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Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. No cream, no face mask can give the same effect as the introduction of a drug based on botulinum toxin. But they also have disadvantages! The main one is that the “magic” action ends sooner or later. Is it possible to somehow influence this? Tells MedAboutMe.
Briefly about Botox
Botox preparations came to cosmetology from medical practice. Their first use was in ophthalmology — for the treatment of blepharospasm. Then neurologists took the drug into service — to correct neurological disorders. And only after that, cosmetologists and plastic surgeons paid attention to them.
The first study combining data on the use of the drug for cosmetic purposes dates back to 1992. Botox is one of the most well-researched drugs in the world today.
Did you know?
Botox is the commercial name for a drug manufactured by Allergan. Its active ingredient is botulinum toxin type A. The same substance can be found under other names, for example, dysport (Ipsen company) or xeomin (Merz company). Other less well-known analogues are also produced.
How long does Botox last?
Representatives of the fair sex often note that for some, the effect of the drug lasts six months or even a year, while others have to turn to a beautician every three months. What does it depend on, and what are the average values?
Manufacturers of botulinum toxin injections claim that the visible effect will last three to six months. Doctors providing the service, based on their practical experience, say that the duration of action is from 2 to 6 months, while the average value is 3-4 months.
On a note!
In 2002 Food and Drug Administration, USA (FDA) approved the use of botulinum toxin preparations for the treatment of frown lines. In 2013, the list of possibilities for using the drug was added to the correction of «crow’s feet» — wrinkles in the corners of the eyes.
What determines the effectiveness of «beauty injections»?
How long Botox lasts depends on many factors. Interestingly, in medical practice, the effect of the drug is slightly shorter. For example, when used in the «treatment» of migraines, it gives results within 2-3 months. In cosmetology, as mentioned above, the average values are 3-4 months.
What affects the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A?
The number of units of the drug administered. The more of them, the longer the effect of the transformation will be noticeable. However, the difference here is not linear, so it makes no sense to «overpay» to get a longer result.
correction zone. If we compare the effectiveness of Botox in different areas of the face, we can see that injections used to eliminate wrinkles on the forehead remain effective longer than those used to eliminate wrinkles on the skin around the eyes.
Depth of corrected wrinkles. If the wrinkles are of great depth, then under the influence of the drug they will most likely not be completely smoothed out, but will become less noticeable. The achieved effect in this case will last less.
metabolic rate. The higher it is, the less time the Botox effect will last.
Patient’s age, gender. In older people, botulinum toxin preparations show a longer effect, as their body restores muscle tone and mobility for longer.
If we compare the effectiveness of Botox on the skin of women and men, then men lose in this regard: the effect of the drug on their skin is shorter.
Features of the immune system. There are people on whom Botox does not work at all, or its effect is negligible. These are the individual characteristics of the organism. And there are patients whose body is able to quickly recognize drug molecules as foreign, therefore, destroy them before the connection between muscle fibers and nerve endings is broken. As a result, the duration of Botox is minimal.
Patient behavior after the procedure. Immediately after the introduction of Botox, it is forbidden to visit the bath and sauna, workout in the gym, within 3-4 hours you can not tilt your head down and take a horizontal position. So that the effectiveness of botulinum toxins does not disappoint, it is recommended to knead the corrected zones according to the technique suggested by the doctor. The correct measures will contribute to the uniform distribution of the active substance in the tissues, which will achieve a faster visible result and will contribute to a prolonged effect.
On a note!
Botox injections have the right to put only a doctor — a cosmetologist, dermatologist or plastic surgeon — after passing the appropriate training and obtaining supporting documents. Beauty sessions should be held in a beautician’s office. Home injections are not allowed.
How to prolong the effectiveness of Botox?
According to a 2017 study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, repeated use of Botox prolongs the duration of its action in the body. But there are nuances!
The practice of cosmetologists shows that for the best result, subcutaneous injections should be given regularly in the same area (for example, to eliminate wrinkles between the eyebrows). The “gold standard” in cosmetology is considered to be injections in the amount of 3 procedures per year. Moreover, each of the subsequent procedures should be carried out at a time when the muscles have not yet had time to fully “recover” from the previous cosmetic intervention. In this case, new injections work better.
It should also be taken into account that over time, non-working muscles (that is, fibers paralyzed by Botox) weaken and even shorten a little in size, therefore, they do not tighten the skin into wrinkles and folds so much — including when botulinum toxins stop working.
But the reverse situation is also possible. With each subsequent administration of the drug, the sensitivity of the patient’s body to it decreases, and the ability of the muscles to restore their mobility increases. Sometimes the duration of the work of botulinum toxins at the first injection and subsequent ones is halved! To prolong the action of the drug in this case (without increasing the dosage), the time intervals between procedures are lengthened. The injection is done no more than once every 9-12 months.
How to understand that the effect of Botox is ending?
The first and main symptom is that the paralytic effect of the drug weakens, due to which the mobility of mimic wrinkles in the treated area is restored. Following this, the wrinkles that were earlier begin to be visible.
If you plan to continue with injections, you should not wait for their «full» return. In the absence of health contraindications, you can plan the next procedure.
Conclusion
The duration of Botox depends on the individual characteristics of the human body, as well as how long he resorts to staging injections.
With repeated use of botulinum toxins, their effectiveness can either increase or decrease. To achieve the desired results, it is required to correctly draw up a scheme for performing procedures, reducing, or vice versa, increasing the time intervals between beauty sessions.
Expert comment
Kristina Batriva, cosmetologist
How unpleasant it is when we see wrinkles in the reflection of the mirror. Horizontal wrinkles of the forehead, between the eyebrows, purse-string above the lips, as well as around the eyes. How to get rid of them? All these wrinkles can be treated with botulinum toxin.
The duration of the effect of the drug on the muscles does not exceed 4-6 months. It should be noted that the duration of the drug depends on the physiological characteristics of the patient and lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol, visiting baths and saunas, taking B vitamins and an accelerated metabolism contribute to the rapid elimination of the drug.
The procedure of botulinum therapy is absolutely painless and its duration is only 15 minutes. After the procedure, it is important to follow all the prescribed recommendations: do not tilt your head for 4 hours, do not play sports, do not drink alcohol for a week, do not take antibiotics, and also refuse insolation.
I recommend botulinum therapy not only for aged patients, but also for young people who are already beginning to form small wrinkles, as there is a chance to prevent the appearance of deep ones.
Expert comment
Elena Priedeslaypa, preventive anti-age medicine doctor, cosmetologist, nutritionist, immuno-nutritionist
Initially, Botox was used only for medical purposes and only in clinically critical cases, when no other drugs could help a person, for example, get rid of a nervous tic or relax an irrevocably spasmodic muscle. Those. Botulinum toxin literally paralyzes the nerve ending that makes the muscle move.
I will talk about its capabilities in terms of cosmetology.
The first is the elimination of facial wrinkles, which are formed from the work of the facial muscles of the face. If you paralyze such a mimic muscle, then, definitely, it stops working and folds the skin into a wrinkle. It was in this way that botulinum toxin got into cosmetology and took root there.
Second, it is used for hyperhidrosis. Those. when there is excessive sweating in some parts of the body. The release of sweat is the work of the autonomic nervous system, and since botulinum toxin paralyzes the nerve endings at the site of its injection, the sweat glands in this place will not receive a signal to produce and release.
How long does the effect of Botox injections last? It’s very individual. First, it must be said that there are approximately 2% of people in the world who are not susceptible to botulinum toxin. They won’t have any effect at all.
Secondly, you need to understand how the human body reacts to this toxin. Especially when re-introduced. Since it is a toxin and an unnatural substance for the human body, its immune system produces antibodies and immune memory cells to protect against the toxin and neutralize it. Initially they promise about 6-9 months.
Thirdly, the effect of botulinum toxin also depends on its proper storage. By itself, it is quite unstable and it is important to maintain the correct temperature, and all the way — from production to getting into the client’s body. If this mode has been violated, then there is a high probability that this toxin will not produce the intended effect, or will not produce this effect in full.
Expert comment
Sergey Dernovoy, plastic surgeon, expert in plastic, maxillofacial and general surgery
A couple of decades ago, only about 10-20% of women resorted to Botox injections. Today, this cosmetic procedure sooner or later makes almost 80% of the fair sex. However, it must be understood that it will give the maximum effect only if it is used in a timely manner and according to indications.
Recently, quite often young girls, aged 20 to 30, come to beauty salons with a request to give them Botox injections. Unfortunately, sometimes cosmetologists follow the lead of patients and resort to such a procedure, although, as a rule, at this age it is not justified. In this case, you can restore the tone and elasticity of the skin, as well as give it a fresh look, using more gentle methods, such as massages, mesotherapy, plasmolifting and care. These procedures will keep the skin in excellent condition up to 30-35 years.
35 is the ideal age for fillers and Botox. With the help of botulinum toxins, you can remove nasolabial folds, smooth the forehead, and sometimes slightly lift the upper eyelid. The drug allows you to relax tense muscles and make the skin more toned. Thus, the appearance of deep wrinkles can be avoided. However, it is important that the doctor chooses the correct interval between injections.
For some, it is enough to carry out the procedure once a year, and for someone to maintain the effect — once every few months. Too much is also not worth it: excessive volume can make the face puffy and stretch the skin.
The only operation that, with proper care, may be required at the age of 35-45 years, is blepharoplasty of the upper and / or lower eyelids. The procedure is relatively simple. In some cases, it can be done under local anesthesia. «Crow’s feet» to remove without surgery, cosmetic methods, it is impossible.
It used to be thought that at the age of 45, almost all women showed a circular face and neck lift (SMAS) — a complex and lengthy operation. But today, thanks to the development of cosmetology, including Botox, it is possible to delay the procedure up to 65 years. However, only injections will no longer allow you to keep your skin taut. They can be excellent additions to an endoscopic facelift (upper, middle and/or lower third). The operation will tighten the forehead and eyebrows, smooth out the nasolabial folds and remove the jowls.
Expert comment
Irina Ladygina, dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, FSCC FMBA of Russia
Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a drug that blocks neuromuscular transmission. Botox injections are quite common these days.
Medical pathologies that require Botox treatment include: blepharospasm (nervous tic), paralytic strabismus, local muscle spasm, migraine, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the armpits), hypertrophy of masticatory muscles. Botox injections are also used to treat spastic syndrome in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It is important to note that the introduction of the drug is allowed only for children older than 2 years. The frequency of Botox use depends on the disease and is determined by the attending physician. Usually therapy is carried out every six months.
In cosmetology, Botox injections are used to eliminate mimic wrinkles of the forehead, between the eyebrows, «crow’s feet» of the periorbital region, purse-string wrinkles of the upper lip, and to correct the corners of the lower third of the oval of the face and neck.
General recommendations in order to maintain the effect of the drug: follow the doctor’s instructions, try to exclude from the diet products that retain water in the body, refuse lymphatic drainage procedures, massage.
It should also be taken into account that the effect of Botox can pass faster when taking hormonal drugs, antidepressants, drugs containing B vitamins, tetracycline antibiotics and aminoglycosides. Frequent stresses and places of elevated temperature (baths, saunas, solarium), especially in the first month after the procedure, also reduce the effectiveness of botox therapy.
Contraindications to injections are: fever, epilepsy, pregnancy, lactation, herpetic eruptions on the skin of the face and trunk.
Expert comment
Irina Baranova, candidate of medical sciences, anti-age expert
Today we will talk about the most popular aesthetic procedure in the world — botulinum toxin therapy. This is a highly effective medical manipulation that allows not only to get rid of mimic wrinkles on the face and neck, but also to prevent ptosis of facial tissues (Nefertiti lifting technique), get rid of migraines and bruxism (teeth grinding in sleep), eliminate excessive sweating of the armpits, feet and hands (botulinum toxin therapy for hyperhidrosis), to reduce the manifestations of rosacea and acne (mesotox technique), and even used in neurological practice in adults and children.
Unfortunately, the market for clandestine preparations of botulinum neuroprotein is comparable to the size of the legal market. The prevailing part of the complications and side effects develops precisely after the use of «gray», that is, illegal botulinum toxin.
It’s important to know:
- The procedure of botulinum therapy has the right to be carried out by a doctor, and only a doctor. Nurses and especially aesthetic technicians (that is, cosmetics without medical education) should not perform botulinum therapy.
- A sensitivity test is not carried out, this is not necessary.
- Be sure to take photos before and after, including facial expressions.
- One bottle of the drug is most often used on several patients, this is normal.
- After two weeks, be sure to come to the cosmetologist for a follow-up examination, this will help evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure, and, if necessary, make a correction.
- The botulinum therapy procedure can be combined with other aesthetic manipulations.
Choose clinics with a license, do not be fooled by the low price of homeworkers without education. A suspiciously low price indicates the illegality of the drug, and therefore its potential danger.
Documents (agreement, consent to the procedure) protect both parties, so in a licensed institution you will always be asked to sign an agreement and consent.
Expert comment
Oksana Orlova, MD, PhD, researcher at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, laboratory of aging bioregulation, cosmetologist
Botox injections are the most visited procedure in the world. This is practically a panacea for mimic wrinkles in the upper half of the face with the possibility of its modeling. Contrary to idle fictions, a properly performed procedure carries out a therapeutic and prophylactic task in preserving youth and beauty. Botox realizes its effect through the relaxation of facial muscles, the period of its service is called so — «axon sleep» — a nerve fiber that brings a motor impulse from the brain to the muscles.
Injections of botulinum toxin type A are used in neurology for the treatment of spastic diseases: cerebral palsy, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, ticoid conditions, migraine, when it comes to the need to relieve muscle hypertonicity. In therapeutic cosmetology, this method is used to smooth mimic wrinkles: in the forehead, bridge of the nose, outer corner of the eye, back of the nose, nasolabial and “sorrow” folds, around the mouth, along the oval and on the neck to smooth out ring-shaped folds.
But this injection is especially relevant in the upper half of the face and in the volume that provides a natural result: smoothing wrinkles while maintaining facial expressions in a certain volume. Asymmetries can also be corrected in this way.
The effect develops gradually, as if by magic, within 10-14 days, and lasts from 4 to 8 months. This is a great rejuvenation tool in the hands of an experienced professional, able to win back from the age of 10-15 years.
Expert comment
Anna Dorovskikh, dermatologist, cosmetologist, trichologist, laser technology specialist. Member of the Russian Society of Trichologists, Member of the National Society of Mesotherapists
Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, and its analogues solve a lot of problems in various fields of medicine. The mechanism of action is aimed at muscle relaxation, i.e. muscle relaxation. It is precisely due to the fact that it blocks the production of acetylcholine, a special substance that is involved in neuromuscular impulse transmission, as a result of which the muscle is in a relaxed rather than tense state.
It was originally developed for the treatment of strabismus in children, and thanks to Alan Scott, an American ophthalmic surgeon, has been successfully used by ophthalmologists for 40 years. Then it was first used in 1987 to smooth out wrinkles, and only since 2002 has the FDA allowed Botox in cosmetics and recognized it as safe and effective.
In aesthetic medicine, beauty injections are very common, namely, Botox, with which you can remove wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyebrows, fine wrinkles in the eye area, raise eyebrows, enlarge lips, turn the chin, smooth out the angles of the lower jaw, remove neck wrinkles, etc. .
The effect of Botox depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, the presence of chronic diseases, on what drugs or vitamins he takes, on the botulinum toxin itself (Botox, Relatox, Xeomin, Dysport, Lantox), how much the patient follows the doctor’s recommendations after the procedure and what lifestyle he leads.
Be beautiful and healthy!
Key Parameters for the Use of AbobotulinumtoxinA in Aesthetics: Onset and Duration / Nestor M., Ablon G., Pickett A. // Aesthetic Surgery Journal — 2017
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety of 3 doses of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of glabellar lines / Ascher B., Zakine B., et al // J Am Acad Dermatol — 2004
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