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The Power of Botulinum Toxin: How to Reclaim Youth
Dermatology and medical aesthetics are inseparable. When it comes to medical aesthetics, do people think of Botox? Botox is actually a brand name, while the correct scientific name is Botulinum Toxin. Due to the success of the Botox brand, many people have begun to equate botulinum toxin with Botox itself. Today, let’s delve deeper into what botulinum toxin is and why it effectively reduces wrinkles.
Mechanism of action
While many may know that Botulinum Toxin can be used to reduce wrinkles, what is its mechanism? In fact, Botulinum Toxin relaxes muscles, thereby improving wrinkles caused by muscle contractions. Here’s how it works:
Interaction Between Nerves and Muscles
Muscle contraction relies on signals sent by nerves. At the neuromuscular junction, nerves release a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction.
When Botulinum Toxin is injected, it enters the nerve endings and prevents the release of acetylcholine. Consequently, the muscles do not receive signals to contract, allowing them to remain relaxed. As the muscles stop contracting continuously, wrinkles can gradually diminish, resulting in smoother skin.
How Are Wrinkles Formed?
One reason for facial wrinkles is the long-term contraction of the muscles beneath the skin. We can liken facial skin to a piece of paper; frequent muscle contractions are like repeatedly folding that paper. Over time, permanent creases—i.e., wrinkles—develop on the paper.
How Does Botulinum Toxin Improve Wrinkles?
After Botulinum Toxin injections, muscle contractions decrease, leading to a gradual fading of the skin’s “creases,” making wrinkles less noticeable and restoring a smooth appearance to the skin.
The Effects and Duration
- Onset Time: Typically, effects begin to be noticeable about 2 to 4 days after injection, with some people experiencing changes even sooner.
- Peak Effect: Optimal results are typically seen around 10 days, when wrinkles significantly reduce and the skin appears tighter and smoother.
- Duration: The effects usually last 3 to 4 months, and with regular injections, the efficacy may gradually extend for more ideal results.
It is generally recommended to have 3 injections per year to maintain good results and keep the skin looking youthful.
Common Injection Areas
1. Glabella Lines (Frown Lines)
Glabella lines are among the most common wrinkles, typically located between the eyebrows and primarily caused by the contraction of the corrugator and procerus muscles, forming two vertical “11” shaped lines. The muscles in the glabella area are strongly contracted before injection, causing deep and prominent wrinkles. After injection, the deep lines diminish with muscle relaxation while still allowing for natural expressions, resulting in a softer appearance.
2. Crow's Feet
Crow’s feet are fine lines around the eyes, mainly caused by the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle. After Botulinum Toxin injections, crow’s feet will fade, making the eyes appear younger and enhancing overall facial attractiveness.
3. Forehead Lines
Forehead lines are caused by excessive contraction of the frontalis muscle, leading to horizontal “train track” wrinkles. Care must be taken during Botulinum Toxin injections to avoid injecting too close to the eyebrows, as this may lead to brow drooping, affecting the aesthetic of the face.
4. Masseter Muscle
In Asians, the masseter muscle is often more developed due to frequent chewing of gum or teeth grinding. An enlarged masseter can create a square face shape. Botulinum Toxin injections can reduce the size of the masseter, achieving a slimming effect and sculpting a delicate “V-shaped” face, enhancing the overall elegance of the facial contours.
Side Effects of Botulinum Toxin Injections
While Botulinum Toxin is considered a safe medical aesthetic treatment, the following side effects may still occur:
- Localized Redness or Bruising: The injection site may experience mild swelling or bruising, which typically subsides naturally within a few days.
- Mild Headaches: Some individuals may experience mild headaches, which usually resolve within a few days without concern.
- Brow Drooping: If the injection site is too close to the eyebrows, it may temporarily cause brow drooping, but this will return to normal once the effects wear off.
Precautions
- Choose a Qualified Doctor: Botulinum Toxin injections require a high level of skill and should only be performed by qualified medical professionals to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Avoid Over-Injection: Excessive injection may lead to a stiff expression, impacting natural beauty; therefore, careful control of dosage is necessary.
- Understand Your Condition: If you have special physical conditions or health issues, consult a doctor beforehand to ensure you are suitable for this treatment.
Conclusion
Botulinum Toxin has demonstrated significant effects in reducing wrinkles and improving facial contours. With advancements in technology, more individuals are choosing Botulinum Toxin to enhance their confidence and appearance. However, Botulinum Toxin injections remain a medical procedure that should be performed by professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
