The signs of aging are rarely welcome on our face. Wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes or mouth make us look tense and exhausted. Therefore, they are often perceived as disturbing and can affect our self-esteem. Today, however, there are a variety of methods to combat wrinkles. One (and probably the best known) of them is treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox). With this article we will inform you about the application, effect and benefits of Botox.
What is botox and how does it work?
Botox or botulinum toxin is the most commonly used substance in aesthetic medicine.
As early as the 1970s, botulinum toxin was used and approved for various medical purposes. Since the 1990s, it has made its triumphal march in aesthetic medicine for smoothing wrinkles. The substance is produced by various strains of the bacterial species Clostridium botulinum. For wrinkle treatment, it is injected into the facial muscles. The active substance then reaches the nerve endings of the muscles (synapses) that are to be influenced via the blood. Here, the active ingredient binds to the presynaptic membrane, causing an inhibition of excitation transmission from the nerve cells to the muscles. In simple terms, the Botox injection inhibits or completely stops the contraction of the muscle. As the respective muscles relax, the corresponding wrinkles smooth out. The effect lasts for about 4 – 9 months. Repeat treatments are always possible.
In addition to wrinkle treatment, this highly effective substance has recently been used to treat migraines and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Furthermore, Botox is used in neurology for the treatment of spasms. Due to the low side effects, it is even used here without hesitation in children.
Dr. Tatjana Pavicic
Dr. Tatjana Pavicic is a specialist in dermatology and venereology with her own practice in Munich. She is an internationally recognized expert in aesthetic dermatology with a special focus on dermocosmetics, botulinum toxin, fillers and lasers.
Which wrinkles can be treated with botulinum toxin?
Treatment with botulinum toxin is suitable for wrinkles that form on the face as a result of severe stress on certain parts of the face. These mimic wrinkles are formed by repeatedly tensing the same muscles under the skin. Thus, the skin is repeatedly strained in the same places.
Transverse forehead wrinkles (“thinker’s forehead”), laugh lines on the side of the eye (“crow’s feet”), vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows (“frown lines”) or nose wrinkles (“bunny lines”) respond very well to Botox.
What are the advantages of wrinkle treatment with botox?
Botox injection is an efficient and inexpensive method of smoothing wrinkles on the face. In this case – in comparison to a facelift – no surgical intervention takes place, the procedure is non-invasive and lasts only 10 to 20 minutes. In addition, the injection of Botox is almost completely painless and is hardly associated with side effects or complications. After the treatment, no regeneration period is necessary, which means that you can immediately return to your normal daily routine without any restrictions. The results of Botox wrinkle treatment are visible after only a few days.
Another advantage is that regular treatment with the substance can prevent expression lines from appearing in the future in the corresponding areas. The skin then appears permanently fresher and smoother.
Botox Munich
Important to know: Health risks associated with Botox injections are virtually eliminated due to the therapeutic safety of modern preparations. An unsatisfactory cosmetic result is further minimised by choosing an experienced and well-trained practitioner.
You should therefore only have Botox treatments carried out by an aesthetic medical practitioner, as he or she knows the anatomy and therefore also the course of the nerves and muscles in the face. This way you will get a visually appealing result.
You are in good hands in our private practice in Munich. Dr. Tatjana Pavicic, a specialist in dermatology, not only has years of experience in the use of Botox, but is also an internationally recognised expert and lecturer on treatments with botulinum toxin.
Foto: © Cute girl receiving hyaluronic acid treatment | © YakobchukOlena | fotolia.com