Botox

Botox – Botulinum Toxin
Botox (botulinum toxin) refers to a group of proteins produced from botulinum toxin. The mechanism of action of botulinum toxin (Botox) involves inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, a substance naturally produced by the body that is responsible for muscle contraction.
Botox, when injected into specific areas, temporarily stops muscle contractions, resulting in the reduction of wrinkles and smoothing of the skin, with the associated effect of giving the treated person a more youthful appearance.
The reasons someone may consult a doctor for Botox treatment are primarily aesthetic. Botox treatment is performed without the need for local anesthesia.
The most common areas of the body treated with Botox are around the eyes, where fine wrinkles may appear even at a young age, particularly at the outer corners of the eyes. These are known as crow’s feet and are caused mainly by facial expressions.
Botox treatment can also be performed to address concerns in the eyebrow area, most commonly the vertical wrinkle between the eyebrows, known as the frown line or glabellar line.
Horizontal forehead wrinkles result from the action of the frontalis muscles, which raise the eyebrows. These wrinkles can also be treated with Botox.
The Botox treatment procedure can last between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Small injections of Botox are administered into the muscles in the glabellar area, forehead, or around the eyes, temporarily reducing the activity of the muscles responsible for wrinkles.
After the procedure, you can resume your normal activities. Results last approximately 6 to 8 months, depending on how active the facial muscles are in the treated area.
Expression Lines and Botulinum Toxin
Expression lines begin to appear after the age of 20 and become permanent and noticeably visible after the age of 30.
Which areas can be treated?
Forehead wrinkles (“worry lines”).
Glabellar wrinkles (“frown lines”).
Wrinkles above the nose, commonly known as “bunny lines.”
Wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes (“crow’s feet”).
Botulinum toxin: Botox is the trade name for botulinum toxin type A, a protein complex derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
The correct injection technique and the precise injection sites are particularly important. Small amounts of the toxin are injected into the facial muscles responsible for expressions, temporarily preventing certain muscle movements.
For example, correctly administering Botox to the wrinkles caused by smiling around the eyes can reduce them within five days of treatment. The results last approximately 3 to 8 months.
Complications
Like any medical treatment, botulinum toxin injections may cause complications.
Bruising may occur at the injection sites immediately after treatment. In some cases, an additional corrective injection may be necessary.
What precautions should be taken?
Botulinum toxin treatment is contraindicated in the following cases:
If you suffer from myasthenia gravis.
If you have a neuromuscular disorder.
If you are allergic to botulinum toxin.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Before and After
The original text includes before-and-after photographs illustrating the results of Botox wrinkle correction.
Note: This is a translation of the supplied Greek text. Some phrases in the original appear corrupted or contain typographical errors, so those sections have been translated according to their apparent intended meaning. The stated treatment duration and contraindications reflect the source text and should not be taken as individualized medical advice.