Botox, botulinum toxin, beauty injections… Should I try this procedure, at what age should I start, what is the danger? We asked the cosmetologist to answer popular questions.
Why is Botox needed?
Olga Varvaricheva: Botulinum toxin is a drug that blocks neuromuscular transmission, and is popular with cosmetologists as injections that smooth out wrinkles.
When is the best time to start the procedure?
This can only be decided by a beautician. First, the doctor needs to determine how hypertonic the patient’s facial muscles are, and only then will he recommend (or not) injections of botulinum toxin. Age is neither an indication nor a contraindication for the procedure. Usually women begin to be interested in «beauty injections» from about 27 years old.
What are the indications for Botox injections?
There is such a thing — «facial expressions of displeasure.» These are wrinkles between the eyebrows and on the forehead, which give the face a frown. Another indication may be hypertonicity of the platysma — a muscle that encircles the neck and is woven into the skin of the face. In this case, there may be creases on the skin of the neck, and the corners of the mouth go down — also in a grimace of displeasure. When injected into the platysma, the so-called «oval of Nefertiti» is formed, and the neck is smoothed. But wrinkles around the eyes, which I call «rays of kindness», do not require injections.
When to expect the result?
Wrinkles will disappear two weeks after the procedure.
How long is the effect of one injection?
Botox lasts from three to six months. After that, wrinkles will gradually return.
Are there any contraindications?
Neurological diseases, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, lactation, acne.
I have a very active facial expression, can I get Botox injections?
If there is evidence for this — certainly. Muscles, on the contrary, must contract in order for Botox to give the maximum effect. Within 20 minutes after the injection, I usually ask the client to actively work the muscles of the face.
I am 20 years old, should I get Botox as a preventive measure against wrinkles?
No, it’s not worth it. Preventing wrinkles with injections is a common misconception. In addition, the decision on the need for botulinum toxin injections should be made by a cosmetologist.
I am afraid of the “mask effect” after the procedure, what should I do?
About twenty years ago, botulinum toxin could really immobilize the face, create an anecdotal “mask effect”. Now injections do not change facial expressions and give a very natural result.
Is it true that Botox injections in the armpits relieve sweating?
Quite right. One of the indications for botulinum toxin is hyperhidrosis — excessive sweating. Injections into the armpits will help to cope with this problem. Moreover, after consulting with a neurologist, you can also inject Botox in the palms of your hands with your feet if their sweating bothers you a lot. But it should be borne in mind that the efficiency in this case will be lower.
Does this mean that I can also inject Botox into the scalp so that my hair is less likely to get dirty?
No, this is another misconception. When we inject into the forehead, the sweat glands, on the contrary, expand, and the forehead shines after the procedure. Therefore, such an impact may not give the effect you expect.