Botox

BOTULINUM TOXIN (BOTOX) INJECTIONS: PURPOSE, PROCEDURE, AND AFTER CARE

In our country, the approved botulinum toxin-containing drugs are: BOTOX®, DYSPORT®, and NABOTA®. Botox is not snake venom; it is a natural, protein-based drug produced from bacteria. Botox injections should be performed by expert physicians who are well-versed in facial anatomy and have received adequate training. Botox is a reliable drug with over 2000 approved studies conducted in more than 70 countries worldwide. It is not only used for aesthetic purposes but also for the treatment of conditions such as teeth grinding, excessive sweating, migraines, and spastic muscle diseases. Botox does not cause facial expression loss or an artificial appearance; instead, it can give a brighter look. The duration of Botox’s effects varies from person to person but typically lasts for 4-6 months. When performed by skilled hands under the supervision of a doctor, Botox injections can be done throughout one’s life.

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botulinum toxin, commercially produced from a neurotoxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, temporarily relaxes muscles by blocking nerve signals to the muscles. Due to this property, botulinum toxin is used in medical treatments, aesthetic procedures, and various other fields.

The most common use of botulinum toxin is in injections to treat wrinkles, temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is also used to treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating, certain muscle diseases, and other health issues.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF BOTOX INJECTIONS?

Wrinkle treatment

Facial shaping

Teeth grinding treatment

Gum smile treatment

Excessive sweating treatment

Migraine treatment

Treatment of spastic muscle diseases

HOW IS THE BOTOX PROCEDURE DONE?

Botulinum toxin is used as an injectable substance for various medical and cosmetic purposes. Botulinum toxin application is generally performed by doctors or authorized healthcare professionals and involves the following steps:

Firstly, the area where the application will be made is cleaned with alcohol or an antiseptic solution.

Then, suitable sites for botulinum toxin injection are identified.

Botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles with a fine needle or injector. The injection is usually painless, but some individuals may experience mild discomfort.

The effect of botulinum toxin typically begins within a few days and lasts for about 3-4 months.

WHERE ARE BOTOX INJECTIONS APPLIED?

Botulinum toxin injections are applied to various areas, including:

Upper facial mimic muscles for dynamic wrinkle reduction

Seven regions on the head and neck for migraine treatment

Hardened muscle points on the head, neck, and back for dystonia treatment

Palms, armpits, and soles of the feet for excessive sweating treatment

WHEN IS THE BOTOX PROCEDURE DONE?

The procedure can be performed at any time of the year without time constraints.

WHO CAN RECEIVE BOTOX INJECTIONS?

Botox injections can be administered to anyone over the age of 18 who needs and requests them for the treatment of facial wrinkles for aesthetic purposes. Additionally, they can be administered to individuals with:

Chronic migraine disease

Eye tics

Muscle spasms

Complaints of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Teeth grinding disease

WHAT TO CONSIDER AFTER BOTOX INJECTIONS?

Daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure. However, it is important to avoid activities that require prolonged bending and working facial muscles.

Additionally, the head should be kept elevated for about four hours after Botox injection, and bending forward should be avoided.

Approximately eight hours after Botox injection, a shower can be taken with warm water, avoiding damage to the face without applying pressure. Cold water should be used when washing the face.