Botox Treatment

Botox is the name of a medicine, and the real name of the procedure is botulinum toxin application. As the name suggests, botox is actually a bacterial toxin. It basically paralyzes the muscles; but the effect is temporary. It’s temporary effect is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that if an undesirable effect occurs, you will return to your old state as the effect of the toxin will pass within 4-6 months. The disadvantage is that the effect is not stable and requires repeated application.

In the medical literature, botox started to be used for the treatment of strabismus in the eyes, and after it was observed that it eliminated wrinkles around the eyes, it started to be used as a cosmetic after FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval. Today, it is used especially in the upper 1/3 of the face (around the eyebrows, forehead, around the eyes). In addition, it is effective against the chewing muscle called the masseter muscle, wrinkles around the mouth and around the neck in those with the habit of clenching their teeth. The most important part to know here is the depth of the wrinkles. Even when you do not use mimics, the fixed (static) wrinkles on your face may deepen. Botox does not show enough effect on deep and settled wrinkles, it only stops their deepening. Therefore, it will be useful to start the botox application before the wrinkles settle.

The effect of Botox does not start immediately. The effect begins to be observed 5-7 days after the procedure. Especially in those who have it done for the first time, there may be a feeling of heaviness and headache in the forehead area. These side effects usually regress within a few days. Although there are differences in clinical practice after Botox procedure, there are some points to be considered. These are; not leaning forward, not massaging the treated area, no water contact, not wearing make-up, not going places like gym or sauna etc. Everything can be done freely 1 day after the procedure.

The preparations I use are Botox (American origin), Dysport (European origin) and Masport (Iranian origin) as generic names. The application unit and its contents contain nuances. While Botox contains 100 units, Dysport and Masport contain 500 units. Preparations should be kept in the freezer without diluting and should be stored in the refrigerator door after dilution. According to my personal experience after dilution, it should be used within 24 hours if possible, and within 3 days at the latest if not. After this period, its effects diminish.

Asymmetry, droopy eyelids, loss of balance around the mouth, and difficulty in swallowing may occur if it is applied deep in the neck region. As I mentioned earlier, these are temporary; but it can be annoying if it happens to you. Therefore, it would be appropriate to apply botulinum toxin by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. If these physicians are not available, physicians from other branches can also be consulted.

Applying lidocaine cream before the application and using 28-30G needles increase patient comfort. Cold application after application reduces edema and bruising. The application takes an average of 15-20 minutes. Although the application fees vary, they are around 1000-2000 TL on average.