What is Botox used for?
For years, the use of Botox in the treatment of skin aging was kept under wraps: people didn't want to know about it, and if they did, it wasn't discussed. Today, we are more open about the phenomenon of aging; it's simply a part of life. People are looking for solutions to counteract the visible aging process. A Botox treatment proves to be a suitable solution for this. When Botox is mentioned, people often think of tight, expressionless faces. However, this is only the case if it is injected in the wrong places or excessively. At The Body Clinic, we strive for a natural result. We therefore take your facial expressions into account and try to advise you as best as possible to achieve the desired result.
What is Botox?
In our clinics in Amsterdam and Duiven, we often get asked what Botox actually is. Can you put Botox in your lips? There is often confusion about Botox and fillers (hyaluronic acid). Botulinum toxin is a naturally derived protein used to temporarily relax muscles. The Body Clinic uses the brand Azzalure. It is administered via injections. Botulinum toxin blocks the nerve impulses to the muscles, causing the muscles' activity to decrease or cease. Fillers, on the other hand, can fill a specific area, including your lips. You cannot put Botox in your lips. Hyaluronic acid, the common name for this filler, not only provides volume but also improves the skin. More hydration and collagen formation will make your skin glow more.
Why?
For example, Botox is suitable if you have a severe frown line and a wrinkle has developed over time, or you expect one to appear. By injecting Botox into this area, the small muscles that cause frowning are relaxed. This prevents you from making the muscle contraction. This results in a calm facial expression. A wrinkle in the frown area can be prevented if you choose to have a preventive Botox treatment. If the wrinkle is already present, it can fade or reduce as the muscles relax. Botox in the forehead is also an effective treatment.
Botox treatment
Prior to the treatment with Azzalure from the manufacturer Galderma, the cosmetic doctor thoroughly analyzes how the facial muscles contract. The doctor then marks the points where the Botox should be injected. A very fine needle is used. Subsequently, a small amount of Azzalure is injected under the skin. This area is not anesthetized, as it is not necessary. The injection feels slightly stinging.
After the treatment
After the treatment, you can immediately return to work. We advise you not to lie flat or exercise immediately after the treatment; this is possible again after 2 hours. We also do not recommend massaging the treated area or undergoing a beauty treatment. However, we do advise you to regularly tense the treated muscle. For example, if your frown was treated, we advise you to make an angry expression. If your forehead was treated, you should look surprised, and if your crow's feet were treated, you should smile frequently.
Which areas are suitable for Botox?
Besides Botox for frown lines, there are, of course, several other areas where this product can be injected. A Botox treatment for crow's feet or the forehead is often applied. There is also increasing demand for treatment of a gummy smile and the corners of the mouth. If your gums are visible when you smile and you want to prevent this, a gummy smile treatment with Botox might be for you. If you have drooping corners of your mouth and want to get rid of them, we advise you to come in for a no-obligation consultation.
In addition to the face, it is also possible to treat other areas with Azzalure. For example, the [armpits for excessive sweating]/treatments/botox/anti-perspiration/). Botulinum toxin then blocks the action of the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. This prevents these glands from producing sweat. Botox can also be used against teeth grinding and migraines. One of the possible causes of migraine is the involuntary tension of facial muscles. By injecting Botox into your forehead or frown area, the pressure and tension in your head can decrease.
How long do the effects of Botox last?
The effects of a Botox treatment last approximately 3-4 months. If you undergo Botox treatments more frequently and maintain them well, this period gradually extends to an average of 5-6 months. The duration of the results may vary, as the breakdown rate differs per person.
Is Botox safe?
Naturally, we also get asked if Botox is safe. Botox is an exceptionally safe medicine. Because this substance falls under the Medicines Act, years of research into its effectiveness, side effects, and complications were conducted before it was approved for the market. Botulinum toxin has been used in the medical world for over forty years, including in children and adults with muscle spasms. So far, no adverse long-term effects have been registered.
Disadvantages of Botox
Unlike fillers, Botox cannot be dissolved after injection. If you are not satisfied with the treatment, you must wait until the substance wears off. This can take approximately 3-4 months. Therefore, always ensure that you are treated by an experienced doctor. Azzalure, the brand we use at The Body Clinic, has been on the market for quite some time and is one of the three registered Botulinum toxin brands. Azzalure is extremely safe when administered by an experienced cosmetic doctor. Azzalure is the only Botox brand officially registered for cosmetic use. An Azzalure treatment can rightly be called a lunchtime treatment. You can return directly to work after the treatment, as side effects are rare.
