Early signs of age don't always require surgical treatment. Common skin rejuvenation procedures include botulinum toxin (BOTOX) and hyaluronic acid treatments.
Botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin is a natural protein produced by bacteria that can block the excitation of facial muscles. In plastic surgery, highly diluted botulinum toxin is used to reduce wrinkles (frown lines, crow's feet lines, or horizontal forehead wrinkles) and for other treatments (for example, excessive perspiration). Targeted injections relax only those facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Depending on the type of wrinkle, botulinum toxin usually makes fine wrinkles disappear completely or significantly less deep. A positive effect lasts between 5 and 7 months and is visible after just 2-14 days.
The medication is injected into the affected area with a very fine needle. You may experience slight pain at the injection site and a slight tension pain caused by the medication. Afterward, the injections are barely noticeable. Minor bleeding or surrounding redness, as with any local injection, is possible. Occasionally, small bruises may occur. You can immediately cool the treated areas and cover them with light makeup. This will not affect your normal activities.
Treatment with botulinum toxin should be avoided in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- neuromuscular diseases (e.g. myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome);
- blood clotting disorder;
- eyelid levator weakness;
- known allergies to botulinum toxin or human albumin (blood protein).
I will provide you with more detailed information about your specific risks and the associated possible complications during the consultation.