Botox is the closest we have gotten to a (non-surgical) Fountain of Youth, with excellent efficacy and no recovery time required. Almost anyone can use this procedure for a softened, supple, wrinkle-free appearance, including the elevation of the eyebrows’ tail, which start to sag with age.
Procedure
Botulinum toxin type A, better known as BOTOX®, is a product used in aesthetic surgery to correct annoying expression lines in the face. The correction occurs because botulinum toxin temporarily paralyses the muscles responsible for these lines. This allows the skin to recover from years of squinting and frowning. Since the early 1990s, botulinum toxin has been used to treat disorders such as exaggerated blinking, facial spasms, and muscle contractions affecting partly paralyzed patients. These applications have provided sufficient experience to know the product well. It is perfectly safe so long as it is used properly. The aesthetic effects of botulinum toxin were discovered over a decade ago. Since then it has also been successfully used for this purpose.
There are several brands of botulinum toxin available* including BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. The best indications for treatment with botulinum toxin lie in the upper third of the face, for correction of vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal furrows on the forehead and crow’s feet. Other uses are less common, and are best performed by experienced practitioners. Light under-treatment is usually preferred. Over-treatment can result in a diminished expression in the face.
Length
Ten to thirty minutes.
ANESTHESIA
None or topical anaesthetic cream.
INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT
Outpatient or office procedure.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Immediately after treatment only the small pinpricks are visible. Light bruising. Some patients experience a slight headache during the first week.
RISKS
There are no permanent risks in healthy individuals. Myasthenia Gravis is a contraindication. Asymmetry. Drooping of the eyelid can occur in one to five percent; it always recovers spontaneously within three to four weeks.
RECOVERY
Immediately after treatment only the small pinpricks are visible, along with light bruising. Some patients experience a slight headache in the first week after treatment.
RESULTS
Correction of expression wrinkles, which improves with repetition of the treatment. More relaxed facial expression.
Typically, the effects of Botox last between 3 to 6 months. Over time, muscle movement gradually returns, and wrinkles may reappear. Regular follow-up treatments can help maintain the desired results.
When administered by a qualified professional, Botox is generally safe. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, some patients might experience mild headaches or temporary drooping of nearby muscles, which usually resolve on their own.
The procedure involves a series of small injections into specific facial muscles. It is minimally invasive, typically taking about 15 to 30 minutes, with no need for anesthesia. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
Adults with moderate to severe facial wrinkles caused by muscle movement are usually good candidates for Botox. A consultation with a qualified professional is important to assess your specific needs and to ensure that you don’t have any medical conditions that might contraindicate the treatment.
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