
What is Botox?
Botox is a protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Used for medical and aesthetic purposes, Botox blocks the communication between nerves and muscles, allowing the muscles to relax temporarily. This feature allows it to be used in many areas from the removal of wrinkles to the treatment of muscle spasms. In the field of aesthetics, it corrects wrinkles, especially by relaxing the facial muscles.
In Which Areas Is Botox Used?
Botox can be used in many different medical and aesthetic fields. Apart from aesthetic purposes, Botox also has some medical applications:
Aesthetic Areas: It is widely used in the treatment of wrinkles on the face, especially in areas such as forehead lines, around the eyes (crow’s feet), lines between the eyebrows and neck lines.
Medical Uses:
- Migraine Treatment: Botox injections can be given at different points on the head and neck to prevent monthly migraine attacks.
- Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): In people with excessive sweating, the sweat glands can be temporarily stopped from working, especially in areas such as armpits, hands and feet.
- Muscle Spasms and Dystonia: Botox is used to treat involuntary muscle contractions in the neck, back and other muscle groups.
- Overwork of the Jaw Muscles (Bruxism): Botox can be used to treat pain and damage caused by teeth grinding or overworking of the jaw muscles.
- Eyelid drooping (ptosis): It can treat droopy eyelids by temporarily stopping the muscles in the eyelid from working.
How is Botox Applied?
Botox application is usually performed in the following steps:
- Evaluation and Planning: The area to be treated is evaluated by the doctor. Which muscles will be injected with Botox and the required dose amount are determined.
- Anesthesia: Most of the time Botox application does not require anesthesia, but local anesthetic cream or cold compress can be used for some patients.
- Injection: Botox is injected directly into the targeted muscles through fine needles. The procedure usually takes 10-30 minutes and the recovery period begins immediately.
- Results: After the procedure, patients can resume normal daily activities. The effects of Botox usually begin to be seen within 3-5 days, with full effects occurring within 1-2 weeks.
What are the Side Effects of Botox Application?
Botox is generally a safe procedure when performed by a specialized doctor. However, some side effects may occur:
- Swelling and Bruising: Mild swelling and bruising may occur in the application area, but these effects disappear in a short time.
- Headache: Some people may experience headache after Botox application. This is usually a short-term side effect.
- Muscle Weakness: As a result of incorrect application, excessive relaxation of the injected muscle may cause temporary weakness or immobility in the muscles. For example, problems such as eyelid drooping may occur.
- Asymmetry: Temporary asymmetry may occur in facial contours as a result of uneven distribution of Botox.
- Infection: Infection may rarely develop at the injection site, but this is a very low risk when proper hygiene conditions are provided.
- Allergic Reactions: Very rarely, allergic reactions to Botox may develop. These can manifest themselves with symptoms such as swelling, itching and redness.
Informing your doctor about your medical history and current health status before Botox application will reduce the potential risks.