Botox

How Does Botox Work?

The facial muscles that enable our facial expressions are connected to the skin above them. Years of facial movements cause these muscles to create visible lines and wrinkles in the skin.

Acetylcholine is the chemical that causes muscle movement by transmitting from nerve endings to muscles. Botox is injected into the muscle group where movement restriction is desired. The substance settles in nerve endings and prevents acetylcholine from reaching the muscles, limiting muscle movement for a specific period. The restricted muscles relax, and wrinkles in this area disappear shortly, revealing a more peaceful and youthful appearance.

A forehead treated with Botox appears smoother and wrinkle-free. Eyebrows move less, and frowning becomes more difficult. This effect diminishes after the third month, and muscles gradually return to their original movements towards the sixth month. With repeated applications, Botox significantly slows down aging, especially in the upper part of the face, with increasingly longer-lasting effects over time.

Which Wrinkles Can Be Treated?

The most suitable areas for treatment are:

Forehead wrinkles
Around the eyes
Between eyebrows
Also used for neck lines, wrinkles around the nose, nasal tip lifting, fine and superficial wrinkles on the upper lip (smoking lines), and chin area wrinkles
Additionally applied to palms, feet, and armpits for excessive sweating

How is Botox Applied?

Before treatment, the procedure and its results are explained to the patient. Patient expectations, possible results from Botox, suitability for the individual, and the extent to which expectations can be met are discussed in detail.

The treatment area is cleaned approximately 1 hour before, and local anesthetic cream is applied.

A very small amount of the diluted medication is injected into the muscles in the treated area. This procedure is performed very quickly in the treatment room while you sit in an upright position. Staying in an upright position for 1-2 hours after treatment is very important to ensure the Botox medication stays in the injected area. Also, exercises should be applied to the injected muscles during this period.

How Long Does it Last?

Injections are highly successful when applied regularly every 4-6 months. Patients with larger facial muscles (like men) or those who use their facial muscles more frequently may need more frequent treatments. Generally, facial muscles are "trained" to move less as a result of Botox injections. Over time, less medication is sufficient to relax the lines.

People who have regularly received Botox for 2 years may experience significant muscle reduction and related facial expression changes if they continue the same way. Therefore, it is recommended to have applications at longer intervals after the 2nd year.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Side effects of Botox injections are minimal and temporary. There might be mild headache, bruising that heals in a few days and can be covered with makeup. In some patients, if the Botox medication migrates to a point near the eyelid, temporary drooping of the upper eyelid may occur. However, this is a very rare and reversible side effect.

Will I Lose My Facial Expressions?

The result depends on the injected area and the amount of medication given. The medication's properties, application methods, and the practitioner's experience are the most important factors affecting success. Movements (expressions) causing wrinkles on the forehead and eyebrows will be prevented; if desired, the application can be done to keep muscles slightly mobile. Other facial muscles are not affected by the injections. The medication is only effective in the applied area.

Who Cannot Receive Botox?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should wait to have injections. Those with neuromuscular disorders or bleeding problems, and those with skin conditions in the desired treatment area are not suitable candidates.

Is Botox Snake Venom?

No. It is a toxin obtained from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Many antibiotics are also obtained through this method.

Does Botox Cause Paralysis?

No. Botox restricts the movements of the injected muscles for a certain period. It definitely does not cause numbness.

Does Botox Create an Expressionless Face?

This largely depends on the practitioner's performance. Botox is an extremely controllable, reliable, risk-free medication that can be an alternative to some surgeries with successful results.