Botulinum Toxin
Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin that is obtained from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
This drug works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without the movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed.
Treatments made with botulinum toxin are under the brand names:
- Botox
- Dysport
- Xeomin
Advantages of Botox Injection:
- This treatment is an Outpatient procedure.
- The injections may sting and feel uncomfortable, but the procedure is over quickly. Some providers apply a topical numbing agent to the skin before giving injections.
Indications of Botox Injection:
- Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appearance
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
- Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
- Eyelid twitching – uncontrollable blinking
- Strabismus – misaligned eyes (Crossed eyes)
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder
- Pediatric upper limb spasticity.
- Adult spasticity.
- Blepharospasm.
Pre-Botox Injection care:
- If you are planning to get botulinum toxin injections, tell your doctor about your medical history and all the prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Certain medications increase the risk of bruising at the injection site. These include anticoagulants or blood thinners (Warfarin) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
“The main types of NSAIDs include:
Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib, mefenamic acid, etoricoxib, indomethacin, high-dose aspirin (low-dose aspirin is not normally considered to be an NSAID)” - Alcohol also makes you more prone to redness and bruising. Don’t drink for 24 hours before a procedure.
How are Botox injections performed?
Your healthcare provider uses a fine needle to inject small amounts of botulinum toxins into the treatment area. Depending on the problem, you may receive several injections in different spots.
Post-Botox Injection care:
- Unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, you can return to work or most activities after treatment.
- To reduce redness, swelling, or bruising:
- Don’t rub or put pressure on the area for 12 hours.
- Stay upright (don’t lie down) for three to four hours.
- Avoid physical exertion for 24 hours.
How long do Botox Injections last?
It can take several days for botulinum toxin injections to take effect.
Within three to six months, toxins wear off, and muscles regain movement.
Who can get Botox?
- To be healthy
- Over 18 years old
Dermal Fillers
Soft tissue fillers are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness.
What happens when the skin age?
- To decline supplies of collagen and elastin
- To become the fibers weaker and less elasticity.
- To decrease the surrounding fluids that cushion and support fibers
- To be dry skin and as a result to loss of facial volume and less “bouncy”.
This combination of factors results in wrinkles, ridges, and a general loss of volume in the skin.
What can dermal fillers correct?
- Plump up thinning lips
- Enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face
- Decrease or remove the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
- Fill in or soften the look of recessed scars
- Fill in or soften static wrinkles, especially on the lower face
- Static wrinkles include those around the mouth and along the cheeks. These wrinkles are usually a result of a loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin
The most common types of Dermal fillers:
Each is used for different treatments. A single session of an injectable has the potential to last up to two years, depending on which kind of filler is used. The least permanent options, those composed of hyaluronic acid have the potential for rather quick absorption within 6 months. This especially holds true if the filler is placed in a region with a lot of movement.
Pre- Dermal filler Care:
- Don’t wax, tweeze, bleach, or use hair removal products on the treatment area for at least two days before the treatment.
- Stop taking supplements one week prior.
- A list to avoid might include St John’s Wort, vitamin E, ginseng, Gingko Biloba, Primrose oil, and garlic
Post-Dermal Filler Injection care:
- Avoid Using Active Products
- Avoid Applying Makeup
- Avoid Alcohol Consumption
- Avoid Strenuous Activities
- Stay Hydrated
- Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications
- Gently Massage Any Lumps
- Avoid Facial Treatments
WHO ARE DERMAL FILLERS FOR?
- Someone with deep creases, wrinkles, or scars
- Enlarge areas such as the cheeks or lips
- For augmentation and contouring
- As a preventative treatment to slow aging
Contraindication of Dermal filler:
- Not fully growth
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
