What kind of alterations occurs on face with aging?

With aging, thin and deep wrinkles and baggy skins are formed. Among the reasons for these, gravitation effect, ultraviolet, activities we do everyday like smiling, frowning and mimics, being exposed to negative outside influences like cigarettes can be counted. In time, some elements in our skin, which make our skin alive and young, start to decay. Thus, around our lips, mouth, eyes (goose foot), forehead and wings; deep and thin wrinkles form.

What is botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin, which is gathered from a bacterium named clostridium botulinum. It shows its effect on nerve-muscle junctions by breaking nerve transmission. So, it creates temporary paralysis on muscle fibers. This effect of the botox can only be seen on the nerves moving muscles; it has no effect on touching, pain or feeling hot and cold. It does not cause a mask-like deadness or change the expression on the face.

Where can botox be used?

It is used to eliminate the lines formed with time and aging. It is used to eliminate frowning lines between the two eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, goose foot lines around eyes, horizontal and vertical lines and bands around neck. On over sweating of hands, feet and armpits (hyper-hydrosis), it can be used as a treatment method. Its function here is to paralyze the nerves flowing to the adenos temporarily and decrease sweating.

When can botox not be applied?

During pregnancy, systematic and local infections and neuromuscular diseases (like (myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), it cannot be used.

Since when botox has been used?

While it was used for paralytic and spastic ailments beforehand, it has been used for cosmetic reasons since 1987. By getting FDA approval in 1989, its usage for strabismus, blepharospasm and half-face spasms started. FDA approved its cosmetic usage in 2002.

How is botox applied?

Botox injection is made with needlepoint insulin injectors. Before the implementation, no anesthetic material application is needed.

Does botox cause allergy?

There is no scientific proof showing that botox has caused allergy until now.

When does the effect of botox begin?

After the injection, the effect can be seen in 1-2 days. It reaches maximum in 1-4 weeks. After 3-4 months, botox effect starts to diminish and in approximately 6-8 months, its effect passes away.

Can botox injection be repeated?

Wrinkles on our face, increase with aging, mimics that our face muscles form, gravitation and many outside influences. Slowing muscle activities down either prevents or retards these wrinkles. That is why, the repetition of botox injections is important for having a younger face. Also, the more the botox injections are repeated, the longer the effect of the botox gets. (It can be up to 8-12 months).

What are the things to be careful about after botox injection?

4 hours after botox injection, the injection area should not be touched, no massage should be made, over mimics should be avoided and the head should be held high.

What are the complications of botox injection?

On 1% of forehead line botox injections, temporary, unimportant falling of one eye lid can be seen. This turns normal after 2-3 weeks. Injection area may turn red. Temporary headache can be observed. Very rarely, on some patients, botox may not be effective and/or its effect may be shorter.