Botox is a protein produced from the bacterium “Clostridium Botulinum,” used to treat various conditions such as wrinkles, migraines, and excessive sweating. If deemed suitable for the procedure after a preliminary examination by the specialist performing it, Botox can be applied to the desired area at the dose determined by the relevant specialist. Botox achieves its effects by temporarily interrupting the transmission between nerves and the muscles and sweat glands they stimulate, showing its effect only in the injected area. It does not affect all muscles. Although it is a short and minor intervention, unwanted side effects may occur if the Botox injection is not performed with the correct dose and technique. Therefore, it is essential that the procedure is conducted under the supervision of experienced and specialized physicians in this area. Depending on the area of application and the patient's pain threshold, Botox is generally not considered a painful procedure. If deemed necessary by the specialist performing the Botox procedure, a local anesthetic cream may be applied to the relevant area before the procedure.
What are the Application Areas for Botox?
While it can solve issues such as skin wrinkles and migraine treatment, it can also be preferred for masseter Botox or other facial contouring procedures. Botox can also be applied to stop sweating in the hands, feet, and underarms. In facial contouring with Botox, eyebrow positioning can be corrected, or a more aesthetic appearance can be provided to the smile.
In the case of masseter hypertrophy, masseter Botox can be applied to soften facial lines and achieve a more oval and thinner appearance. Additionally, Botox can be used in treatments for eye disorders such as lazy eye, blepharospasm, excessive saliva production, urinary incontinence, facial paralysis, and various muscle disorders.
Initial Effects and Duration of Botox
The initial effects of Botox can vary from person to person but are generally observed within 1-2 weeks after application. The effect of Botox, which temporarily blocks nerve transmission, can last for 3-4 months on average after the first application. After repeated applications, this duration may increase depending on the muscle applied. Advice on how soon Botox can be reapplied can be obtained from the specialist performing the procedure.
Post-Botox Precautions
• Although it is generally normal for a small amount of redness and swelling to occur due to the injection, it is important to avoid rubbing or scratching the treated area. • It is recommended to avoid water contact with the treated area on the first day, and to be gentle during bathing in the following days.
Although there is generally no objection to patients resuming their normal lives after Botox, it is advised to protect the treated area from factors such as hot water and sunlight and to avoid lying down on the treated area for a while.
Regarding the precautions to be taken after Botox, it is necessary to carefully listen to the views of the specialist who performed the procedure and act accordingly.
Who is Not Suitable for Botox?
Although Botox applications can be safely performed in most individuals, caution or complete avoidance may be necessary in some cases. Botox is not recommended, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as the potential effects of botulinum toxin on the baby are not definitively known during this period. Individuals with muscle diseases (such as myasthenia gravis, ALS) may also face complications with Botox applications. Additionally, those who have allergic reactions to Botox, have active infections at the injection site, or have severe skin conditions should avoid the procedure. Before the procedure, a detailed preliminary evaluation should be conducted, and the patient's overall health and medications should be reviewed by a specialist physician. This evaluation is crucial for preventing possible side effects and ensuring maximum benefit.
What are the Side Effects of Botox?
When applied with the correct technique and dose, Botox is generally a safe procedure. However, like any medical intervention, albeit rarely, some side effects may occur. The most common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, or mild pain at the injection site. Rarely, there may be headaches, temporary muscle weakness, or unintended effects in unwanted areas after application. Complications such as temporary drooping (ptosis) of the eyebrows or eyelids are usually due to incorrect injection techniques. Therefore, Botox should only be administered by trained and experienced physicians. Side effects are generally temporary and resolve on their own within a few days. To avoid permanent issues, post-application instructions from the physician should be meticulously followed.
How Often Should Botox Be Applied?
Although the longevity of Botox applications varies depending on personal factors and the area of application, it generally remains effective for 3 to 6 months. For individuals having Botox for the first time, this duration may be slightly shorter, while for those having regular applications, the duration of effect may gradually extend. Especially in areas with intensive use of mimic muscles, such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes, as muscle memory weakens, the effect of Botox may last longer. Regular applications before the effect of Botox completely wears off can help prevent lines from re-forming. However, the procedure should be repeated without excess and under expert supervision. The most accurate decision on application frequency should be determined by a specialist physician based on the individual's use of expressions, muscle structure, and response to previous applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Does Botox Settle?
Botox applications do not show their effects immediately. Generally, mild changes start to be noticed within the first 2-3 days after injection. To provide a precise answer to the questions of what Botox is and when its effect fully settles, it is necessary to wait about 7 to 14 days to see the full results. This period may vary depending on the area treated, the dose of Botox used, and individual muscle structure. Especially for procedures such as masseter Botox applied to the jaw muscles, it may take a bit longer for the muscles to completely relax and for the facial contour to thin.
Attending regular follow-up appointments is essential for ensuring a more natural and even outcome from Botox applications. Staying in regular contact with your doctor after the procedure and closely monitoring the process will contribute to more successful Botox results.
After Botox applications, it is recommended to avoid heavy sports activities and movements that may apply pressure to the facial area for a while. Thus, the effect of Botox settles more quickly and uniformly.
What are Botox Prices?
Botox prices vary depending on the application area, the brand of the product used, the experience of the specialist doctor performing the procedure, and the location of the health institution. In Turkey, Botox applications can be performed for both cosmetic and medical reasons. Cosmetic procedures include various applications such as forehead Botox, Botox around the eyes, and masseter Botox. Especially masseter Botox may vary in price compared to other areas as it is applied for both facial slimming and teeth grinding (bruxism) treatment. To provide an exact figure about Botox prices, it is necessary to decide first on which area, at what dose, and how frequently the application will be done. Furthermore, in some patients, Botox applications may not be limited to a single area; when a combination of multiple areas is involved, the cost may also vary. In summary, as Botox applications are planned individually, it is recommended to obtain an evaluation by a specialist doctor for the most accurate price information.
Does it Cause Temporary Muscle Relaxation?
Botox applications cause temporary muscle relaxation. One of the primary answers to the question of what Botox is, is this. This substance containing botulinum toxin prevents muscle contraction by temporarily interrupting nerve-muscle communication. This effect prevents the formation of wrinkles, softens existing ones, and provides relief in the treatment of certain medical conditions. For example, in the problem of teeth grinding, masseter Botox applications prevent excessive contraction of the jaw muscles, providing relief both in pain and facial contour. Muscle relaxation forms the basis of both the aesthetic and medical benefits of Botox applications. However, this effect is temporary; within 4 to 6 months, the effect of Botox diminishes, and muscle functions gradually return to their original state.
With regular applications, this process can be preserved for a longer time. It is essential to note: Botox applications should only be conducted by expert doctors in this field. Otherwise, there may be undesirable degrees of muscle relaxation or issues like asymmetry.