When it comes to the problem of wrinkles, no matter how many eras have passed, it remains a persistent issue, especially wrinkles between the eyebrows, forehead, crow’s feet, cheek grooves, and under-eye lines, which are hard to avoid. However, with innovations designed to solve beauty problems such as Botulinum Toxin, not only does it help reduce wrinkles and prevent them from bothering us, it also helps lift and contour the face.
Causes of Wrinkles
- Frowning and squinting
- Stress, emotions
- Sun exposure
- Dry skin
- Genetics
- Age
- Lack of rest
Understanding Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin is a purified protein that acts on the nervous system, inhibiting neurotransmitters that are sent to the muscles in that area, resulting in muscle relaxation, reducing muscle tension. In the past, Botulinum Toxin was used to treat some diseases, such as incontinence, muscle spasms, severe headaches, cross-eye, and lazy eye, etc.
In terms of beauty, due to the benefits of Botulinum Toxin in causing muscle relaxation, it is widely used to address the problem of wrinkles. When Botulinum Toxin is injected into small muscle groups on the face, wrinkles in those areas relax, reduce muscle size, resulting in a contoured face and smooth skin without damaging the muscles and maintaining normal feeling.
The effect of each Botulinum Toxin injection becomes more noticeable within 3 – 5 days and becomes clear about 2 weeks after injection, lasting about 4 – 6 months before a possible re-injection under the care of a specialist.
Areas Most Commonly Treated
- Forehead
- Crow’s feet
- Between eyebrows
- Cheek grooves
- Under-eye lines
- Face reshaping, achieving a V-shaped face
- Lifting
- Addressing body odor and underarm sweating
- Removing under-eye bags
Treatment Procedure
- Clean the face thoroughly.
- Apply anesthetic cream about half an hour before the treatment.
- The doctor injects Botulinum Toxin into the skin; you may feel a slight tightening.
- The procedure takes about 15 – 45 minutes, depending on the area treated.
- After treatment, cold compresses may be applied by the doctor, as minor bruising may occur.
Aftercare for Botulinum Toxin Injections
- Do not massage or rub the treated area for 3 days.
- Do not lie flat or on your side for 3 – 4 hours after injection, as this is the period when the medication is being absorbed into the muscles. Lying on your side could cause the distribution of the medication to deviate from the position anticipated by the doctor. After 4 hours, you can lie down or on your side as usual.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- In the first 2 weeks, avoid steam rooms, saunas, laser treatments, RF treatments, or iontophoresis on the face, as prolonged localized heat can affect the Botulinum Toxin in the first 2 weeks. Heat exposure that is allowed includes hair drying, warm baths (avoiding the treated area), and moderate sun exposure as usual.
Benefits of Botulinum Toxin
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
- Smoothens the facial skin.
- Makes the face look slimmer.
- Quick visible results.
- No preparation needed before treatment.
- No surgery or recovery time required.
- Minimal risk of side effects.
Who Should Not Use Botulinum Toxin
- Pregnant women
- Women who are breastfeeding
- Individuals with muscle weakness
- Individuals who are allergic to Botulinum Toxin
- Individuals with brain or neurological conditions
Although Botulinum Toxin injections have become popular, choosing to receive services from a standardized hospital and a specialist doctor is essential. Doctors will have basic anatomical knowledge of each muscle group, as well as correct treatment techniques, to ensure the treatment is beneficial and minimizes side effects, achieving satisfactory results. Additionally, choosing quality Botulinum Toxin preparations with small, pure molecules, free of residual substances accumulated in the body, certified by regulatory bodies in the United States, ensures a natural, youthful, and healthy appearance without worry for an extended period.
