WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox injections have become a current trend and are used for both therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. While commonly used to reduce fine wrinkles and deep lines on the face, Botox is also widely used in the treatment of conditions such as migraines, underarm sweating, and teeth grinding.

Botulinum toxin is a drug derived from the microorganism Colistridium botulinum that blocks muscle activation. It causes a temporary blockage in muscles by blocking acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

The most commonly used commercially available brands of Botox medication are Botox and Dysport.  

IN WHICH AREAS IS BOTOX USED?

Botox can be used for many purposes, both aesthetically and medically.

Botox applications for aesthetic purposes on the face;

- Wrinkle Treatment

While Botox has many application areas, the most common area of use is the face. Botox is highly effective in treating mild to moderate wrinkles in the upper third of the face, including the area between the eyebrows, forehead, and around the eyes. Applications in wrinkle treatment.

• Forehead Botox application
• Botox application between the eyebrows
• Crow's feet Botox application
• Botox injection above the lip (for smoker's lines)
• Botox application for bunny lines on the nose
• Botox application around the lips
• Neck and décolleté Botox

- Brow Lift Botox

Botox injections can lift the tail of the eyebrows and reduce the height in the middle of the eyebrows, which can lead to a surprised facial expression.

• Gummy Smile Botox
  Showing the upper gums when smiling or talking (gummy smile) creates an aesthetically unpleasing appearance. This can be corrected with Botox injections.

Botox applications for therapeutic purposes;

- Botox in the Treatment of Teeth Grinding (Masseter Botox)

Botox is also quite effective in treating jaw and headaches caused by excessive teeth grinding. In this procedure, known as masseter botox, botox is injected into the masseter muscle at the corner of the jaw to relax the muscle and prevent damage to the teeth.

- Migraine Botox

Botox is a highly effective method for reducing the number and severity of migraine attacks. While cosmetic Botox application may be sufficient, its effectiveness can be increased with additional doses to the scalp and nape of the neck. Treatment is applied to 7 areas of the head and neck. While some patients require 4-6 repeated injections for treatment effectiveness, in others the effectiveness can last for several years.

- Botox Treatment for Excessive Sweating

A significant number of people suffer from excessive sweating. Instead of surgical interventions, people are now opting for Botox treatment. Botox temporarily stops the activity of cholinergic cells in the sweating area, thus preventing excessive sweating.

- Botox Treatment in Muscle Diseases

Botox can also be used to treat many muscle diseases. These include:   Cervical dystonia, amblyopia (lazy eye), muscle contracture, bladder disorders, blepharospasm, and spasmodic dysphonia are some of the conditions.

HOW IS BOTOX APPLIED?

Botox injections are not as painful or lengthy a procedure as commonly believed. The application and the process are quite short and comfortable. A small amount of local anesthetic cream is applied to the area where the Botox will be injected, and then a small needle is inserted into the area to administer the Botox. A short cold compress is also applied to prevent swelling and bruising.

The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. The effect of the medication is limited to the muscle area where it is applied; other areas are not affected. The result depends on the injection site and the dose. The effect gradually appears over 72 hours and fully develops in approximately 15 days. Additional injections can be given to the required areas after 15 days.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN AFTER BOTOX TREATMENT?

Here's a summary of things to avoid after the procedure :

• Avoid scratching or massaging the injection site after the procedure.
• Physical activities that can cause excessive sweating
• Avoid showering or coming into contact with water during the first 3-4 hours after Botox injection.
• Consuming foods that increase blood circulation, for example, avoiding alcohol consumption, and using medications like Aspirin.
• Excessive facial muscle movement after Botox injections to the face
• Excessive sun exposure during summer months or hot weather.
• Makeup should not be applied for 24 hours.
• Sports and strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least 24 hours.
• No facial treatments or massages should be done for one week.
• Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skin exfoliation procedures should not be performed.
• Pressure should not be applied to the treatment area.
• High-temperature environments such as saunas and Turkish baths should be avoided. Swimming in a pool should be avoided for an entire day.
• You should not lie face down for at least 5 hours after the procedure.

By paying attention to all these points, a smooth Botox procedure can be achieved.

HOW LONG DOES THE EFFECT OF BOTOX LAST?

Muscle activity, which is inhibited by the toxin, begins to return in 3 months and is fully effective in an average of 4-5 months. The duration of Botox's effect depends on many factors. This period includes:

• Your personal characteristics, your genetic makeup
• To your muscle strength
• To your metabolic rate
• Seasonal differences
• Depending on your sun exposure
• Whether you exercise excessively or not
• This will vary depending on many factors, such as your exposure to heat.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX?

Botox has been used for aesthetic purposes for many years and has no proven permanent side effects. All effects of Botox are temporary. Therefore, it is a reliable cosmetic and medical treatment.   It is one of the applications.

The side effects of Botox vary depending on the area of application and the dosage.   It varies. Due to being administered by injection, mild, pinpoint redness may appear on the skin, which disappears in approximately 1-2 hours. Possible temporary side effects of Botox are as follows:

• Mild stinging, burning, pain, and swelling at the injection site.
• Mild headache, especially in the first 24 hours.
• Subcutaneous bleeding
• Itching or skin rash
• Eyebrow twitching
• Eyebrow and eyelid drooping (ptosis)
• Difficulty closing the eyelid
• Double or blurred vision
• Reduced tear production.
• Asymmetry around the mouth (in masseter botox and perioral applications)
• Asymmetrical smile   (For masseter botox and perioral applications)
• Muscle weakness in the neck (in applications around the neck)

These are not common side effects. Rarely, eyelid drooping may occur after procedures on the upper part of the face. This side effect will usually resolve within 2-6 weeks of the procedure.   This is because the toxin affects the muscle that opens the upper eyelid. To prevent this, the toxin should not be applied more than 1 cm below the eyebrow and outside the midpupillary line. This side effect of Botox application can be controlled with various eye drops and cold compresses.

There is no direct medication that can instantly reverse the effects of Botox and correct its side effects. When faced with such a situation, the best approach is to allow time for the effects to lessen. Over time, all the unwanted side effects of Botox will disappear. If you wish to speed up this process somewhat, warm applications such as hot baths, saunas, and Turkish baths, and taking magnesium-containing vitamin supplements can be beneficial.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOTOX?

To ensure a smooth process for Botox injections performed for aesthetic reasons, here's what you need to know about Botox:

• Botox injections should only be administered after consulting a doctor and obtaining information about its suitability for you, its benefits, and potential risks.
• As long as it is performed by experienced and expert professionals, the likelihood of negative outcomes is eliminated.
• The quality of the product to be used must be thoroughly investigated.
• It would be much wiser to consult with a reputable doctor, learning about the potential benefits and risks of the procedure before making a decision.

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BOTOX?

Botox treatments are not suitable for everyone. People for whom Botox injections are inadvisable include:

• People who are experiencing an infection
• People with muscle and nervous system disorders
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
• People for whom Botox may not provide sufficient results due to the severity of wrinkles and sagging.
• Individuals who have developed resistance to the toxin after repeated Botox injections.

HOW OFTEN DOES BOTOX NEED TO BE REPEATED?

Since Botox doesn't have a permanent effect, it needs to be repeated at regular intervals.   Individuals who receive 5-6 regular Botox injections will experience longer-lasting effects over time if they continue the treatment consistently, eventually requiring longer intervals between applications.

WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BEFORE BOTOX TREATMENT?

After conducting the necessary research and finding a trustworthy doctor, here are the points to consider before getting Botox:

• Before Botox treatment, the doctor must be informed about all medications the patient is taking. Aspirin and blood thinners should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to the Botox procedure.
• Alcohol consumption should be stopped 2-3 days before Botox treatment.
• If there is an active skin infection in the area where Botox injections are to be administered, the procedure should be postponed.

Because the needles used in Botox injections are small and thin, they do not cause much pain. Patients can easily resume their daily lives after Botox treatment.

WHICH BRANDS ARE USED FOR BOTOX?

Our clinic uses two types of products approved by the Ministry of Health.

• Botox: This is the well-known brand of Botox. Botox is manufactured by Allergan. We prefer to use it in treatments such as baby Botox.
• Dysport: Another Botox brand produced by Galderma. It is a well-effective and preferred product.    

Botox prices in Eskişehir?

Botox pricing can vary depending on the area of application.   Male patients with increased muscle activity may require more medication. As with all medications, Botox prices are subject to periodic updates. It's best to obtain the most up-to-date price directly from clinics, specifying the areas you wish to have treated.