Most women, when the first signs of aging appear, prefer to begin performing procedures that maintain youth. These are not necessarily manipulations that actually improve the quality of the skin. The most popular is Botox, which provides a quickly achievable but temporary change in appearance. You can achieve the desired results using different drugs. Botox Allergan is considered a classic option that does not lose prestige. The manufacturer became a pioneer in the field of application and gave impetus to the development of injection cosmetology.
Description of the drug
A drug called Botox, which gives its name to the injection procedure for temporary correction of wrinkles, is produced by the American company Allergan. The manufacturer works in the field of creating medicines, known since the 50s of the 20th century. As aesthetic medicine developed and the popularization of external perfection, the company developed the field of dermatology, released a line of weight loss products, and patented a substance based on botulinum toxin. It was Botox that brought Allergan worldwide fame and gave impetus to the development of injection aesthetics.
Currently, many analogues of the famous remedy have appeared. Developments in different countries can achieve similar results. Botox is considered a classic, authoritative drug. Many cosmetologists strive to work with him. Botox allows you to cope with small and large expression wrinkles, ptosis, and various cosmetic defects depending on the work of the muscles. The product is used for aesthetic and medical reasons.
What procedures should be used to supplement botulinum therapy?
“Beauty injections” correct facial contours, make facial wrinkles less noticeable, but have almost no effect on the condition of the skin. For better results, it is worth adding a set of anti-aging procedures.
What can be combined with Botulax?
- Mesotherapy and biorevitalization - injections of cocktails based on hyaluronic acid with the addition of antioxidants and vitamins, promote the production of collagen and elastin.
- Chemical and hardware peelings will renew the surface of the skin and eliminate pigmentation.
- Fillers smooth out deep folds and create the correct relief.
After the age of fifty, combined methods work much more effectively than any monotherapy.
Composition of the substance
Botox is considered a reliable substance with a composition that has been tested many times in practice. The drug includes:
- botulinum toxin (900 kDa);
- albumin (500 mcg);
- NaCl (900 mcg).
The high molecular weight of the active substance limits unplanned diffusion into adjacent tissues. Botox is gentle and takes time to show results. The effectiveness of the drug is noticeable 2–7 days after injection.
The maximum severity of the results of injections lasts 1–2 months. Full development of strength occurs 2-3 weeks after the procedure. The result lasts 4–6 months. Complete elimination of the effect of the drug allows you to contact a cosmetologist for repeated procedures.
Botox analogues allow you to achieve results in a shorter time, the duration of action increases. Many manufacturers of botulinum toxins rely on improving the preparations: the ability to widely cover tissues, maintaining natural facial expressions, and the absence or minimization of protein additions.
Note! Cosmetologists practice different versions of botulinum toxins; the classic product remains the standard of the substance.
Composition and release form of Relatox
The active substance of the product is botulinum toxin, a protein neurotoxin secreted by botulinum bacteria.
In addition to it, the composition includes gelatin and maltose to gently stabilize the active ingredient. Unlike Botox, albumin is not added to Relatox, so when using it, the likelihood of allergic reactions is minimized.
Relatox is produced in the form of a powder, on the basis of which a solution is prepared. The powder is placed in small glass bottles in cardboard packaging. The product is available in various volumes. In particular, there are packages containing 50 or 100 units.
Indications for use
Botox is valuable in medicine and cosmetology due to its ability to temporarily immobilize target muscles. The drug relieves muscle hypertonicity, relaxing spasmodic areas, and provides a pronounced lifting effect. Traditionally, Botox is used to solve problems:
- muscle spasm (torticollis, cerebral palsy, consequences of strokes, dystonia);
- ophthalmological disorders (strabismus, blepharospasm);
- increased sweating (hyperhidrosis);
- cosmetic defects (wrinkles, ptosis, asymmetry).
The drug can be used for medicinal purposes in adult patients and children over 2 years of age. Cosmetic interventions with botulinum toxins are available to those over 18 years of age. Doctors recommend anti-aging correction from the age of 25, taking into account the individual characteristics of age-related changes. Botulinum toxins are popular among women and men aged 30–55 years.
Efficacy of the drug
Botox is often used to solve cosmetic problems. The greatest effectiveness is noticeable when eliminating age-related defects of the upper third of the face: wrinkles, folds of the forehead, eyes. For using the drug in “difficult” areas of the lower third: lips, nasolabial folds, chin, the result depends on the skill of the cosmetologist.
Botox is used to eliminate excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Injections of the substance are performed in problem areas: armpits, palms, feet. Immobilization of muscles by the drug affects the functioning of the glands. The problem of increased sweating is eliminated for 6–9 months.
To treat spastic conditions, individual areas of the muscles are immobilized. By fixing the tissue, the existing defect is minimized. The condition is alleviated and the problem is corrected: the motor activity of the limbs stabilizes, speech and viewing angle change.
Purchasing botulinum toxin
The system of selling drugs containing botulinum toxin through a limited number of pharmacies, which requires presentation of a license to work with the substance, helps to stop the spread of counterfeit products. By purchasing Botox in this way, cosmetologists remain confident in the quality of the substance. There are many offers on the Internet for the sale of botulinum toxins. You will be able to find any product at an attractive price without guaranteeing the quality of the product. This is dangerous for doctors and patients
The cost of a tube of Botox Allergan 100 units can be purchased for 10–13 thousand rubles.
Important point! The substance is in the state of lyophilisate (dry powder). The granules need to be dissolved. The cosmetologist mixes the dry substance with saline solution in a certain proportion. The doctor uses a syringe to inject liquid through a closed stopper. The collection of the substance by a cosmetologist is identical.
About buying Botox and its counterfeits
Botox from the Allergan company is available for sale today, and you can buy it in offline and online pharmacies or cosmetic stores. The price of one bottle of 100 units is approximately 12,000 rubles.
In most cases, it is not advisable to purchase Botox on your own - the clinic may simply refuse to use it (and they will be right).
At the same time, purchasing the product yourself cannot be called advisable. In any case, the injections will have to be done by a doctor in the clinic, and the clinics themselves purchase original certified Botox in large quantities at wholesale prices.
On a note
Due to the fact that not a whole bottle, but a small amount of the drug is administered to one patient, its cost for one procedure is low. For example, the elimination of one glabellar wrinkle in Moscow costs about 3,500-5,000 rubles, and the elimination of “crow’s feet” costs 5,000-7,000 rubles.
Allergan's production facilities are located in several countries around the world. Botox produced in Ireland is supplied to the European market and Russia; a drug produced in California is sold in America. The company also has its own factories in Turkey, but whether Botox is produced there, including for the European market, is unknown (the company produces other pharmaceutical products in addition to Botox). It is dangerous to try to buy cheap Botox because you may encounter counterfeits. Moreover, patients with “their” drug are not given injections in serious clinics.
Trying to give yourself injections on your own in order to save money is strictly prohibited. This can lead to damage to nerves and blood vessels, and theoretically even allow the toxin to enter the bloodstream and develop symptoms of botulism. Therefore, all procedures with the drug should be carried out only by a highly qualified specialist who is well aware of the anatomy of the face, instructions for using Botox, and also understands the specifics of administering the drug in each specific case - the depth of needle insertion, dose, area. Without this knowledge, injections can be dangerous and useless.
What to prefer: American Botox or French Dysport?
Preparing for injections
The Botox injection procedure does not require complex preparation from the patient. It is important to pay close attention to your well-being. Any ailments are unacceptable. The cosmetologist assesses the general condition of the patient and the possible presence of contraindications.
Before the procedure, they strive to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the skin. There must be no inflammation or irritation. The skin should not be damaged or thinned by other manipulations (plastic surgery, resurfacing, peeling).
Before injections you should not:
- drink alcohol;
- take antibiotics, anticoagulants;
- perform actions that increase blood circulation, provoking a rush to the intended work areas (physical activity, massage, active bending down).
It is recommended to adhere to restrictions of 1-2 days before the procedure. It is advisable to increase this period to 1–2 weeks. It is not recommended to drink a lot of liquid on the day of injections. It is better to come to the procedure without makeup (with a minimum of cosmetics on your face). Before the session, it is not advisable to smoke or participate in stressful situations.
Contraindications to use of the product
Contraindications to the use of Botox are a rather controversial area, since many of them are established by various regulatory organizations in different countries, and they are often indicated on the principle of excess insurance (“it’s better to be over-safe than under-safe”), and the relevance of many of them is refuted by the practice of cosmetologists and special research.
There are not many contraindications to the use of Botox, and in most cases the average healthy person can use this remedy.
However, today the following contraindications to the use of Botox can be identified:
- Pregnancy;
- Children under 2 years of age (previously, Botox was generally prohibited from being used in pediatric practice, but with the increase in its importance in the treatment of cerebral palsy, the age limit was lowered);
- Skin infections at the sites where the drug is supposed to be administered;
- Allergy to egg white (Botox contains the protein albumin);
- Specifically for the treatment of facial wrinkles - history of dysphagia and aspiration.
Also, the drug is not recommended for use (or it is used in smaller quantities) for patients taking parallel aminoglycosides, macrolide antibiotics and some other drugs - they can enhance the effects of Botox, even leading to the development of adverse events.
Carrying out the procedure
The meeting between the doctor and the patient begins with a consultation. The cosmetologist asks many questions that influence the decision on the possibility of injections. The patient’s health status, lifestyle, and external appearance are important.
The doctor compares the information received with the client’s expectations, selects a course of action, calculates the dosage, and prescribes the procedure.
On the day of injection, the patient sits in a cosmetology chair. The procedure takes place with the body in an upright position. The skin in the affected areas is cleaned and an antiseptic is used. No significant anesthesia is provided. It is enough to use the ice cooling method. It is possible to use a local anesthetic before the procedure.
The cosmetologist examines the prepared skin and makes markings. Injections are made at the planned points. The doctor works with a solution prepared in front of the patient. This guarantees the patient the freshness of the drug. Additionally, it is advisable to request a tube for examination. The packaging must be undamaged and within the expiration date.
The doctor works with a thin insulin needle. The punctures are accurate and the impact does not cause pain to the patient. Depending on the chosen administration regimen, the doctor injects into the muscle or subcutaneously. The competence of a cosmetologist is important. Insufficient experience of the doctor often leads to undesirable consequences from the procedure.
To obtain the intended result, it is important to choose the correct dosage of the drug. The number of required units of botulinum toxin is selected individually. There are generally accepted maximum possible quantitative limits. The smallest dose needed for eyebrow lifting and nose correction is 5 units. To affect the area of the chin and lips - 6 units. For essential areas the following restrictions apply:
- crow's feet - 15;
- forehead - 20;
- between the eyebrows - 25;
- neck - 50;
- oval lift - 60.
After performing the injections, the doctor monitors the patient's condition. The state of health is monitored and the external picture is monitored. Minor ailments (headache, weakness), swelling and bruising are possible. There may be a feeling of heaviness and pain at the injection sites. After 30 minutes, the condition stabilizes, the doctor gives recommendations and releases the patient.
The procedure lasts about 30 minutes. At the end of the session, the patient can go to work and do everyday activities. External traces of injections are minimal and do not affect the quality of life.
Important! After 2 weeks, the doctor prescribes a follow-up examination after the procedure. Achievements are assessed. If the result is insufficient, correction may be made.
Instructions for use: preparation for the procedure and procedure for injections
As a rule, Botox injections can be performed at the first visit to a cosmetologist. It is first necessary to diagnose the causes of certain wrinkles, check the interaction of antagonist muscles, develop a regimen for administering the drug, and plan its consumption by the doctor.
Before injecting the drug, the cosmetologist must understand the reasons for the appearance of certain wrinkles in the patient and have a good understanding of exactly where botulinum toxin should be injected and to what depth.
On a note
In some cases, disagreements may arise between the patient and the doctor. For example, the patient wants the number of injections and the amount of the administered drug to be minimal, and injections should be given only to those muscles that cause wrinkles. But a specialist who is well versed in facial anatomy understands that inactivation of only these muscles can lead to even more severe cosmetic defects due to the activity of antagonists - this is how “Mephistopheles eyebrows”, some variants of ptosis, and a “sad face” appear. To avoid such situations, you should contact a highly qualified specialist for botulinum therapy, and then completely rely on his professionalism.
After the initial consultation, the doctor informs the patient about possible side effects and gives him informed consent to use Botox to sign.
It is also useful to read: Undesirable consequences for the face from Botox injections
Directly during the injections, the patient is seated in a chair in which it is convenient to adjust the tilt and height of the head.
The doctor reconstructs the Botox solution from the powder, taking into account the specifics of the specific procedure. Each bottle of Botox contains 100 units of the active substance, which are normally diluted in the bottle itself with pure saline solution (sodium chloride solution) with a volume of 2.5 ml to obtain a final concentration of the drug of 4 units per 0.1 cm3. However, in some cases, to eliminate wrinkles or to treat certain pathologies, dilutions may be different, and the value in each specific case is determined only by a doctor.
The photo below shows a 100 unit bottle of Botox (Allergan):
Botox (Allergan), 100 units
On a note
The form, on one side of which is informed consent for the use of the drug Botox, on the other side usually has a form describing the use of the drug, with a map of injection points, as well as a description of the patient’s condition before the procedure and a listing of standard dilutions - 1.25 IU / 0.1 ml, 2.5 units/0.1 ml, 4 units/0.1 ml, 5 units/0.1 ml, 10 units/0.1 ml. The doctor emphasizes here what he will use, or enters a unique meaning. It also indicates how many units of the drug will be administered at each point.
Then:
- The doctor draws the drug solution into the syringe;
- The face is treated with frozen gel or a special anesthetic for mild local anesthesia;
- The doctor begins to inject the drug into the muscles. The site of each injection of the product is lightly pressed with a finger. The drug may be injected into some muscles several times during the procedure. The amount of product is determined by the strength of muscle contraction, dilution of the drug, the severity of wrinkles and some other factors. On average, for example, 5 units of Botox are injected into the corrugator brow muscle per injection, and 17-20 units into the depressor brow muscle - 17-20 units.
At the end of the procedure, the skin is wiped with a damp cotton swab, and the doctor monitors the patient’s condition. If there are no signs of an allergic reaction, the procedure is completed. Its duration is usually 10-40 minutes.
After the procedure, barely noticeable red dots remain on the skin at the injection sites, which disappear the very next day.
For 3-4 days after botulinum toxin injections, it is extremely important to carefully monitor your condition, and if there are signs of generalized side effects, consult a doctor.
Rehabilitation period
To obtain the expected effect, not only the skills of a cosmetologist are important. Compliance with the restrictions of the recovery period will help minimize the risk of undesirable consequences and facilitate the administration of the substance. After injections it is prohibited:
- 4–6 hours lie down, bend forward, down;
- touch, rub, knead the skin in the puncture area;
- physically strain;
- sleep on your stomach;
- take certain medications, alcohol;
- warm up, steam the skin (do a massage, visit a bathhouse, sauna, take a hot shower, be exposed to ultraviolet radiation).
It is enough to follow the restrictions until you get a full result. After 2 weeks, it is permissible to gradually abandon the prohibitions. It’s good if you can comply with the restrictions for up to a month.
After injections, it is recommended to refrain from performing cosmetic interventions (masks, peelings, surgeries). It is not advisable to become pregnant 2–4 weeks after the manipulations.
Appearance after the procedure changes slightly. Possible swelling and bruising. To prevent the situation from worsening, it is not recommended to drink excessive amounts of liquid.
No special skin care is required. Careful cleansing is a must. Avoid overexposure to injection areas. It is advisable to temporarily give up cosmetics (limit the amount).
The effect of Botox injections lasts 4–6 months. The result disappears gradually. The procedure can be repeated in agreement with the cosmetologist after complete regression. The next intervention is not performed earlier than 2 months later.
Cost of injections
Botox injections must be performed by an experienced doctor who has the appropriate license to work with botulinum toxin.
It is recommended to seek the services of cosmetologists working in well-known clinics with a good reputation. The cost of Botox-based procedures is 300–400 rubles. per unit of drug.
Nowadays, a home system for receiving cosmetologists is common. Such specialists rarely have a license to administer botulinum toxin injections. At home, it is difficult to achieve the required sterility. It is necessary to take these nuances into account when choosing a performer.
Relative and absolute contraindications
Unfortunately, not everyone can use Botox for skin rejuvenation. There is a certain list of contraindications. These include:
- individual intolerance or allergic reaction to the components of the drug;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding period;
- the presence of external or internal active inflammatory processes in the place where the injection is supposed to be administered;
- diseases related to the nervous system, circulatory system or muscles;
- certain types of serious illnesses (diabetes, oncology, etc.).
The category of relative contraindications includes taking certain medications (antibiotics, tablets that affect the state of the blood) and alcohol several hours before the procedure.
How to speed up the elimination of the drug
If you receive negative consequences, it will not be possible to immediately remove the drug from the body. Botulinum toxin remains in the tissues for a specified amount of time. Additional actions will weaken the effect of the drug, softening the effect. In unforeseen situations, doctors recommend:
- performing massage;
- a course of physiotherapeutic procedures;
- carrying out drug treatment.
These effects help reduce muscle fixation. The effect of botulinum toxin gradually decreases, negative manifestations are minimized. It is recommended to carry out “treatment” under the supervision of a doctor. Wrong actions can cause harm and enhance the effect.
Note! At home, heat is used to remove toxins. A hot shower, bath, sauna in combination with self-massage can quickly eliminate unwanted consequences.
Advantages and disadvantages
The clear advantage of Allergan Botox is its classic composition and its action, which has been tested many times. Cosmetologists and patients trust the manufacturer and the product. No surprises are expected with Botox. The drug rarely causes side effects.
The disadvantage of Botox is its short action. Drugs have been created with longer retention of results. You will also have to wait longer to receive the first changes than with other means.
The effect of the classic remedy is rough. There are softer analogues.
Contraindications
You will have to reschedule Botox injections or refuse the procedure if:
- acute forms of diseases (chronic, systemic);
- failure of neuromuscular functions;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- blood diseases, endocrine disorders;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the injection substance.
The decision to carry out manipulations is made by the doctor. The patient is obliged to answer the cosmetologist's questions honestly, without concealing information about his or her health status. Cosmetic procedures are not performed on minors. Interventions are not recommended for persons with neurological disorders. It is advisable to postpone the procedure on menstrual days.
Compatibility of Botox with other procedures
As practice shows, the effect of botulinum toxin injections increases significantly if you combine it with preparations with hyaluronic acid. So, first, facial wrinkles are corrected with Botox, after which other facial irregularities are eliminated with fillers. By the way, both procedures can be performed in one session. However, this requires a very highly qualified cosmetologist.
One month before injections and for the same period after them, you should avoid any aggressive procedures such as peelings and plastic surgery.
Hardware techniques that restore connections between muscle fibers and nerve endings, such as magnetotherapy, microcurrents, galvanotherapy, ultrasound therapy or electrical stimulation, can significantly reduce the effect of botulinum therapy.
Side effects
The possibility of side effects depends on the skill of the doctor, compliance with restrictions during preparation and recovery. An inexperienced cosmetologist does not always perform injections correctly and makes mistakes in calculating the dosage. The fact that the drug did not rise or did not take may be the fault of the patient who does not comply with the prescription. There may be:
- Difficulties with well-being (gastrointestinal upset, problems with breathing, swallowing);
- swelling, pain, numbness at the injection sites;
- asymmetry, excessive tissue coverage.
When injections are administered correctly and recommendations are followed, side effects rarely occur. Possible minor headache and weakness. The symptoms go away on their own. Cosmetologists warn about the possibility of individual unforeseen reactions of the body.
A few words about possible side effects and how to react to them
Side effects from Botox can be divided into local and systemic.
Local include various disorders of facial expressions and the condition of the muscles of the treated areas of the face and body, which affect the appearance and some functions of the patient’s body. Among them:
- Drooping of the eyelid (blepharoptosis), sometimes with complete closure of the eye;
An example of eyelid drooping in a patient after wrinkle correction with Botox. Fortunately, this is reversible, and there are methods to speed up the restoration of normalcy. - Distortion of facial features, violation of symmetry, including during various facial movements - smiling, sardonic raising of eyebrows;
- Raising the corners of the eyebrows;
- Paresis or paralysis of the treated muscles (most often occurs due to medical errors, but can also occur with a correctly performed procedure);
- A decrease in the strength and frequency of eye blinking, sometimes an inability to close the eye, which subsequently leads to drying out of the cornea and the need to instill moisturizing drops into the eye;
- Dysphagia (inability to swallow);
- Impaired functioning of the jaw muscles and associated problems with pronouncing sounds and eating;
- Swelling on the face.
Today, there are botulinum toxin antagonist drugs that can correct side effects. However, in most cases, a good doctor’s understanding of facial anatomy and the absence of errors when administering Botox are reliable prevention of such phenomena.
Systemic side effects from Botox include:
- Headache after injections;
- Respiratory and influenza-like syndromes;
- Nausea;
- Allergic reactions.
They occur rarely, but they do occur, so both the patient and the doctor should be prepared for their development. Of these, allergies and headaches develop the fastest - usually during the injection process. Moreover, the allergy develops rapidly and requires the doctor to have adrenaline to prevent the dangerous consequences of anaphylactic shock.
All other systemic effects usually disappear 3-4 days after the procedure.
Review
“I decided to have Botox at 31. I have wrinkles almost from my college years, my face is too emotional and my facial expressions are moving. There were most of them on the bridge of the nose and forehead; at one time I even wore bangs to cover them. In the end, I decided on Botox because I have a cosmetologist friend who specializes in this procedure. Since then I have been injected 7 times, every 12 weeks. The effect is amazing, no wrinkles at all! Moreover, even the very deep ones are completely gone. For each procedure I receive 19 units. This is very little. There are no side effects, nothing hurts, I raise my eyebrows normally, there is no feeling of a waxy face. I think that if a specialist does it, he will inject as much as necessary and where necessary and there will be no side effects.”
Inga, Moscow
Opinion of cosmetologists
Doctors speak positively about American botulinum toxin. The classic drug is used by beginners and experienced doctors. There is a lot of information about the substance. He is easy to work with. The drug allows cosmetologists to cope with complex tasks. Patients have more confidence in a known substance.
https://pf-k.ru/
Cosmetologists trust classic botulinum toxin, get positive results, and recommend the substance to patients.
Compared to strong analogues, Botox is rated higher.
Many are betting on the drug's popularity. Patients trust the classic version of botulinum toxin more.
Patient reviews
Botox injections have been tried by many patients. Most cosmetologists prefer to begin introducing clients to botulinum toxin with this drug. Patients trust the brand, the well-known name, and are guided by numerous reviews about the substance. Recently, there have been patient complaints about a decrease in the effectiveness of the product.
https://plastic-surgeon.ru/forum/showthread.php?t=11655&page=6
Many people complain that Botox has gotten worse over time. The muscle blockade does not last for the stated amount of time.
Botox is considered a powerful remedy with a good reputation.
Some people are dissatisfied with Botox's ability to strongly lock muscles. It is not possible to obtain live facial expressions using botulinum toxin.
