Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin applications in dermatology are the most frequently performed cosmetic application, which is increasing day by day. The purpose of botulinum toxin applications is to reduce or stop muscle contraction by preventing nerve cells from stimulating the muscles. In this way, the formation of dynamic wrinkles, which occur when we use our facial muscles, is prevented.

The aim of toxin applications is to lighten dynamic wrinkles as much as possible without disturbing the natural appearance and facial expression of the person and to prevent existing wrinkles from deepening further. For this reason, the application dose and areas vary depending on the person's face shape and the depth of the wrinkle. The most feared situation by patients in botulinum toxin applications is the dulling of facial expressions. With the application applied to the right area and in the appropriate amount, the person will have a younger and brighter face while preserving his/her facial expressions.

To which areas of the face is botulinum toxin is applied?

Botulinum toxin is frequently applied to treat the lines on the forehead area of the face, the lines in the glabella area that appear with frowning, the rabbit lines on the nose that appear when smiling and frowning, the drooping nose tip that becomes evident when talking, the orange peel appearance caused by excessive contraction of the mentalis muscle in the chin, and the wrinkles around the eyes.

How long does it take for the effect of botulinum toxin to begin to appear?

After toxin application, the effect begins to appear after 4-7th days, varying from person to person, and the full effect takes 12-15 days.

How long does the botulinum toxin effect last?

The effect duration of botulinum toxin is approximately 3-4 months. After the application, the effect begins to appear on the 4th to 7th day. The maximum effect occurs at the 6-8th weeks. Then the effect begins to gradually decrease.

What are the situations that prevent or risk the application of botulinum toxin?

• Acute, chronic infections and sepsis

• Neuromuscular diseases (Myasthenia Gravis, Eaton Lambert syndrome)

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding period

• Those with active psychological/psychiatric disorders

• People with abnormal expectations

• Use of drugs that pose a risk of drug interaction (aminoglycosides, gentamicin), muscle relaxants, curare-like non-depolarizing blockers, cyclosporine, quinidine, d-penicillamine, magnesium sulfate, chloroquine-hydroxychloroquine)

• Known allergy to any of the substances to be applied

• Infection at the application site

• Presence of cancer or receiving chemotherapy treatments

• Those who have a disease that suppresses the immune system or use immunosuppressant drugs

• Those with serious autoimmune disease, organ failure or systemic disease

• Abnormal platelet dysfunctions (blood diseases; circulatory disorder, hypofibrinogenemia, critical thrombocytopenia)

What should be taken into consideration after the application?

The application area should not be touched.
Makeup application should be at least 48 hours later
Massage should not be applied to the application area for at least 10 days.
Contact with water, soap, cosmetics and similar products, and irritating behaviors such as rubbing and scratching should be avoided until 24 hours after the procedure.
Intense sports should be avoided for 10 days
Avoid hot and steamy environments such as saunas and jacuzzis for 10 days.
After application, the application area should be protected from the sun.
The patient should not lean forward for at least 6 hours
If the application is made to the lines around the nose, glasses should not be used for 4-5 hours.

All these should be taken into consideration for the same period of time after retouching.