The use of botulinum toxin, together with the use of hyaluronic acid, is the most commonly used method in the world. Despite many years of experience with the use of this substance, clients often have a negative attitude towards this method, their first reaction is usually: "I am scared, it's a poison".
Botulinum toxin used in medicine is completely safe and has minimal side effects. The history of the discovery of this toxin dates back to the Napoleonic Wars, when a small epidemic occurred that killed many soldiers. It was thought to be food poisoning, especially after eating smoked sausage - that is why we call it botulinum toxin - sausage poison (botulum - Latin for sausage).
In 1897 the bacterium Clostridium botullinium was isolated for the first time. In 1949, the actual effect of botulinum toxin was discovered and it was found that it blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle plate, so that the nervous system does not give instructions for muscle movement, which causes partial paralysis of the muscle.
The cosmetic effect of botulinum toxin was first described by the American plastic surgeon Dr. Clarck, and in 1992 its effect on wrinkles around the eyes was also discovered. In ophthalmology, botulinum toxin was used several years ago to remove ticks, and patients described the disappearance of wrinkles as a side effect of the substance.
In 2002, botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles without the need for a scalpel or surgery.
Areas of application
Botulinum toxin is used on the face mainly in the area of glabellar wrinkles - line between the eyebrows, in the area of the forehead - horizontal lines created by lifting the forehead, and in the area of the eyes - wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes.
It can also be applied to the sides of the nose caused by wrinkling the nose, and then to eliminate wrinkles on the upper lip (we do not recommend this application because it often completely blocks the movement of the upper lip and makes it impossible to pout the lips while drinking or kissing - it is also called the "Sicilian lip" because it is said that Sicilians do not move the upper lip when speaking).
Recently, botulinum toxin has also been used in the form of MEZOBOTOX, which is three times more diluted than the normal application of botulinum toxin. In this method, the substance is introduced into small superficial wrinkles, e.g. on the cheeks, chin and neck.
For whom is the treatment intended?
Our youngest clients are about 23 years old and their need for BOTOX treatment arises not only from the appearance of the first wrinkles, but also from observing their mothers, who already have a distinct line between their eyebrows in their wedding photo. The upper age limit for the application of BOTOX is about 50 years, because at higher age the wrinkles are already consolidated, we observe so-called broken skin, which cannot be treated with this method. At higher age there is also a risk of "drooping eyelids", because patients often compensate for drooping, overhanging eyelids by lifting the forehead. If this movement is blocked by BOTOX, the eyelids "fall" and the face gets a "tired look" - this is also a signal for plastic surgery of the upper eyelids.
Based on these experiences, we can summarise that botulinum toxin is an excellent prevention against the appearance of wrinkles and should ideally be used at the age of 30-50 years.
Baby botox
It is the application of smaller doses of botulinum toxin type A, called Botox, to the desired areas. By applying half doses of botulinum toxin, we soften wrinkles while maintaining the desired facial expression. The effect is more natural.
Allegedly, the advent of baby botox was influenced by Hollywood. Hollywood stars had to express emotions on the screen, and it was difficult to do that with a frozen facial expression. Thanks to the smaller amount of botulinum toxin, their facial expressions remained unchanged and wrinkles were less visible. Later, the trend spread to ordinary people who wanted to look younger, but still as natural as possible.
During the treatment
Botulinum toxin is administered with a thin needle, also known as an insulin syringe. The number of punctures depends on where the botulinum toxin is applied, but is usually between 3 and 7. After treatment, there may be mild swelling or irritation for a short time, or a tiny bruise may be seen. However, this can be easily covered with makeup and will disappear within a few days. The effect itself sets in within 48 to 72 hours and is fully visible within 2 to 3 weeks.
After the first application, the mimic muscles remain immobile for 3 to 4 months, but with repeated application, this effect eventually lasts for 9 to 12 months.
The treatment itself lasts about ten minutes.
The Do´s and Don´ts
You should avoid lying horizontally and bending forward for 4 to 6 hours after treatment. We advise you to avoid alcohol for about two days. Avoid sauna visits and excessive physical activity. It is also important that you do not touch the affected area.
At the same time, we advise you to use the muscles as much as possible. Frown and smile as much as you want and even more. This will only make the treatment more effective.
Contraindications
Pregnancy is a strong contraindication. Congratulations and we can not wait to see you when you stop breastfeeding. Autoimmune diseases also do not allow us to perform the treatment.
Important information
For the first 4-6 hours after treatment, make sure your head is upright - we do not recommend lying on your back or stomach. Do not touch the treated areas. You can actively exercise the muscles in the treated area (frowning, wondering, laughing).
Avoid any physical activity, direct sunlight and alcohol consumption for the first 24 hours.
We recommend visiting a beauty salon, sauna, solarium or laser treatment no earlier than one week after the botulinum toxin treatment.
A common reaction to the treatment is redness, swelling, bruising, itching or pain at the injection site, which disappears spontaneously after 2-4 days without treatment. In rare cases, headaches may also occur, lasting 24-48 hours after application.
The client must inform his doctor, who prescribes the necessary therapy, about all side effects that last longer than 1 week.
ENVY x PRIVEÉ Praha
