At all times, women strive to remain beautiful, young and desirable. However, if in youth it is very easy to look good, then over time it is necessary to exert certain efforts for shine and radiance of the skin. Of course, there are a huge variety of masks, peels, creams, lotions, and other preparations that their manufacturers assure us that they will rejuvenate their skin for twenty years in a month. Agree, they are cunning. No, it is possible to maintain skin tone and improve its appearance with the help of cosmetics. However, the cream and mask will not be able to finally return to their former beauty and youth. Therefore, girls, women, and even many men direct their eyes toward other procedures. At the same time, some people decide to resort immediately to radical measures to restore youthful skin - to the services of plastic surgeons. However, many doctors recommend trying less dangerous and less expensive procedures first. One of them is the Botox drug. Reviews about this procedure are different. Some are delighted with the effect. Others do not like the feeling of a "frozen" face. And others are unhappy with the price. How to determine who suits Botox? Reviews about which clinics to take seriously and how to prevent yourself from harmful consequences? Let's figure it out.
What is Botox?
Every day, the muscles of our face perform about fifteen thousand different movements. The result of their hard work is the appearance of facial wrinkles near the lips, on the forehead, between the eyebrows, at the eyes. Even expensive and high-quality cosmetics do not help get rid of the so-called "crow's feet". It was then that the gaze of people faced with this problem was directed towards other means of fighting wrinkles. The most common are Botox injections. They are also called biopolymer substances introduced under the skin.
From the point of view of professional medical slang, this is a drug based on purified and lightened botulism neurotoxin. The nature of its occurrence is protein. It is produced by special bacteria. This substance is also called "Botulinum toxin." There are several types of this matter. The modern Botox for wrinkles is a botulinum neurotoxin type A.
History of creation
Currently, Botox is loved and respected by many people. His main goal now is to fight wrinkles and restore youthful and beautiful skin. However, in the process of its creation, scientists were far from a cosmetic goal. Quite the contrary. Scientists sought to make Botox a formidable biological weapon. Neurotoxin, which is part of the substance, is the strongest organic poison. During the Second World War, scientists conducted a huge number of studies of this organic matter. Thanks to these experiments, specialists were able to isolate a new substance from neurotoxin. In laboratory conditions, using the purification and weakening of the properties of the experimental material, the preparation “Botulinum toxin” of a crystalline form of type A was obtained. American Alan Scott became the first successful experience with the use of Botox injections. An ophthalmologist by profession, he first used a tiny dose of Botox in the 70s of the 20th century to treat involuntary contraction of the circular muscle of the eye - blepharospasm.
After some time, another property was discovered that Botox possesses. The doctors' comments stated one thing: the purified toxin has a rather long effect of correcting facial wrinkles on the faces of patients. This was a major breakthrough in cosmetology. The very first drug based on the creation of Botulinum Toxin Type A was the modern Botox. Eyes, forehead, area near the lips - now doctors can easily restore youth and beauty to the skin of patients.
What is the effect of the substance? When this drug is injected under the skin, a purified and weakened neurotoxin blocks the neurons that are responsible for the contraction of the facial muscles. Those, in turn, do not receive the usual signals and relax. This leads to smoothing wrinkles.
Popularity is gaining momentum
Currently, four drugs having the Botox effect have spread in Russia:
- Dysport - the manufacturer of this substance is the French company Ipsen;
- "Xeomin" - a drug produced by the German factory of medical preparations "Merz";
- Lantox is a Chinese counterpart;
- Botox is a pioneer in this area of ​​cosmetology. This substance is the "brainchild" of the American concern "Allegran". In the CIS, almost all of the procedures described, even with the use of substances from various companies, are called Botox.
It was the last drug that first gave us the opportunity to stay young and beautiful for a long time. It is worth noting that initially this substance was distributed exclusively at secular receptions. The famous Hollywood dermatologist, Dr. Frederick Brandt, organized the so-called "Botox parties." There, the popular fair sex could try a miraculous injection. Gradually, women could not imagine their existence without a drug called Botox. Reviews of magic injections were passed from mouth to mouth. The beauties of Hollywood quickly got used to the fact that with just a few injections their skin becomes younger by several decades. The desire to always remain beautiful has created a huge demand for the drug. At that time, its sole producer was the Allegran concern. It was he who got the first “golden rain” from the sale of Botox.
The emergence of competitors
A new era in cosmetology called “Botox” has begun. Eyebrows and folds between them, only appearing and already deep "crow's feet" were no longer a problem. Now ladies from all over the world have found an easy solution. Having felt the full profitability of the release of such a drug, other companies soon entered the market. The French ipsen company acted as the main competitor of the American concern. They launched into production, and then to the market, a drug called Dysport. Absolutely similar in its properties to the American remedy, this substance began to conquer the European market. The confrontation between medical giants has brought consumers significant benefits. Firstly, some price reduction. Where there is competition, there is a struggle in value. Secondly, these are frequently updated developments and improved formulas. Gradually, the German corporation Merz also joined the two giants. Her drug called Xeomin has become popular due to its excellent properties and minimal diffusion. Of course, as in any other field of activity, the Chinese have also contributed to this. Their product, called Lantox, came to the market somewhat later than competitive products.
Does age matter?
The main area of ​​application of substances containing botulinum toxin is cosmetology. However, there are several more medical areas where these drugs are also involved. For example, in dentistry, Botox is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the jaw joint. Treated neurotoxins are of great importance in the fight against high sweating. Ophthalmologists and ENT offices also use the described drugs to treat a variety of diseases. It is worth noting that Botox injections are also used in proctology. People suffering from persistent headaches are often saved by the described drugs. Substances containing neurotoxin have made a huge contribution to the fight against cerebral palsy. That is why among people exposed to Botox injections, you can meet representatives of all age categories.
Early wrinkles and age-related problems
It has been proven that some wrinkles appear in people regardless of age. A person who is used to vigorously expressing his emotions can become the owner of the early “crow's feet” or folds above the bridge of the nose. The habit of squinting, grimacing and parodying also “helps” acquire early wrinkles. Therefore, sometimes girls (and guys) resort to a procedure called “Botox face”. Reviews about these injections are different. It all depends on the drug used, its concentration, the doctor, his methodology, contraindications and the age of the patient. You can always smooth the skin relief. Only after the fifth decade will the effect be not very significant. In this case, the question arises: “What is better than Botox? For a patient who has crossed the fifty-year milestone, specialists often offer lifting with the help of surgical intervention. And then Botox is used to consolidate the result.
Who injects?
It should be noted that only a certified medical specialist, and not just a cosmetologist, can professionally carry out a procedure called “Botox Facial”. Testimonials of other clients who have already used the services of a particular clinic will help you choose the most suitable institution for the intended operation. Cases are known that grief masters injected the drug, deviating from the correct technique. The result of such procedures are drooping eyebrows, a “wax mask” and other complications. Therefore, do not rush to stop your choice at the first available institution. Browse as many options as possible and give your preference to the most experienced specialist.
How is this procedure carried out?
All botulinum toxin injections are performed on an outpatient basis. At the consultation, before the procedure, the doctor determines the "problem zone". If the site is quite extensive, then marks are preliminarily affixed to the skin of the face. Then, they are administered by injection of the drug "Dysport", "Xeomin" or "Botox". In this case, the substance is injected either subcutaneously, or intradermally, or intramuscularly. This is due to the site of the procedure. The success of such an operation depends primarily on the strict and correct dosage of Botulinum Toxin. Do not forget that this substance, by the nature of its origin, is poison. Therefore, a disproportionate calculation of the amount of the drug administered can adversely affect not only the beauty of the final result, but also the health of the patient as a whole.
Do not underestimate the individual characteristics of the human body. Each patient has his own sensitivity to Botox.
How fast is an injection operation?
On average, the duration of the procedure is one hour. This includes preliminary consultation, removal of makeup (if any), disinfection and cleaning of the face, marking of the injection zone, and at the very end - the introduction of the substance itself. The last action takes from five to twenty minutes, depending on the selected site.
At the request of the client, anesthesia is also provided. It is performed by application: a special cream is applied to the skin of the face. However, in most cases, with Botulinum toxin injections, the pain medication is not used.
When should you not carry out the procedure?
Almost every intervention in the human body has its contraindications. Botox has proven itself in cosmetology and medicine. However, he also has his own, albeit small, "prohibitory list." It is noteworthy that all contraindications can be divided into two groups. The first includes those diseases with which a person can not do “Botox”. This includes hemophilia (poor blood coagulation). This disease is also called the "disease of the kings." Are you a monarch or not, but if you are a carrier of this ailment, you will be denied any surgical operations, including Botox injections. Another disease belonging to this group is von Willebrand disease. This ailment is characterized by the appearance of spontaneous sudden bleeding. The second name of the disease is angiohemophilia.
Conducting botulinum toxin injections is strictly prohibited in case of myasthenia gravis. This ailment is characterized by rapid muscle fatigue and their general weakness.
In addition to these, there are also other contraindications. Botox, Dysport, Xeomin is not recommended under the skin if you are a nursing mother or pregnant. In addition, the procedure can not be performed during menstruation.
As mentioned above, Botox is sometimes an addition to plastic surgery operations. However, experts do not advise injecting immediately after the intervention. Doctors recommend waiting until the swelling subsides and blood circulation normalizes. On average, this period takes thirty days.
And of course, one of the main contraindications for the procedure is the presence of an allergy to Botulinum toxin.
The day before visiting the beauty parlor, you must stop using aspirin, tetracycline medications (a group of antibiotics), sleeping pills, antidepressants, and some other medications.
Complications
Currently, many seek to make Botox at home. Feedback from people who have successfully implemented this idea should not mislead you. It would seem that it is difficult to take a few injections. Yes, and you can save money. So many people mistakenly think. However, like any other procedure, Botulinum toxin injections can cause complications. Even if you have no contraindications. A professional doctor is not immune to errors. What can we say about amateurs.
One of the most popular treatments is Botox between the eyebrows. Reviews about the miraculous disposal of wrinkles in this area may prompt too independent individuals to run to the pharmacy for Dysport or another drug and syringes. Anticipating the prospect of quickly becoming young and beautiful, ladies may face terrible consequences. Asymmetry of the face, swelling of the eyelids, drooping eyebrows, “fallen” corners of the eyes and many other complications can be the result of this type of activity at home.
In addition, some problems may result from individual intolerance to the drug. Whether you are allergic to Botulinum toxin or not, only a doctor can definitely say after special tests. Any procedure should be carried out by a professional. In the words of Krylov - “the trouble is, since the shoemaker will start the pies ...” Therefore, let us trust those who are truly ace in their profession.
Side effects
When we purchase a particular medical product, with it, as a rule, an instruction is included with it. It contains a large list of possible side effects. So with the botulinum toxin injection procedure. The appearance of painful sensations, swelling and temporary muscle weakness is possible even in the most healthy patient. In this case, side effects can occur both in separate areas of drug administration, and throughout the face area.
What are the problems and where may arise with the introduction of the preparations "Dysport", "Xeomin" and "Botox":
“The crow's feet.” Testimonials of some patients can be taken as a warning. Be careful if you are sensitive to injections or allergic to the drug. This is fraught with the appearance of edema and even hematomas. If you are having painful procedures with injections, ask to pre-anoint the injection area with Lidocaine solution or another analgesic.
- Folds between the eyebrows. During this procedure, headaches may occur. In no case should you rub a place that is a hotbed of discomfort.
- Nasolabial folds. With the introduction of Botox in this area, sometimes the immobility of the upper lip occurs.
Rejuvenation effect
You should not expect that an injection injected under the skin or intramuscularly will immediately “take away” ten years. Although it happens. It all depends on the structural features of the body. The effect of Botox injections lasts from six months to nine months. After 150 days, you can notice that the most mobile muscles are slowly "returning to life." Their full recovery is observed on average after 7 months. In order to look young and beautiful always, one should maintain the effect and undergo injection procedures on an outpatient basis two or three times a year. The good news is that drugs containing Botulinum Toxin are not addictive. Therefore, you should not increase the administered dose. If Botox injections are combined with other cosmetic procedures, you can achieve amazing results in the fight for your youth and beauty.
Creams and masks after injection
It should be noted that, having passed this procedure, it is possible and necessary to continue to care for the skin. Be sure to use various creams, masks, serums. However, thermal procedures should be postponed for some time after the injection. For several days you can not bask in the hot bath, visit the solarium, sauna. It is forbidden to sunbathe. It is advisable to exclude alcohol and spicy foods from your diet. Violation of at least one of these points can cause the neutralization of the effect of the procedure.
It is likely that excessive passion for injecting Botulinum Toxin will adversely affect the beauty of your face, turning it into a “wax mask” devoid of emotions. Professionals advise implementing procedures for administering drugs by zone. First, the forehead is chipped. After a while, the substance is introduced into the folds between the nose and lips. And so on. Specialists sometimes recommend to leave characteristic folds, “sparks”, which give a person a special charm and charm.
Thai snake venom cream
The most common procedure that both women and men go to is Botox around the eyes. Reviews about this operation are different: those who used the services of professional masters are satisfied. Some complain of an unwanted “smile” in the eye area. Others begin to look for differences between drugs and try to find a cheaper analogue.
Thai traditional medicine practitioners offer their own anti-wrinkle options. If a few years ago all the tourists polls bought up collagen masks and creams made by smiling Thais on the Internet, now the turn of snake mixes has come. On the outskirts of Bangkok is a factory where they are engaged in the breeding and study of reptiles. Scientists have found that the poison of some snakes has a beneficial effect on the skin. It is the toxic secretions of King Cobra that became the basis for the creation of the newest cosmetology, which is now known as “Cream-Botox from Thailand”. Reviews about this product are few in number, but they are also pleasing with their positive. Of course, this product will not be able to completely remove wrinkles and tighten the skin. But to even out complexion and slightly correct wrinkles - this is exactly within his power!