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, for the shine and radiance of the skin, certain efforts must be made. Of course, there are a huge variety of masks, peels, creams, lotions and other preparations that, as their manufacturers assure us, will rejuvenate the skin by twenty years in a month. Agree, they are lying. No, you can keep your skin in good shape and improve its appearance with the help of cosmetics. However, creams and masks will not be able to finally return the former beauty and youth. Therefore, girls, women and even many men direct their gaze towards other procedures. At the same time, some people decide to immediately resort 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 Botox. Reviews about this procedure are different. Some are excited aboutthe effect obtained. Others do not like the feeling of a "frozen" face. And others are dissatisfied with the price. How to determine who is suitable for Botox? Reviews of which clinics to take seriously and how to warn yourself against disastrous consequences? Let's find 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, near the eyes. Get rid of the so-called "crow's feet" does not help even expensive and high-quality cosmetics. It was then that the eyes of people faced with this problem are directed towards other means of combating wrinkles. The most common are Botox injections. They are also called biopolymer substances injected under the skin.
In terms of professional medical slang, this is a drug based on purified and lightweight 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 material. The modern "Botox" for wrinkles is a botulinum neurotoxin type A.
History of Creation
Botox is now loved and respected by many people. His main goal now is to fight wrinkles and restore youth and beauty to the skin. However, in the process of its creation, scientists facedfar from cosmetic. Quite the opposite. Scientists sought to make Botox a formidable biological weapon. The neurotoxin, which is part of the substance, is the strongest organic poison. During the Second World War, scientists conducted a huge amount of research on this organic matter. Thanks to these experiments, specialists managed to isolate a new substance from the neurotoxin. Under laboratory conditions, with the help of purification and weakening of the properties of the experimental material, the drug "Botulinum toxin" of the crystalline form of type A was obtained. The first successful experience with the injection of "Botox" was made famous by the American Alan Scott. 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 a while, another property was discovered that "Botox" possesses. Reviews of doctors repeated one thing: the purified toxin has a rather long effect of correcting mimic wrinkles on the faces of patients. This was a huge breakthrough in cosmetology. The very first drug, based on the creation of which was "Botulinum toxin" type A, was the modern "Botox". Eyes, forehead, the area around the lips - now doctors can easily restore the skin of patients to youth and beauty.
What is the effect of the substance? When this drug is injected under the skin, the purified and attenuated neurotoxin blocks the neurons that are responsible for the contraction of the facial muscles. Those, in turn, do not receive the usual signals andrelax. This leads to the smoothing of wrinkles.
Popularity on the rise
Currently, four drugs that have the Botox effect have become widespread in Russia:
- "Dysport" - the manufacturer of this substance is the French company "Ipsen";
- "Xeomin" - a drug produced by the German plant of medical preparations "Merz";
- "Lantoks" - Chinese counterpart;
- Botox is a pioneer in this area of cosmetology. This substance is the brainchild of the American concern Allegran. On the territory of the CIS, almost all 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. Friedrich Brandt, arranged the so-called "Botox parties". There, popular representatives of the fair sex could try a miraculous injection. Gradually, women could not imagine their existence without a drug called Botox. Reviews of the magical injection were passed from mouth to mouth. Hollywood beauties quickly got used to the fact that with just a few injections their skin becomes decades younger. The desire to always remain beautiful has created a huge demand for the drug. At that time, its only manufacturer was the concern"Allegran". It was he who got the first "golden rain" from the sale of Botox.
Appearance 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 all over the world have found an easy solution. Feeling all the profitability of the release of such a drug, other companies soon entered the market. The French company Ipsen acted as the main competitor of the American concern. They launched into production, and then on 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 the medical giants has brought significant benefits to consumers. First, some price reduction. Where there is competition, there is also a cost struggle. Secondly, these are frequently updated developments and improved formulas. Gradually, the German corporation Merz joined the two giants. Her drug called "Xeomin" became popular due to its excellent properties and minimal diffusion. Of course, as in any other field of activity, the Chinese have also contributed here. Their drug called "Lantox" came to the market a little later than competitive products.
Does age matter?
The main application of substances containing botulinum toxin is cosmetology. However, there are several other medical fields where these drugs are also involved. For example, in dentistryBotox is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the jaw joint. Purified neurotoxins are of great importance in the fight against high sweating. Offices of ophthalmologists and ENT also use the described drugs for the treatment of various diseases. It should be noted that Botox injections are also used in proctology. People suffering from constant headaches are often saved by the drugs described. Substances containing neurotoxin have made a huge contribution to the fight against cerebral palsy. That is why among people who inject themselves with Botox, 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 accustomed to expressing his emotions violently can become the owner of early "crow's feet" or wrinkles over the bridge of the nose. The habit of squinting, grimacing and parody also “help” acquire early wrinkles. Therefore, sometimes girls (and guys too) resort to a procedure called Face Botox. Reviews of these injections are different. It all depends on the drug used, its concentration, the doctor, his technique, contraindications and the age of the patient. You can always smooth the relief of the skin. Only after the fifth decade the effect will not be very significant. In this case, the question arises: “What is better than Botox?” For a patient who has crossed the fifty-year mark, experts often offer lifting with the help of surgical intervention. And only then forfixing the result - "Botox".
Who injects?
It should be noted that only a certified medical specialist, and not just a cosmetologist, can professionally perform a procedure called "Facial Botox". Feedback from other clients who have already used the services of a particular clinic will help you choose the most suitable institution for the planned operation. There are cases that unfortunate masters injected the drug, deviating from the correct technique. The result of such procedures are lowered eyebrows, "wax mask" and other complications. Therefore, do not rush to stop your choice at the first institution that comes across. Look through as many options as you can and choose the most experienced one.
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 area". If the area is quite extensive, then marks are first made on the skin of the face. Then, injections of the drug "Dysport", "Xeomin" or "Botox" are carried out through them. In this case, the substance is injected either subcutaneously, or intradermally, or intramuscularly. This is determined by 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 a poison. Therefore, a disproportionate calculation of the amount of the administered drug can adversely affect not only beautyend result, but also on the he alth 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 the injection operation?
The average duration of the procedure is one hour. This includes a preliminary consultation, removal of makeup (if any), disinfection and cleaning of the face, marking the injection area, and at the very end - the direct introduction of the substance. The last action takes from five to twenty minutes, depending on the selected area.
Anesthesia is also provided at the request of the client. It is performed by application: a special cream is applied to the skin of the face. However, in most cases, pain medication is not used with Botulinum toxin injections.
When should you not have a 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, “prohibiting list”. It is noteworthy that all contraindications can be divided into two groups. The first includes those diseases with which a person cannot do Botox in any way. This includes hemophilia (weak blood clotting). This disease is also called the "disease of kings." Whether you are a monarch or not, if you are a carrier of this disease, you will be denied any surgical operations, including Botox injections. Another diseaserelated to this group is von Willebrand's disease. This disease is characterized by the appearance of spontaneous unexpected bleeding. The second name of the disease is angiohemophilia.
Botulinum toxin injections are strictly prohibited in myasthenia gravis. This ailment is characterized by rapid muscle fatigue and their general weakness.
Besides these, there are also other contraindications. Botox, Dysport, Xeomin are not recommended to be injected under the skin if you are a nursing mother or pregnant. In addition, the procedure cannot be performed during menstruation.
As mentioned above, "Botox" is sometimes an addition to plastic surgery operations. However, experts do not recommend injecting immediately after the intervention. Doctors recommend waiting until the swelling subsides and blood circulation returns to normal. 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".
One day before visiting the beauty parlor, you must stop using aspirin, tetracycline medicines (a group of antibiotics), sleeping pills, antidepressants and some other drugs.
Complications
Currently, many seek to do "Botox" at home. Feedback from people who have successfully implemented this idea should not mislead you. It would seem that it is difficult to make severalinjections. And yes, you can save money. Many people mistakenly think so. However, like any other procedure, botulinum toxin injections can cause complications. Even if you have no contraindications. A professional doctor is not immune from mistakes. What can we say about amateurs.
One of the popular procedures is "Botox" between the eyebrows. Reviews of the miraculous getting rid of folds in this area may encourage 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 can face dire consequences. Facial asymmetry, eyelid swelling, drooping eyebrows, drooping eye corners, and many other complications can result from this type of home-based activity.
In addition, some problems may be the result of 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. As Krylov said, “it’s a disaster if the shoemaker starts the pies…” Therefore, let's trust those who are really experts in their profession.
Side effects
When we purchase this or that medical product, as a rule, it comes with instructions. It contains a long list of possible side effects. So it is with the Botulinum toxin injection procedure. The appearance of pain, swelling and temporary weakening of the muscles is possible even in the veryhe althy patient. In this case, side effects can occur both in individual areas of drug administration, and throughout the face.
What problems and where can arise with the introduction of drugs "Dysport", "Xeomin" and "Botox":
- Houndstooth. Reviews of some patients can be taken as a warning. Be careful if you have a sensitivity to injections or an allergy to the drug. This is fraught with the appearance of edema and even bruising. If you are painfully tolerating injection procedures, ask to pre-anoint the injection site with Lidocaine solution or other anesthetic.
- Creases between the eyebrows. This procedure may cause headaches. 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 there is immobility of the upper lip.
Rejuvenation effect
Don't expect a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection to "take away" ten years right away. Although it does happen. It all depends on the characteristics of the structure 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 “coming back to life”. Their full recovery is observed on average after 7 months. In order to always look young and beautiful, you should maintain the effect and undergo outpatient injection procedures two or three times a year. On the positive side, drugs containing"Botulinum toxin" is not addictive. Therefore, the administered dose should not be increased. If you combine Botox injections with other cosmetic procedures, you can achieve amazing results in the fight for your youth and beauty.
Creams and masks after injections
It should be noted that after this procedure, you can and should continue to care for your skin. Be sure to use various creams, masks, serums. However, thermal procedures should be postponed for some time after injections. For several days you can not bask in a hot bath, visit a 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 may cause the neutralization of the effect of the procedure.
It is likely that excessive fascination with injections of "Botulinum toxin" will adversely affect the beauty of your face, turning it into a "wax mask", devoid of emotions. Professionals advise to carry out the procedure for administering drugs by zones. First, the forehead area is chipped. After a while, the substance is injected into the folds between the nose and lips. And so on. Experts recommend sometimes leaving characteristic folds - "sparks" that give a person a special charm and charm.
Thai cream with snake venom
The most common procedure for both the fair sex and men is "Botox" around the eyes. Reviews of this operation are different: those whoused the services of professional craftsmen - satisfied. Some complain about the acquisition of an unwanted "smile" in the eye area. Others start looking for differences between drugs and try to find a cheaper alternative.
Thai masters of traditional medicine offer their options in the fight against wrinkles. If a few years ago, all tourists without exception bought collagen masks and creams made by smiling Thais on the Internet, now the turn of snake mixtures has come. On the outskirts of Bangkok, there is a factory where they breed and study reptiles. Scientists have found that the venom of some snakes has a beneficial effect on the skin. It was the toxic secretions of the king cobra that became the basis for the creation of a novelty in cosmetology, which is now known as the “Botox Cream from Thailand”. Reviews about this product are few, but they please with their positive. Of course, this remedy will not be able to completely remove wrinkles and tighten the skin. But to even out the complexion and slightly correct the folds - this is exactly what he can do!
