Botulinum toxin – Professor J. Zieliński Medical Centre – Botulinum toxin Gdańsk
Botulinum toxin is one of the most frequently used substances in aesthetic medicine. A treatment using Botox effectively smooths expression lines and slows down the skin's ageing process. In our Medical Centre in Gdańsk, serving patients from across the Tricity area, treatments using botulinum toxin are performed by a qualified aesthetic medicine doctor.
The use of Botox is recommended in anti-ageing therapy, but also for prevention – this way, the appearance of ageing signs on the skin can be delayed. Furthermore, Botox – botulinum toxin – is used for aesthetic as well as therapeutic purposes. A Botox treatment not only allows for the reduction of expression lines, but it is also used in treating problems such as hyperhidrosis, bruxism, or migraines. Thanks to this, the application of botulinum toxin – Botox – has a wide range.
Toksyna botulinowa jest neurotoksyną produkowaną przez bakterię *Clostridium botulinum*. Jest to ta sama toksyna, która powoduje botulizm, rzadką i potencjalnie śmiertelną chorobę.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin, a biological toxin produced by the bacteria *Clostridium botulinum*. Botox, in controlled, safe doses, is used in aesthetic medicine and in many fields of medicine, such as neurology and ophthalmology. Botulinum works by blocking the transmission of stimuli from nerves to facial muscles. It prevents muscle contraction and skin creasing by relaxing the muscles. Therefore, Botox is the best remedy for wrinkles without altering the natural facial expressions or resulting in a mask-like effect. The correct use of botulinum toxin in therapeutic doses by an experienced doctor is safe for the patient's health, providing a natural rejuvenating effect and a rested appearance.
Botulinum toxin, Botox – mode of action
Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, leading to muscle relaxation. We use Botox to reduce expression lines, particularly in the upper part of the face – horizontal forehead lines, the „glabella” or frown lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows), smoker's lines, bunny lines, and crow's feet. Botox can also be used to smooth the skin of the neck.
The most common indications for Botox treatment include:
- horizontal forehead wrinkles;
- A wrinkle between the eyebrows.;
- Crow's feet;
- smoker's lines;
- bunny lines on the nose;
- downturned corners of the mouth.
Botox can also be used preventatively in people of all ages to prevent wrinkles from deepening and to maintain a younger-looking complexion. With the use of Botox, there's no need to wait until the first wrinkles appear. Increasingly, patients are opting for facial Botox as early as their mid-twenties. Botulinum toxin, or Botox, can be administered approximately every six months to maintain the effect. Results appear gradually after about 2-3 days, while full results are typically visible after around 10-14 days.
Botulinum toxin – treatment process
Before the procedure is performed, it is essential to have a medical consultation by an experienced specialist, starting with an interview with the patient. During the consultation, the experienced doctor assesses the condition of the skin, facial expression and the depth of wrinkles. On this basis, the amount of preparation used and the injection sites are selected. If the doctor finds no contraindications, the treatment procedure can begin. The procedure consists in the precise administration of a small amount of the preparation during injection into the treatment area after prior skin disinfection. The administration of botulinum toxin is carried out using a thin needle. Botulinum toxin treatment does not require local anaesthesia, although the patient may request it, which reduces pain to zero. The injection sites for the Botox treatment are disinfected prior to the procedure. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and does not require convalescence, so the patient can return immediately to daily activities. The injections are quick and almost painless; the procedure is therefore described as minimally invasive.
Botulinum toxin – post-treatment recommendations
After treatment with botulinum toxin, delicate redness may appear on the skin, which lasts for only 20 minutes. For 3-4 hours after the procedure, the patient should avoid strenuous physical activity, lowering their head, lying flat, or massaging the face – otherwise, the botulinum may migrate.
After the procedure, for 14 days, you should avoid exposing your face to heat, using saunas and sunbeds, sunbathing, and undergoing cosmetic treatments.
The first effects of Botox will appear after two to three days. The final, expected results will stabilise after approximately two weeks from the procedure.
Adhering to post-procedure recommendations helps minimise any risks or side effects associated with Botox use, such as the product migrating.
The advantage of a treatment using botulinum toxin is its minimally invasive nature, making it almost painless. The effect of the treatment is completely reversible – if the effect achieved is unsatisfactory, it will disappear on its own after a few months.
Botox effects
The effect of a procedure using botulinum toxin is the smoothing of expression lines and a more rested, youthful appearance of the face. The skin becomes noticeably smoother, and wrinkles are reduced.
The effects of neurotoxin usually last from 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient's individual predispositions and the intensity of facial muscle activity. After this time, the patient can safely repeat the procedure.
Regular application of botulinum toxin also helps to prevent wrinkles from deepening and maintains a youthful appearance for longer.
Contraindications
Contraindications for botulinum toxin treatment include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and skin infections at the injection site.
Potential side effects of Botox can include headaches, swelling, and allergic reactions.
