Botulinum therapy in cosmetology – what is it, effectiveness and results, reviews. Dysport, Xeomin, Botox

In cosmetology, many anti-aging procedures are used to eliminate age-related changes. One of the most effective and proven by several generations of patients is botulinum therapy. How safe Botox injections are, what indications and contraindications to the technique exist, the main varieties of drugs – all the important information about “beauty injections” is collected in the material.

What is botulinum therapy and prices for Botox injections

Botulinum therapy in cosmetology is a modern skin rejuvenation technique based on the introduction of type A botulinum toxin into muscle tissue . The procedure helps to relax tense muscles and thereby remove wrinkles on the face and body.

Botox in itself is a toxic substance, but for cosmetic purposes it is used in microscopic volumes and therefore is absolutely safe for health.

Botulinum toxins in nature are produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and were discovered back in the 19th century, but the official permission to use the poison for cosmetic purposes was received only in 1980 in the USA.

In USA, Botox began to be used in 1994.

Botulinum toxin injections are more than affordable today. So, the price of 1 bottle of Botox in cosmetic clinics in USA is about $ 5,44, Disport – $ 2 – $ 3, Kseomina – $ 6 – $ 7.

In this case, a whole bottle of Botox will cost $ 163 – $ 204, Relatox – $ 136 – $ 150. If you take into account that in a bottle there are usually about 100 units of action (unit) of Botox, it is easy to calculate how many sessions it lasts.

To eliminate different wrinkles takes a different amount of the drug:

• transverse wrinkle on the forehead (from 5 to 15 units);
• “Purse” wrinkles above the lip (from 3 to 5 units);
• creases of the skin in the corners of the mouth (5 units);
• “Crow’s feet” (from 10 to 20 units);
• wrinkles on the nose, between the eyebrows (from 10 to 30 units).

If injections are used to treat hyperhidrosis, the cost of such a procedure is impressive – the price of the course varies within $ 272. in New York and American.

Types of botulinum therapy

Botulinum therapy has been widely used in cosmetology relatively recently – since the mid-1980s. Earlier muscle relaxant injections were used in the treatment of pathologies of the nervous system, including severe lesions associated with muscle static:

• cerebral palsy;
• paralysis after a stroke;
• multiple sclerosis;
• diseases of the brain and spinal cord;
• horse foot syndrome;
• contraction of the circular muscles of the eye;
• blepharospasm (involuntary squinting);
• spasmodic muscle contraction (dystonia).

Botox injections in medicine are also used to treat:

1. Strabismus. The drug causes temporary paralysis of the eye muscles, after the end of which the deviation is corrected – the eye straightens.
2. Increased sweating (hyperhidrosis) . Botulinum toxin is injected directly into the areas of accumulation of sweat glands (axillary depressions, the surface of the feet and palms), after which the person stops sweating even from heat and stress.
3. Migraine. Botulinum toxin relaxes spasmodic muscles on the head and neck, has an analgesic effect, blocking the work of pain receptors.

There are 2 types of botulinum therapy:

1. Intramuscular administration of Botox.
2. Subcutaneous injection (mesobotox).

   

Differences of these procedures are collected in the table.

Intramuscular injection	Mesobotox
The drug is injected into muscle tissue.	Depth of injection is only 3/32 inch
More noticeable effect, helps eliminate even creases in the skin and deep wrinkles	Helps to cope with mimic wrinkles
Applies to all skin types.	Mostly performed on sensitive skin
High risk of side effects	Negative consequences are unlikely
A large number of contraindications	Contraindications are associated only with the presence of serious pathologies, acute and chronic diseases
Muscles relax, their tension does not occur either consciously or reflexively	Facial expression is preserved, the face does not turn into a motionless “mask”
Specific number of injection points	A large number of microinjections on a large area of the skin

Indications

The technique is safe for patients of any age, even for children (provided that the injection is medically necessary).

Botulinum therapy is indicated if the patient is concerned:

• small facial wrinkles around the eyes, mouth;
• deep nasolabial folds;
• interbrow folds;
• asymmetry of the face or its individual features;
• transverse creases of the skin on the forehead, neck, nose;
• omission of the corners of the lips;
• “Purse-string” small wrinkles that form above the upper lip;
• sharp features;
• folds in the neck and neck;
• lack of physiological roundness of the lower part of the face and chin;
• loss of oval face;
• the presence of severe scars and scars.

The most effective use of Botox is between 30 and 35 years old, when the first age-related changes have already manifested, but the tone of muscle fibers is still qui
te active.

Contraindications

Botulinum therapy in cosmetology is prescribed not to all patients who want to get rid of aesthetic skin defects.

The procedure will not be risked by any doctor if the patient has one or more contraindications:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• the presence of inflammatory processes, wounds, cuts at the alleged place of treatment with Botox;
• ptosis or hernia of the lower or upper eyelid;
• the presence of moles, warts or papillomas at the points of injection;
• autoimmune diseases;
• tendency to occur keloid scars;
• SARS or other infectious disease, accompanied by fever, fever;
• pathology of the urinary tract, endocrine and respiratory system;
• blood clotting;
• muscle weakness;
• malignant tumors;
• acute phase of chronic diseases.

Doing “beauty injections” is also prohibited:

• within 14 days after the end of taking antibiotics and antipyretic drugs, drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots;
• within 4–5 years after a traumatic brain injury;
• women during menstruation, as well as 2 days before and after it.

Abandoning the procedure without having medical indications is best for adolescents under 18 years of age and older people after 60 years of age, especially those suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system who have suffered a stroke or heart attack.

Feasible side effects

Undesirable consequences after a session of injection skin rejuvenation appear quite rarely and are associated with the aesthetic component.

If the procedure is performed incorrectly on the patient’s face, the following may occur:

• drooping or eversion of the eyelid;
• the appearance of hematomas at the injection site, hemorrhage;
• soreness of the treated area;
• spasm of the upper or lower eyelid;
• violation of symmetry in facial expressions;
• itching and swelling;
• inability to swallow;
• inflammation of the cornea and dry eyes, conjunctivitis;
• runny nose, cough;
• loss of appetite, weakness;
• upset gastrointestinal tract;
• nausea, vomiting;
• exacerbation of rashes of herpes.

If the doctor performs the injection in accordance with all the rules, then there are no side effects.

In the case when they appeared, most likely, a mistake was made:

• when choosing a muscle to administer the drug;
• in determining the required dosage of botulinum toxin;
• when choosing the depth of insertion of the needle;
• when determining points for injections at the stage of preliminary examination.

The patient himself may also be to blame for the appearance of negative consequences if he ignored the recommendations of the cosmetologist regarding behavior during the rehabilitation period.

The mechanism of action of botulinum toxin

The effect of botulinum toxins on the skin is to block facial muscles. The toxin penetrates into nerve cells and binds to receptors, preventing the transmission of impulses from nerves to muscle fibers.

In this case, the muscle relaxant does not damage the nerves and does not destroy the neurotransmitters responsible for neuromuscular transmission.

The mechanism of action of Botox in muscle tissue is as follows:

1. The Botox molecule attaches to the end of the motor nerve.
2. Nerve ending absorbs a toxic molecule.
3. The release of acetylcholine, the organic compound responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses, is blocked.
4. The muscle stops tense and finally relaxes.
5. After a certain time, new processes appear at the nerve ending.
6. New synapses are being formed.
7. The release of acetylcholine is restored.
8. The muscle regains the ability to move.

Preparations for the procedure

For the injection rejuvenation procedure, botulinum toxin type A preparations are used, of which there are several varieties. They differ in the amount of bacterial protein, albumin and stabilizers in the composition.

Most Popular:

1. Botox (Allergan) is the most popular, American drug, produced in bottles with the active substance content of 100 and 200 units. Has a prolonged shelf life.
2. Dysport. A comprehensive botulinum toxin manufactured in the UK. Release form – bottles with an active substance content of 300 and 500 units. It contains human albumin, as well as lactose, which must be known to people who are allergic to this substance.
3. Xeomin. It is produced in Germany, the form of release is bottles per 100 units. It contains pure neurobotulotoxin, which eliminates the occurrence of allergies to additives – stabilizing protein elements. When using it, facial facial mobility is preserved.
4. Mioblock. Japanese drug. Contains type B neurotoxin. The solution has a low level of acidity, which makes its administration more painful than that of analogues.
5. Relatox. It is made in the American Federation, is issued in the form of a bottle with a dosage of 50 and 100 units. As an additional component, serum albumin and sodium chloride are used. Less allergenic than Botox.
6. Lantox. The Chinese Botox analogue based on neurotoxins of types A, B, F.

All drugs have a different composition, but, in fact, are analog products that differ only in the number of concomitant additives and the size of the toxin molecules. The largest molecules are Botox (900 kDa), the smaller are Mioblock and Disport (500-700 kDa). In terms of safety, all means are the same.

The decision to replace or share the use of different drugs in the same course of anti-aging procedures can only be made by a cosmetologist.

Preparation for the procedure

Botulinum therapy in cosmetology is considered one of the relatively safe methods , provided that it is performed by a qualified cosmetologist using a quality drug.

Special preparation for injection skin rejuvenation is not required for the patient. All that is needed is to cleanse the skin of cosmetics, dirt and dead cells with micellar water, a tonic and a soft exfoliating scrub.

Next, the beautician conducts an initial examination of the client, determining:

• skin condition and problem areas;
• the need for botulinum therapy, excluding other anti-aging techniques;
• the number of necessary procedures, courses and the type of drug for administration;
• layout of points for injection.

Before proceeding to the procedure, the doctor should collect an anamnesis – find out from the patient about the presence of contraindications and well-being.

The procedure for botulinum therapy

The start of intramuscular injections is preceded by the signing of a voluntary consent to the procedure. The document states that the patient understands the essence of medical intervention and is aware of the possible consequences and side effects.

A correctly performed botulinum therapy procedure consists of the following actions of a doctor:

1. The cosmetologist in the presence of the patient opens the package with the drug, after checking the expiration dates. The data are entered into the patient’s card, the information insert of the injected agent is also pasted there.
2. The contents of the sachets or ampoules are diluted with saline to a uniform consistency.
3. To eliminate pain, benzyl alcohol can be added to the solution.
4. The active substance is drawn into a syringe with a thin needle with a diameter of only 0/32 inch.
5. The previously cleansed skin of the patient is treated with an anesthetic.
6. The doctor injects the exact amount of the drug into the muscle tissue at predetermined points.
7. The skin is treated with an antiseptic with a cooling effect.

In one session, the cosmetologist makes an average of 7-30 injections, depending on the problem that the patient wants to solve. The remains of the drug are disposed of, as they are forbidden to use. It takes from 1 to 5 minutes to process one site, the entire procedure rarely lasts longer than half an hour.

When does the injection effect appear

The visible effect does not appear immediately after a botulinum therapy session, but after 7-10 days. The deeper the wrinkles, the more time it may take for the manifestation of the result. During this period, botulinum toxin penetrates into nerve cells and disrupts the mechanism of transmission of impulses from neurons to muscles.

The course should be repeated 2 times a year, each time reducing the dosage of the drug. The result is saved even longer. After 4 – 5 courses – about 2 years of regular visits to the cosmetologist, patients lose the habit of wrinkling or squinting, which means that the risk of new wrinkles and creases is reduced.

Cosmetic result from the procedures

Botulinum therapy in cosmetology is considered one of the most effective procedures, since the effect of its use lasts on average from 3 to 9 months. After this time, the substance “resolves”, that is, botulinum toxin is destroyed by the body’s immune system.

In exceptional cases (only 1% of all patients who have used botulinum toxin therapy), against the background of prolonged use of botulinum toxins for rejuvenation, immunity to the procedure may develop, as a result of which the effect will last only 1 – 2 months or less.

Neurologists explain this phenomenon by the appearance of antibodies to blood, which neutralize the action of type A botulinum toxins, and prevent the influence of the latter on neural connections. This leads to either too large doses of the drug (over 250 units), or a large number of injections in a short period of time.

Other reasons why Botox does not work:

• insufficient amount of the drug in the injection;
• wrong muscle for injection;
• the patient has previously experienced botulism;
• immunity to injections against the background of a strong immune system of the body;
• preventive use, without indications of an injection intervention.

Recommendations after the injection

The patient does not need a lot of time for post-injection recovery, because the technique is almost painless. You do not need to wait until the person “returns to normal”, but you can immediately return to normal life.

The only thing that needs to be considered by the patient is the individual recommendations of the doctor.

Immediately after the procedure, the cosmetologist warns that in order to obtain the necessary effect, you can not:

1. Take a horizontal position or bend for 4 to 5 hours.
2. Touch the Botox-treated area of the skin, crush or usd it.
3. Visit a bathhouse, sauna or spa.
4. Take potent medicines.
5. Engage in heavy physical labor and subject the body to athletic stress.
6. Wash with hot water (if injections were injected into the muscles of the face).
7. Massage the treated area (toxin molecules can enter the bloodstream).
8. Sleep on your stomach during the first day.
9. Take a hot bath or shower.
10. Conduct aggressive cosmetic skin manipulations: use chemical peeling, scrub or facial cleansing.
11. Visit your dentist if you have corrected nasolabial folds or wrinkles in your mouth.
12. During the day, drink plenty of water or eat foods that can cause swelling.
13. Drink alcohol and smoke.
14. To be vaccinated (it will become a serious burden on the immune system).
15. To carry out myostimulation and magnetotherapy, as well as ultrasound and laser exposure on the treated area.
16. Within 1 week to fly a plane.

As a rule, a person for another 1 – 1.5 hours remains under the supervision of a doctor in a cosmetology clinic. During this time, redness disappears from the treated area, traces of injections go away, and the risk of severe allergic reactions due to individual intolerance of the components is also eliminated.

Botulinum therapy is one of the most effective, safe and simple methods in cosmetology for the return of youth and skin tone.

In order for the effect to be pleasing, you need to seriously consider the choice of a cosmetology salon or clinic, a qualified doctor, and a high-quality and fresh preparation. And to prolong the effect, the fulfillment of all the requirements of the cosmetologist and the rejection of bad hab
its will help.

Video about botulinum therapy

The cosmetologist will dispel the myths about botulinum therapy: