“Disproving myths”: botox does not bite, but treats

As we age, fine lines and wrinkles can develop. These are due to expressive movement in the muscles under the surface of the skin. Initially, they are dynamic – only present when moving your face – but with time they will progress to become static lines or wrinkles. So called botox, when used on small muscles on the upper face, it smooths out wrinkles, frown lines and crows’ feet, caused by often eyebrows or forehead pursing and eyes squint. Botulinum toxin is, in fact, a neurotoxic protein, used as an anti-ageing treatment. Anti-wrinkle injections are a relatively non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment, which is less harsh than many cosmetic surgery procedures. It can be used also to treatment of hyperhidrosis different body and face parts or bruxism, not only from aesthetic but medical indications.

Who should do the procedure?

Botox is a widely available treatment. However, Botox is a prescription-only medicine so only specialists with suitable training and experience can administer it. The many unwanted side effects of botulinum toxin treatment, such as a frozen appearance, heavy eyelids or a shocked expression, are usually the result of novice application so choosing an experienced practitioner is crucial.

What can patient expect?

The toxin is administered using microneedle; you may feel a very slight scratch as the injections take place to the areas you want to target. Local anaesthetic can be applied to the areas to be treated, which means the process is usually painless.

Is there any downtime?

There is no downtime, but you may experience slight bruising at the injection site. The results can be seen in a matter of days, and take an average of two weeks to be fully apparent.

How safe is the treatment?

The treatment is extremely safe while having been studied for use in people for over 100 years and has been the subject of over 2000 peer-reviewed studies and research papers. The results achieved are dependent on the skill of the injector, not the product itself.

Autor: dr Barbara Parda-Głomska | Jest absolwentką Podyplomowej Szkoły Medycyny Estetycznej PTL oraz jest członkiem Polskiego Towarzystwa Medycyny Estetycznej (UIME). W 1990 roku ukończyła Akademię Medyczną w Gdańsku. Od wielu lat specjalizuje się w procedurach medycyny estetycznej, przeciwstarzeniowej oraz regeneracyjnej.