Smoothing out wrinkles to give your face a youthful appearance can be reached without surgery and without scars. Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) is the cosmetic form of bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is mainly used to treat forehead creases, frown lines and crow’s feet.
What is botulinum toxin and how does it work?
Botulinum toxin or “sausage poison” is a substance produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. At first it was used in ophthalmology and neurology. That’s when it was discovered the toxin could be used to diminish wrinkles and stop sweating. The amount of applied substance in cosmetology is 1000 times lower than the toxic dosage. The actual effect of botulinum toxin consists of the blockage of nerve-endings; the muscle is de-nerved and no nerve impulses can affect the area. It is practically “numb,” although over time the muscle does regain its nerve impulses. The effect of botulinum toxin is not permanent.
Why botox Prague?
Prague has many attractive features for those considering botox abroad. Its location in Central Europe is easy to access; its mild climate is conducive to healing and its experienced clinics and botox surgeons ensure you’ll receive the best possible care. Botox Prague costs are often much more affordable than in the UK or with the NHS. For more information about getting to and around the Czech Republic, please visit our handy cosmetic surgery Prague info guide.
Are you a good candidate for wrinkle removal using botulinum toxin?
The two barriers to receiving a botulinum toxin application are pregnancy and lactation. Although most moms probably aren’t too worried about wrinkle removal. If you suffer from any nerve diseases, certain allergies and hemophilia also prevent you from using botox.
The botox procedure
Botulinum toxin is an out-patient procedure that takes several minutes. The actual application takes 5-10 minutes. It is performed without anesthesia but the treated area may be cooled with a frozen compress. The solution is applied with a thin needle under the skin in the specific wrinkled area. The most common place to receive botox is the forehead and the area around the base of the nose and around the eyes. An experienced surgeon is able to work in small areas, and to treat even the beginning of wrinkles in the area of the upper lip.
After the botox procedure
Folowing your botulinum toxin application, you should not lie down for four hours after the procedure. This is so the toxin won’t, for example, get in the eyes and perhaps cause drooping eyelids. The patient should also not wear cosmetics, visit a solarium, receive a massage, etc.
Does botox ever not work?
Yes, in rare cases, the botulinum toxin does not have any effect. These patients may have developed antibodies in the past through a small intoxication of the poison. There are also documented cases of antibodies being created by very frequent applications. In these cases, another type of botulinum toxin might work.
How long does botox last?
The effect of the substance after the first application lasts approximately three months, after the second one around half a year and after the third application approximately 9-12 months. The more the substance is applied the longer the effect lasts. However, the effect of botulinum toxin can’t be guaranteed for more than a year. Many clients return once a year, or even better, learn not to use specific muscles and therefore the period between the treatments is prolonged. Boutulinum toxin application in the same area is not recommended more than twice a year (except in the first year.) In case of very deep wrinkles or defected collagen fibres, total wrinkle removal cannot be expected, but only a wrinkle reduction. Here it is possible to combine the botulinum toxin with a suitable filling material, for example collagen or hyaluron acid.
BOTOX® / DYSPORT®
Uses:
Reduction of laugh wrinkles
Relaxation of frown wrinkles
Reduction of fan wrinkles
Relaxation of an unwanted facial expression (e.g. turned-down corners of the mouth)
Treatment of hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating (axillae, palms, soles and face)
Duration of the effect:
Temporary (3 – 9 months).
Duration of the treatment:
Maximum of 10 minutes.
What is Botox®?
Botulotoxin A is a substance that relaxes muscles. It has been used in medicine for a number of years now and is the most important component of both BOTOX® and DYSPORT®. A special feature of these substances, which are applied by injection, is that they act directly on the cause of wrinkles, namely muscular activity. When BOTOX® or DYSPORT® is injected into a muscle, it temporarily blocks the nerve impulse that causes muscle contraction. The substance therefore acts more effectively against mimicry wrinkles than skin implants do. In addition, it prevents the formation of new wrinkles. The wrinkles become less apparent or disappear completely. Although BOTOX® and DYSPORT® do not have a permanent effect, the treatment can be repeated without difficulty.
The treatment
The application of BOTOX® or DYSPORT® is completely painless. The doctor uses a thin injection needle to introduce the substance into the muscle that causes the wrinkle or unwanted facial expression. The injection produces only a slight burning sensation. Immediately after the treatment, the skin is slightly reddish and swollen. These effects disappear after about an hour. You don’t need to take any time off work and can appear in public almost immediately after the treatment.
Results
The results of the treatment appear after three to six days. The skin is visibly relaxed and the wrinkles are shallower. The effect is optimal after fourteen days, and lasts three to four months. The more frequently the treatment is repeated, the longer the effect (from six to nine months.)