Most people, as they enter their 30s, notice wrinkles and fine lines becoming more prominent and harder to massage away.
This is no surprise, as around this time, the body begins to create less collagen and hyaluronic acid. These may sound familiar, and indeed, they are often the keywords, so to speak, that are used in adverts relating to skincare and moisturizers. Both allow the skin to look plump and firmer and prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
As they reduce, the wrinkles deepen, and new ones form, especially around the eyes, meaning that what was once a line that only appeared when you smiled may now be a permanent feature of your face. Rather than spend a fortune on creams that may not work, or invasive surgeries, you will likely be looking for an option that is more middle-of-the-road. This is where non-surgical facial aesthetics come in.
Non-surgical facial aesthetics, such as dermal fillers, can create striking results with minimum effort. This means that for a lower price than an invasive and potentially uncomfortable facelift, there is a range of treatments that can offer similar visual effects as a facelift without downtime or bruising. Great.
One of the most common and popular of these treatments is the injection of botulinum toxin, and in this article, you will be guided through the treatment and the aftercare and will be given tips on how to maintain the effects. So, enjoy.
What Are Botulinum Toxin Injections?
Are the words botulinum toxin ringing a bell? If they are, it is because this is the chemical name for the treatment known as Botox Chicago.
Botulinum toxin is, as the name suggests, a toxin that, when injected into the sub-dermis layer of the skin, temporarily paralyzes the muscle or the nerve. In medical circles, this treatment has been used to treat conditions ranging from migraines to excessive sweating.
For facial aesthetics, the treatment works by temporarily paralyzing the muscle or the nerves that the toxin is injected into. This, in turn, causes the skin above the muscle or nerve to cease contacting, thus allowing the skin to become smooth and wrinkle-free. In many aesthetic treatments of this sort, it may be paired with other non-surgical facial aesthetics, like dermal fillers, as both encourage the production of collagen under the skin, which is a firming agent.
Preparing for the Injections
It may sound odd, but there are some measures you can take to prepare for these injections on the day to ensure that the treatment goes smoothly and that you do not suffer from side effects.
The first is to avoid drinking alcohol. This is because alcohol causes the body to become dehydrated and can worsen bruising that may occur. It’s also generally advisable to be sober when undertaking such treatments, so you are coherent enough to understand what is being said and to ask questions.
Do not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or aspirin, before or after the treatment. Both have blood-thinning properties, which can heighten the chance of bruising.
The Treatment
As you know, this treatment requires the injection of small, thin needles into prechosen parts of your face. This can be concerning if you are worried about potential discomfort. However, these injections are usually not uncomfortable, but the provider of them should be able to offer you numbing cream if needed.
It’s worth noting here that the number of injections required for your treatment is likely to differ from someone else’s. The clinic or spa performing the treatment will have discussed this with you beforehand, but the number required will be based on the depth of the wrinkles, your age, and general health.
After you have had the injections performed, the area will appear red, and there may be small bumps too. These side effects will usually reduce in a few hours and can be managed by gently applying an ice pack to the area. If you notice any extensive discomfort or bruising or have concerns about sensations around the area, please seek medical advice.
Aftercare
So, you’ve had the injections. Bravo. Depending on your age, and the depth of the wrinkles being treated, you will likely notice the full effects of the treatment in the next 2-3 weeks.
It’s worth considering that this treatment is considered low maintenance relating to its aftercare, but there are some things that you can do in the next few hours or days to prevent issues from occurring.
The first thing you need to not do is apply pressure to your face. The toxin is still mobile under your skin for around 24-48 hours after it is applied, and even the weight or pressure or application of face cream or makeup can cause it to move away from the chosen area.
You should also look to avoid sun beds or sunbathing or engaging in strenuous exercise. All these activities can cause the heart rate to rise, which can once again dislodge the injections. Also, it is advisable that for the next 3-4 days post-treatment, you should aim to sleep with your head elevated and not apply pressure directly to the site around the injections.
Potential Complications
Botulinum toxin is inert, which means that you will be very unlikely to have a reaction to it when it is injected.
However, if you notice burning, itching, or extensive discomfort following the injections, then please seek out medical advice, as you may be having a reaction.
If you take any medications before you undertake this treatment, you should discuss the risks of any potential interactions, as this is far more common than an allergic reaction. So, be sure that the place where you have these injections performed has screened your medical history thoroughly.
Results
Depending on your age and how many injections you had, the results of this treatment should begin to appear around 2 days to 2 weeks after the injections. Once visible, you can expect the smoothing effect of these injections to last around 3-4 months. As mentioned before, if it is undertaken alongside other injections like dermal fillers, it is likely to last longer.
