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What Does Botox Actually Do? Everything You Need To Know

01-12-2023

Our latest blog discusses one of the most popular cosmetic injections, Botox injections, and shares our expert knowledge and advice on this anti-wrinkle treatment. You’ll find everything you need to know about this popular cosmetic treatment in this blog!

What is Botox?

Botox, derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is a neurotoxin that has gained remarkable popularity in cosmetic treatment. Botox is a brand name coined to describe ‘anti-wrinkle injections‘, although there are other brands of Botulinum Toxin for this neurotoxin treatment.

Widely recognized for its ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines temporarily, Botox is administered via injection into specific muscles to block nerve signals and prevent muscle contractions. This results in a smoother and more youthful appearance, leading to its widespread use in various medical and aesthetic applications.

Additionally, Botox has proven effective in treating various medical conditions, such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating and muscle spasms. The treatment is relatively quick and minimally invasive, making it a popular choice among individuals seeking non-surgical cosmetic enhancements.

Realistically, it can’t mimic the results you would find with plastic surgery, but Botulinum Toxin injections are an excellent preventative treatment and can turn back time and refresh the face.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox works by temporarily paralyzing targeted muscles, preventing them from contracting and causing wrinkles.

When Botox is injected into the targeted area, it blocks nerve signals and inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. By interrupting this communication between nerves and muscles, Botox becomes a muscle relaxant, preventing the muscles from contracting, leading to a smoother and more youthful-looking appearance.

The effects of Botox typically begin to show within a few days after the injection, with maximum results visible after about two weeks. The cosmetic benefits of Botox can last between three to six months, after which the effects gradually wear off as the muscles regain their normal function.

Botox is commonly used to treat forehead lines, frown lines (Glabellar lines) between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet around the eyes. However, it can also improve a sagging neck ‘Turkey neck‘, sharpen a jawline, lift the tip of a nose or soften ‘smokers lines’ around the lips. We can also improve the lips in some clients with anti-wrinkle injections to produce fuller lips without adding filler. This technique is known as a ‘lip flip’ and can work well for clients who do not want dermal fillers.

We can also target the masseter muscles (near the cheekbones) to help slim the jawline. This is known as ‘Masseter Botox’.

It is a safe and minimally invasive procedure performed by trained medical professionals and has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use.

What Causes Facial Wrinkles?

Facial wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process and can be caused by various factors. The primary cause of wrinkles is a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. As we age, our body produces less collagen and elastin, which decreases the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This results in the formation of wrinkles.

Another significant factor causing facial wrinkles is exposure to (UV) from the sun. UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibres, accelerating the ageing process and causing wrinkles to appear prematurely. Therefore, protecting the skin from the sun is essential by wearing good-quality sunscreen and limiting exposure.

Other causes of facial wrinkles include repetitive facial expressions, such as forehead wrinkles caused by frowning and exaggeration of wrinkles around the eyes by squinting or smiling. These repetitive movements can create lines and wrinkles over time, especially in areas with thinner skin, like around the eyes and mouth. Also, habits like smoking and poor skincare routine can contribute to developing wrinkles.

Furthermore, factors like stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet can also contribute to the formation of facial wrinkles. Stress can lead to increased production of cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen and elastin fibres. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition deprive the skin of essential nutrients to maintain health and elasticity.

In conclusion, facial wrinkles can be caused by a combination of factors, including natural ageing, sun exposure, repetitive facial expressions, smoking, poor skincare routine, stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition. Taking preventive measures such as protecting the skin from sun damage, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following a proper skincare routine can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and keep the skin looking youthful for longer.

Does Botox Work For Dynamic Wrinkles?

Dynamic wrinkles, also known as expression lines or dynamic facial lines, are a natural part of ageing. These wrinkles are caused by repeated facial muscle movements, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting. Unlike static wrinkles that are present even when our face is at rest, dynamic wrinkles only appear when we make certain expressions.

The main culprit behind dynamic wrinkles is the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres in our skin over time. These fibres are responsible for maintaining the elasticity and firmness of our skin. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

Botox injections are a popular and effective treatment that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for the expression lines, reducing their appearance. Dermal fillers are an additional treatment that can also plump up the areas affected by dynamic wrinkles, delivering a smoother appearance.

Does Botox Work For Static Wrinkles?

Static wrinkles are one of the many common signs of ageing that affect our skin. Unlike dynamic wrinkles that appear with facial movements, static wrinkles are constantly visible and do not disappear when the facial muscles are at rest. A combination of factors such as collagen and elastin breakdown, sun exposure, gravity, and repetitive facial expressions cause these wrinkles.

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner, making it more prone to static wrinkles. The breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres leads to sagging and the formation of deep lines and creases. Exposure to sunlight plays a significant role in developing static wrinkles, as prolonged exposure to UV rays damages the skin fibres and diminishes the skin’s ability to repair itself.

Repeated muscle movements also contribute to static wrinkles. Facial expressions like squinting, frowning, or smiling can cause lines to form over time. These wrinkles may appear deeper or more prominent over time due to decreased skin elasticity.

Botox can help prevent more static wrinkles from forming and ‘soften’ their appearance. Dermal fillers can help plump and improve areas where static wrinkles are developing, and incorporating a comprehensive skincare routine that includes products like retinol, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid can help improve the skin’s texture and reduce their appearance.

What Are The Benefits of Botox Injections for Facial Rejuvenation?

Botox injections have gained immense popularity as an effective tool for facial rejuvenation over the years and are a popular treatment at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic.

One of the primary benefits of Botox injections is their ability to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. By targeting specific muscles, Botox relaxes them, smoothes out the skin, and reduces the visibility of these signs of ageing. The results are typically noticeable within a few days and can last several months.

Additionally, Botox injections can also prevent new wrinkles from forming. By temporarily paralyzing the treated muscles, Botox inhibits repetitive facial movements that lead to the development of wrinkles and deep lines. This preventative measure can help individuals maintain a more youthful appearance in the long term.

Moreover, Botox injections are a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure. This means no incisions, scars, or lengthy recovery periods are involved. The injections should be performed in a clean clinical environment and are completed within one appointment. Botox has little to no downtime after treatment (other than the guidelines we give our clients post-treatment), so it’s a convenient option for many people.

Overall, Botox injections offer a range of benefits for facial rejuvenation. They help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, prevent the formation of new wrinkles, and are a minimally invasive procedure with minimal downtime.

Who Should Inject Botox?

Despite its numerous benefits, it is essential to note that Botox (Botulinum Toxin) should only be administered by a trained medical professional to ensure safe and effective results.

It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing any Botox treatment to determine if it is suitable for your specific needs and to discuss any potential risks or side effects.

Your anti-wrinkle injections target all types of wrinkles, so your aesthetics practitioner must have a clear understanding of dosage and facial anatomy to get the best results and to ensure they target the correct muscle groups without affecting the nearby muscles and nerve endings.

For example, when injecting the frontalis muscles in the upper face, if your practitioner does this incorrectly, it can cause the eyebrows and even eyelids to drop.

What To Expect With Botox

When you come for Botox at your appointment with us, we will discuss your concerns. We will take photographs of your face with images of your frowning and smiling before the treatment. These will show horizontal lines on the forehead and exaggeration of wrinkles so that we can review the results at your post aesthetic treatment appointment two weeks later.

At Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic, we champion natural-looking results, so our doses of Botulinum Toxin are carefully administered so you achieve a refreshed, more youthful appearance without looking frozen. Should you want a stronger dosage, the second appointment also allows you to have a top-up on your treatment. This second follow-up appointment is included at no additional cost.

Once we have taken photos, we will apply a topical anaesthetic cream to the areas to be injected to reduce discomfort. Once the cream has taken effect, we will proceed with the treatment. Some clinics may use ice packs to numb the area. We find the cream works better and does not create pressure points in the injection areas. We may ask you to frown or smile between injections so we can review your muscle activity to pinpoint precisely the areas that will work best for your forehead muscles and soften the appearance of lines.

After your treatment, we will gently remove the numbing cream and give you tailored post-treatment advice. You can either book your two-week follow-up treatment with us then or monitor your results and book in with us within the short time frame window for any further top-up.

Common Side Effects and Risks of Botox Injections

Botox injections have gained immense popularity for their ability to effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. While generally safe, it is crucial to be aware that this cosmetic procedure can have side effects and risks associated with these injections.

One of the most common side effects of Botox injections is temporary discomfort at the injection site. Some individuals may experience bruising, redness, swelling, or itching, which usually subsides within a few hours or days.

Some individuals may experience migraine symptoms following treatment, but this is not something we have seen in our anti-wrinkle clients.

Poor injection technique or dosage can cause muscle weakness in nearby areas, causing drooping eyelids, an uneven smile, or difficulty in maintaining facial expressions. These effects are temporary and typically resolve themselves within a few weeks.

In rare cases, more severe complications can arise. These may include allergy-related symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention in such instances. Other potential risks involve the spread of the toxin beyond the injection site, causing muscle weakness or paralysis in unintended areas.

Risks are minimized when injections are administered by a skilled and experienced professional.

While Botox injections are generally considered safe, it is vital to consult a qualified healthcare provider or a licensed aesthetician before undergoing the procedure. They can evaluate your individual circumstances, assess any existing medical conditions or medications, and determine if Botox is a suitable option for you. By understanding and discussing the potential side effects and risks with a professional, you can make informed decisions about Botox injections and achieve the desired results safely.

How Much Does Botox Cost?

At our flagship aesthetics clinic in Longfield, anti-wrinkle injection prices start from £200. The cost is based on the number of areas. Always be wary of low-cost Botox treatments; they always come at a cost to your face: Either the practitioner is skimping on insurance, is less experienced, does not work out of a clinically safe clinical environment, or the product they are injecting is questionable.

Put your face in safe, experienced hands and Book Your Appointment Today.