Botox for the face: indications, consequences, photo effect before and after

Indications and contraindications

Botulinum toxin is a protein neurotoxin that is a waste product of Clostridium botulinum. In fact, it is one of the most powerful natural poisons known to science. Naturally, its use for cosmetic purposes has both indications and critical contraindications.

Botulinum toxin injections

In fairness, it should be noted that modern anti-aging procedures use safe botulinum toxin. It blocks the transmission of nerve impulses from the cerebral cortex to certain areas on the face, without having an aggressive effect on other tissues.

Indications for using Botox:

The presence of deep wrinkles in problem areas of the face. This is the frontal lobe, nasolabial folds, the so-called. “bunny” wrinkles are sharp depressions on the bridge of the nose.
Acute hyperhidrosis. Neutralized bototoxin is actively used in the treatment of excessive sweating.
Age-related changes in facial oval. This procedure is called Botox lifting and is used as an alternative to surgical intervention.

Contraindications for Botox for the face:

Pregnancy, lactation.
Sessions are prohibited while taking “aggressive” medications, including antibiotics and chemotherapy. Experts say that such rejuvenation is not used even with the use of calcium-containing vitamins.
Syndrome of rapid fatigability of striated muscles or false paralysis.
During menstruation, premenstrual period (2 days before bleeding) and during menopause.
Exacerbation of herpetic disease.
Impaired normal circulation or other blood diseases (including hemophilia).
Myopia, farsightedness.

What defects of the lower part of the face can be corrected by Botox injections into the chin?

Most often, Botox is injected into the chin to reduce its lumpy appearance (the so-called “cobblestone” or orange peel effect).

In some people, when the mental muscle is tense, irregularities appear on the skin. Botox injections reduce this lumpy appearance.

In young patients, this procedure is very effective, but in older patients it often requires combination (not simultaneous) with filler injections.

Injections of botulinum toxin into this area also allow:

Reduce the severity of the labiomental fold or completely eliminate it;
Remove a double chin if its appearance is not associated with the deposition of excess fat;
Strengthen the effectiveness of marionette wrinkle removal measures;
Reduce the severity of nasolabial folds;
“Raise” the commissures of the mouth.

It is interesting that to reduce the severity of the nasolabial and commissures, injections are made not into the chin itself, but near it: into the muscle that depresses the angle of the mouth. The injection point for the drug is in this case either on the puppet line itself or near it.

To some extent, injections near the chin into the orbicularis oris muscle can reduce the severity of radial perioral wrinkles, including those located above the upper lip. However, in this case, the procedure is additional to injections in the area above the lip.

Also, when injecting into the orbicularis oris muscle under the lower lip (as well as above the upper lip), the effect of some inversion and exposure of the red border of the lips is achieved. They become fuller and more pronounced, which is beneficial for patients with very thin lips.

Botox injections into the orbicularis oris muscle help thin lips appear fuller.

Botox procedure for face

Botox injections are performed under completely sterile conditions. They cannot be done at home - it is possible to introduce infection into the skin puncture sites. In addition, storing botulinum toxin requires special conditions: the slightest rise in temperature and injection can cause serious illness.

Injection process

The thickness of the needle for the procedure does not exceed 0.3 mm. This is slightly thinner than a human hair.

How are Botox injections performed for the face in the frontal area:

Before the session, the skin is completely cleansed of cosmetics and secretions. To do this, it is treated with an alcohol-free disinfectant solution.
Conventionally, the forehead is divided into several areas: the central point, the sides, the hairline, and the lower zone. The central zone is worked out first.
The cosmetologist grabs the skin in the middle of the forehead. The result should be a thin fold (up to 5 mm wide). The needle is inserted into it all the way. The piercing occurs literally to the bone.
As soon as the needle rests on the bone, the technician releases the skin and begins to slowly inject the solution.

Muscle injection
If after removing the needle there is bleeding, then it is stopped with a simple cotton pad soaked in Chlorhexidine.
The next injection point is located at the same level as the previous one. The action is completely repeated: the fold is clamped, the needle is inserted into it until it stops, and then the injection is made.
Depending on the number and complexity of wrinkles, 6 to 8 injections are required on the forehead.

Sometimes lumps form at the injection site. This is kind of a side effect. Accumulations of botulinum toxin resolve on their own over time.

Botulinum toxin injections for excessive sweating

Botulinum toxin not only relaxes facial muscles. It suppresses the production of acetylcholine, which is responsible for sweating. As a result, the sweat glands stop functioning. Botox injections are indicated for hyperhidrosis:

Armpits;
Palms and feet;
Inguinal and intergluteal folds;
Areas under the breasts.

Before starting the procedure, the patient is given a Minor test to determine the area of the problem area. The session is performed under local anesthesia.

Injections of botulinum toxin into the armpits are made to a depth of 3 mm every 5 mm over the entire affected area. After 3-4 days, problem areas become completely dry. This does not clog skin pores and does not cause hyperhidrosis in other areas of the body.

Where can Botox be injected on the face - diagram

There are two options for administering Botox:

Subcutaneously
. B, so-called, layer of lemon peel. This session is performed if the patient is diagnosed with excessive sweating. Also, intradermal administration is promoted as a means of combating small facial wrinkles.
Intramuscularly
. To ovalize or eliminate complex nasolabial wrinkles, botulinum toxin is injected into the lower part of the face, strictly into the muscle area. Muscle injections are used to remove deep wrinkles on the bridge of the nose or in the area of the brow ridges.

Botox injection zones
To determine the points on the face where Botox can be injected, a cosmetologist performs electromyography. This is a study of muscle responsiveness. Afterwards, puncture sites are marked on the skin. An injection is given at these points.

Skin examination

Botox injection schedule:

To remove longitudinal wrinkles on the forehead
, punctures are made in the central zone and points located 1.5 centimeters further from it.
To “soften” the fold on the bridge of the nose
, botulinum toxin is injected into the side edges of the wrinkle. Here the distance is maintained by eye.
subcutaneously
in approximately 1 centimeter increments.

What is Nefertiti lifting

Sculptures and images of the Queen of Egypt, Nefertiti, delight not only ordinary tourists, but also plastic surgeons from different countries. Despite the fact that they depict the queen already in adulthood, there are practically no age-related changes; it seems that the tissues of the face and neck are supported by an invisible frame.

All the structural vectors of the Egyptian queen’s face are directed upward, they are not distorted by age, as you can see, the corners of her lips are raised, the ideal contour of her chin has been preserved, and her cheekbones remain high. Such youthful facial features for an adult woman delight many beauty experts.

The Nefertiti lift is a non-surgical lift of the neck and face contour in just 1 procedure, as the video below will tell you about:

Concept and essence

In every person, muscles act as an invisible frame; they prevent soft tissues and skin from sagging, and they form a certain contour of the face. The muscular frame consists of two types of muscles:

Elevators. They lift the tissue up.
Depressors. These muscles are responsible for lowering the facial tissues.

They are in close relationship with each other; if the activity of one group is weakened, the second will immediately begin to work harder. If you weaken the depressors, you can stimulate the elevators, which will strongly interfere with gravitational ptosis.

A famous plastic surgeon from France took this structural feature of the epidermis into account and began using Botox injections only in the lower part of the face. This is a new approach to restoring the contour of the face, usually injections are made into the outer corners of the eyes, forehead and bridge of the nose, and according to Dr. Levy’s method, the lower oval of the face and neck are involved. In his opinion, this is the only true remedy that can rejuvenate a person for a long time.

His innovative technology was called the Nefertiti Lift, since after it the lower jaw is strengthened, the neck becomes toned, and the oval of the face returns to its previous shape. The procedure proposed by Dr. Philip Levy, as it were, “reconfigures” the work of the muscles, changing their balance, while a clear contour is formed, and the nostrils and corners of the mouth are raised, which is very important for creating a younger-looking profile. Dr. Levy has been conducting all kinds of experiments to restore youth for more than 15 years, he has been studying the effect of hyaluronic acid, Botox and laser on the skin, and among his new developments, the “Nefertiti lifting” is in great demand.

The essence of face oval lifting is to deliver Botox-Dysport to the right places, where it blocks the release of the mediator acetylcholine, it brings the muscles into a contracted state and stimulates face lifting.

Photos before and after Nefertiti lifting

Kinds

There are two options for performing the procedure, one using Botox, and the other using elastic threads.

In the latter case, a small operation is envisaged, during which 2 cm long incisions are made behind the ears, this happens under local anesthesia. The doctor inserts threads into the incisions; they penetrate like invisible webs under the skin in the area of the chin and neck. The thread is wound on one side, and its edges are shown on the other, which are tied, determining the desired tension. The threads dissolve on their own over time.
Botox is a non-surgical procedure that involves injections into specific areas.

Comparison with Aptos

In addition to Nefertiti lifting, there are other methods for restoring youthful skin, which, in addition to Botox, use threads. Thus, the procedure using special self-absorbable Aptos threads is especially popular. These are special synthetic threads, along the entire length of which there are small notches, they are made at different angles. Two months after they are inserted, a frame of connective tissue is created under the skin around them, thanks to which wrinkles are smoothed out and the skin is tightened.

The same threads can be used to perform the Nefirtiti lifting procedure; they can maintain the facial contour for many years, and after their final resorption, the procedure can also be painlessly repeated.

Rehabilitation period

As such, there is no recovery period after an injection rejuvenation session. Immediately after the session, the patient can return to his normal life.

Of course, there are some restrictions :

Alcohol inactivates botulinum toxin. Therefore, you should not drink for a week after the injections.
It is important to avoid physical activity (especially heavy lifting and bending forward), otherwise the solution will spread.
It is recommended to avoid hot rooms and direct sunlight. In windy weather, we recommend staying at home. After punctures, microtraumas remain on the skin. If bacteria gets on the damaged shell, infection may begin.
You should not wear makeup until the punctures are completely healed.
It is better to wash your face with plain water, without soap or gels.

After two days, the toxin will begin to act actively. There will be a “mask effect” on your face for some time. It occurs as a result of muscle relaxation. Over time, you will get used to this feeling. In the end, it is thanks to this effect that the tightening occurs.

Another common side effect is swelling. This is a normal reaction to the introduction of an aggressive drug under the skin. The accumulation of fluids will stop 3-5 days after the procedure.

Unpleasant consequences of botulinum toxin injections

When administering Botox and similar drugs, side effects and unwanted reactions are possible. They may be associated with the pharmacological properties of botulinum toxin, the individual characteristics of the body, or the inept actions of specialists.

The most common complications and adverse reactions after botulinum toxin injections:

Facial asymmetry. In some cases, one side needs a larger dose than the other. If the doctor does not take this into account, the face may become deformed.
Bruising as a result of needle trauma to the capillaries. They occur more often in people with increased bleeding. To avoid complications, it is recommended to stop taking anticoagulants in advance. These consequences of unsuccessful botulinum toxin injections disappear within 4-5 days.
Skin lumps are formed when drugs are administered incorrectly. Eliminated with additional injections.
Drooping of the eyelid (ptosis) is possible with an overdose of the drug. Improvement occurs after 1-2 months.
Swelling - most often develops in patients with heart disease, disorders of water-salt metabolism, and alcohol abuse.
Complete paralysis of individual facial muscles.
Injections of botulinum toxin into the masticatory muscles, if the dosage is not observed, lead to chewing and swallowing disorders.
Headache is associated with an attempt by some muscles to compensate for the loss of function of others. It goes away in 1-2 weeks.

In case of individual intolerance, local and general clinical symptoms of allergy develop – skin rashes, swelling, even anaphylaxis.

To avoid complications, it is better to contact specialized salons and clinics whose doctors have undergone appropriate training and have experience in performing the procedure.

How often can you do Botox on your face?

The first correction with botulinum toxin can be carried out already on the 14th day after the session. It may be necessary if the master, for some reason, was unable to work on the entire area at once. Full injections are given no more often than once every six months. Botox has a cumulative effect, i.e., after each subsequent procedure, the rate of resorption of the toxin slows down.

Botulinum toxin

Dynamic wrinkles are the first to be corrected - these are folds around the eyes, “smiles” in the corners of the lips and other facial signs of aging. Injections in these areas can be done once every 3 months. Complex static wrinkles (nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks) are corrected every six months.

How to administer

Without focusing on the folds, measure the distance from the corner to the edge of the lower jaw and mark a third of the height. They move to the side of the muscle (from the center) that lowers the lower lip, “turning off” it and thereby preventing distortion of the lip line.

The drug is administered superficially, without deepening. That is, inside the skin, since DAO is located directly under the skin, on top of a multi-layered “sandwich” of muscles that Botox should not reach. Botulinum toxin is administered in a dose of 1-2 units. or Dysport – 3-5 units. from each side. The final correction with the addition of a small amount of the product is carried out after 2 weeks.

How long does the effect last?

Reviews from doctors claim that Botox for the face lasts from 3 to 6 months. In many ways, the duration of the effect depends on the patient’s age and skin condition.

Forehead after Botox injections

Where and how long does the effect of botulinum toxin last:

Lips, corners of the mouth – from 4 to 12 months.
Crow's feet, brow ridges - from 3 to 6 months.
The area of the chewing glands, cheekbones – up to 6 months.
Nasolabial folds – from 2 months to six months.

Correction of facial oval

When Botox or Disport is injected into the platysma and muscle depressor of the corners of the mouth in 40-55 year old patients, it is possible to shape the oval of the face, eliminate jowls, and define a clear border of the lower jaw. This procedure is called a Nefertiti lift. It is effective in the presence of barely noticeable subcutaneous fatty tissue and sagging tissue. If the skin is very flabby, there is a lot of fat, there is a formed double chin, then after 45 years, correction with butolotoxin preparations will be ineffective.

The average dose for a clearer facial oval line is 10-18 units. The procedure can also eliminate the appearance of a “square-shaped” lower jaw due to frequent and strong clenching of the teeth to the point of swelling of the jaws. It will soften the contours of the face and relieve pain discomfort due to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This correction is carried out in small doses over 1-3 or more months.

What not to do after facial Botox

The most important thing that you should not do after facial Botox is take hot baths, steam in saunas and play sports. Such strict requirements apply only in the first 7 days after injections.

Bruises after Botox

Also, to preserve the effect for a longer period of time, it is not recommended :

Specially strain the muscles in the chipped areas. But, remember, immediately after the session you need to make a special grimace for better distribution of botulinum toxin.
Paint your face in the first 7 days after the procedure.
It is forbidden to take antibiotics - they can inactivate the toxin solution.
Touch and scratch the skin.
Facial cleansing after Botox is carried out only with soft preparations without abrasive particles.
Girls who practice rejuvenation using Japanese methods often wonder whether it is possible to do facial massage after Botox. This is strictly prohibited in the first week after the procedure.

Consequences of Botox

If not properly cared for, Botox for the face may not only fail to take root, but also cause irreparable harm to the body.

Consequences of Botox

What can happen:

Quincke's edema
. This is an extremely dangerous allergic reaction that can be fatal. Occurs due to an allergy to botulinum toxin.
Displacement of parts of the face
. For example, when eyebrows are pierced, one eyebrow goes up and the other goes down. This occurs as a result of the lack of professionalism of the doctor or the “spreading” of the drug.
Mask effect
. After a long period of inactivity, the muscles simply “forget” how they worked before the injections. As a result, the face may appear lifeless.
Weakening of natural turgor, sagging muscles.

Recovery after beauty injections

Analogs

Despite its proven safety (taking into account proper use and sterility of the procedure), Botox injections cause some concern among many girls. Therefore, doctors often use analogues of botulinum toxin for injection rejuvenation. They are considered less harmful. This:

Relatox
. This is “Russian” Botox made from type A toxin. Its cost is much cheaper than natural Botox, but the effect is similar.
Dysport
. This is one of the variants of the hemagglutinin toxin. It is used to treat muscle spasms and prevent the formation of wrinkles. The drug relaxes muscles and has a strong muscle relaxant effect.
Xeomin
. German Botox. An excellent alternative to Dysport. The drug is characterized by a long-lasting effect and lack of muscle addiction. This explains its cost, which is twice as high as regular botulinum toxin.

Corners of lips and Botox

Without knowledge of muscle anatomy, the doctor will not administer the drug at random. After all, the orbicularis oris muscle alone is equipped with 11 dilators (antagonists), which also include the subcutaneous muscle of the neck. If Botox goes into the wrong muscle, a drooping or distorted mouth will occur.

To activate the muscles that hold the corners of the lips, botulinum toxin type “A” is injected in small doses near the corners. This lifts them up and brings back the “Mona Lisa smile” for more than 6-10 months. More precisely, injections into the area of the corners are not made to raise them, but to stop the process of their lowering. That is, to relax the muscle: eliminate DAO muscle hyperactivity, which contributes to ugly facial expressions, the appearance of unnecessary sublabial-maxillary folds and wrinkles.

Masks with Botox effect

Botox injections are not performed at home, but as an alternative, you can make a face mask. Of course, their effectiveness is much lower than that of injections, but they are characterized by a complete absence of side effects. Preparations for external use do not contain Botox, since the toxin is almost instantly inactivated when exposed to air.

Botox analogs

The most famous masks with the lifting effect of botulinum toxin:

Face mask Botox Active Expert. Ideal for facial contours and treatment of deep wrinkles in the nasolabial folds. The product contains hyaluronic acid, sakura honey extract, shea butter and peanut base oils.

Botox Active Expert
Dizao Boto Mask 8. Heavy product for the care of mature skin. It contains petroleum jelly, tocopherol, green tea extract, aloe extract, and mineral compounds.

Dizao Boto Mask
Face cream with Botox effect Evalar Cream Qi-Clim botoeffect or Cyclim Botox. Contains a unique complex of peptide argireline. This component is characterized by its unique ability to relax muscles and moisturize the epidermis. In addition to the peptide, the cream contains hyaluronic acid, lecithin, D-panthenol, and rice extract.

Evalar Cream Qi-Klim
Nano Botox facial serum. This is a unique emulsion enriched with silver ions and synthetic peptides. As a result of the effect of the drug, small facial wrinkles are smoothed out.

Nano Botox
Serum Shary. Korean anti-aging elixir contains Argireline, hyaluronic acid and a complex of plant extracts.

Shary

An excellent analogue of artificial lifting products is a homemade face mask made from starch instead of Botox. It consists of completely natural ingredients, does not clog pores and does not dry out the skin.

Step-by-step instructions for preparing a home remedy for wrinkles:

A tablespoon of potato starch is dissolved in 100 ml of water. The mixture must be mixed thoroughly so that there are no lumps.
At the same time, you need to boil 50 ml of water. After boiling, pour cold starch mixture into hot water and stir until a thick mass forms.
After this, the pulp is cooled and combined with chicken yolk.

The composition is applied to the face, neck and décolleté. The holding time ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure must be repeated every 3 days.

Mask with potatoes and starch

Essentially, this is the same thing. Botox is a highly concentrated botulinum neurotoxin. It is produced by Allergan (USA). Dysport is the same toxin, but only with a concentration 2 times less. This is a French drug from Beaufour Ipsen. Accordingly, the latter drug has a higher consumption and less danger to health.

Botox Allergan

Other differences between botulinum injections:

Price. Dysport is much cheaper. On average, an ampoule of the drug costs from 15 to 20 dollars. Botox is exactly twice as expensive.
For those interested in whether Botox is harmful for facial rejuvenation, it will be interesting that the product from Allergan is more dangerous than the drug Beaufour Ipsen. An allergic reaction occurs as a result of the active production of antibodies. The higher the concentration of botulinum toxin, the more likely the body’s negative reaction.
The effect after Botox appears on days 5–7 and lasts up to 1 year. The results from Dysport appear within a day after the injections. But, the duration of its action is up to 3 months.