relaxed, you cannot contract them preventing undesirable facial expressions. Thus, the lines gradually smoothen and new lines are prevented from forming.
Although the results are visible, a treatment with Botox will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you have had work done.
Botox treatment is a non-surgical procedure where by a small amount of Botox is administered into selected facial muscles by the doctor using a very fine needle. Generally, a Botox treatment takes around 10-20 minutes. Discomfort is typically minimal and brief, and an anesthetic is usually not required; the injection may sting for a few seconds. Normal activities can be resumed soon after. The dose recommended for the treatment will vary depending on your individual situation and the severity of your lines. Your doctor will know what the best dose is for you and which muscles to inject and give the best results
The effect lasts for 4 months before lines slowly begin to return.
Botox will relax the facial muscles that cause expression lines. It prevents wrinkles from forming. If you choose not to have further Botox treatment your muscles will eventually return to normal activity and your wrinkles will gradually revert to their pre-treatment levels.
Within 3 days you may notice a softening in the appearance of your lines and it takes up to 7 days to see the full results.
Many people use a combination of cosmetic products and procedure with Botox. Your doctor will advice you as to whether or not you will receive better results with your Botox treatment if combined with other products and/ or procedures.
In the amount used for the treatment of facial lines, the side effects are usually temporary and localized to the area of the injection.
Avoid taking Aspirin, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, vitamin E, Ginseng, green tea, and gingko biloba 2-3 days prior to the procedure, as these drugs may cause excessive bleeding or bruising.
Do not rub or manipulate the injected area
Do exercise the injected muscle for 30 minutes after the procedure
Do not lie down or bend forward for 4 hours after the procedure.
Avoid facials or face massage for 2 days
Cold compress may be done to reduce the redness and swelling, if any.
Do inform your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions.