DR VIVIEN MORIS
Botox
Botox
Different indications:
- Wrinkles reduction
- Brow lift (fox-eyes)
- Gummy smile
- Dimpling chin
- Hyperhydrosis
Hospital stay
This is a consultation procedure
Injection Technique
Botox is a toxin that paralyzes the muscle where it is injected.
Post-operative care
After the botox injection:
- No massage
-No sports
- No pool or Hammam
- No lying down
For at least 4 hours
Time
The procedure last around between 30 min to 1 hour in consultation.
Sports / Daily life
The patient should avoid lifting weights and physical activity only the day of the injections.
Before/After
What is botox?
Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. This blockage prevents the muscles from contracting, leading to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin, which, in controlled doses, safely relaxes facial muscles to smooth out skin and prevent new wrinkles from forming. The effects of Botox typically last for about 3 to 6 months, after which the muscle action gradually returns, and the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear. Regular treatments can help maintain the smooth appearance. Botox is widely used for cosmetic purposes but also has medical applications, such as treating certain muscular disorders.
Can Botox turn back the clock of aging?
No, Botox will not turn back the clock, but it can help pause its effects! Botox paralyzes the muscles, thereby preventing the formation of new wrinkles. It's a preventive treatment. The best approach is to start early, around 25-30 years old. This way, you can age gracefully without altering your natural anatomy.
My lifestyle can worsen my aging process?
The aging process of the skin is profoundly impacted by lifestyle choices and external environmental factors. Prolonged sun exposure leads to photoaging, characterized by wrinkles and loss of elasticity, while smoking impedes blood flow, accelerating wrinkle formation. Dietary habits play a crucial role; diets high in sugar and refined carbs can damage skin collagen, whereas antioxidant-rich foods protect against damage. Environmental pollution contributes to aging by creating harmful free radicals, and chronic stress affects the skin's moisture retention and can break down collagen. Adequate sleep is essential for the skin's repair and regeneration, and regular exercise enhances blood flow, nourishing skin cells. By addressing these factors, individuals can significantly influence their skin's aging process, maintaining a healthier and more youthful appearance over time.
What are the different indications for facial Botox?
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Wrinkle Reduction: Botox is most famously used for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles. It works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, which can smooth out wrinkles caused by muscle movement. Common areas for wrinkle reduction include the forehead lines, crow's feet (around the eyes), and frown lines between the eyebrows.
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Brow Lift (fox-eyes): Small amounts of Botox can be injected above the natural arch of the eyebrows to create a subtle lift and open up the eye area.
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Gummy Smile Correction: Botox can be used to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile by relaxing the upper lip muscles, allowing less gum to show when smiling.
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Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating): Though not strictly a facial treatment, Botox is effective in treating hyperhidrosis, including excessive sweating of the forehead.
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Masseter Muscle Reduction: For those with a strong jawline or issues with teeth grinding, Botox can be injected into the masseter muscle to relax and reduce its size, softening the jawline.
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Nasal "Bunny Lines": Small wrinkles on the sides of the nose, often visible during smiling or laughing, can be treated with Botox.
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Lip Lines and Lip Flip: Botox can be used to treat vertical lip lines. Additionally, a 'lip flip' involves placing Botox around the lip border to enhance the upper lip's appearance without adding volume.
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Dimpling Chin: Botox can smooth out dimpling or cobblestoning in the chin area.
What are the risks of Botox?
Botox, while generally considered safe when administered by a qualified professional, does carry potential risks and complications. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site, headache, and flu-like symptoms. More specific to Botox, there's a risk of the toxin spreading to areas beyond the treatment site, which can cause muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, crooked smiles, or eyebrow asymmetry. In rare cases, Botox can lead to more serious complications like difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, which are typically associated with larger doses used for medical conditions rather than cosmetic purposes. Allergic reactions, though uncommon, are also possible. It's crucial for individuals considering Botox to discuss their medical history and potential risks with a healthcare provider and to ensure the procedure is performed by an experienced and licensed professional.
Can I have botox injections while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It's generally recommended to avoid Botox injections during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of extensive studies on their safety for the fetus or nursing infant. The potential effects on the developing baby or through breast milk are not fully understood. Healthcare professionals usually advise postponing such cosmetic treatments until after pregnancy and the breastfeeding period. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice in such situations.
What are the recommendations after Botox?
After Botox injections, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the best results and minimize risks. You should avoid touching or massaging the treated areas to prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended muscles. It's also recommended to stay upright and not lie down or bend over for about 4 hours post-injection. Strenuous physical activities and exposure to heat, such as saunas or hot tubs, should be avoided for at least 24 hours. Additionally, it's advisable to skip other facial treatments like facials or chemical peels for a few days. Be gentle when cleansing your face or applying makeup, and consider avoiding alcohol and blood thinners to reduce bruising risk. Always adhere to any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and contact them if you experience any unusual symptoms.
I don't like the effect of the Botox, can I change it?
In response, once Botox has been injected and has taken effect, its results are generally not reversible. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, and this effect will gradually wear off over time, typically over a period of 3 to 6 months. If you are dissatisfied with the results, it's important to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They can offer advice on how to manage the current effects and plan for future treatments more effectively. In some cases, additional Botox injections might be used to balance or improve the appearance if certain areas were under-treated. However, if the issue is due to over-treatment or undesired effects, you may need to wait for the effects of the Botox to naturally diminish.