Botox

Botox comes from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces a toxin called botulinum toxin as part of its natural growth process. By filtering and purifying the toxin in a controlled way, it can be used for various purposes, such as treating medical conditions like migraines, as well as reducing wrinkles in cosmetic treatments.

Botox, or botulinum toxin, works by temporarily blocking communication between nerves and muscles. Normally, a nerve sends a signal to a muscle to prompt it to contract. This signal is transmitted by a chemical called acetylcholine. Botox prevents the nerve from releasing this acetylcholine. This prevents the signal from being transmitted to the muscle, temporarily preventing the muscle from contracting. This leads to muscle relaxation, which in turn results in a smoother skin surface and the reduction of wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements. The effect of botox is temporary because the nerves recover over time and begin producing acetylcholine again, restoring muscle function. The exact duration of this process can vary from body to body, which is why the effect duration of botox can also vary from person to person. On average, the effects of botox last for three to four months.

The ideal time to start using botox depends on several factors, including your personal aesthetic goals, your lifestyle and your genetic predisposition to developing wrinkles. For many people, the use of botox as a preventive measure against wrinkle formation begins around age 25 to 35, when the first signs of aging begin to appear. At this age, very small lines and expression lines, such as frown lines and crow's feet, may begin to appear. Starting botox early can reduce these signs of aging and prevent the formation of deeper wrinkles later in life.

However, the optimal time to start botox can be different for everyone. Some people choose to wait until they have developed more pronounced wrinkles before starting treatments, while others prefer to take a preventative approach to minimize early signs of aging.

It is important to have an open conversation with our experienced doctors. They can advise you on the best time to start botox based on your individual needs and goals, as well as the potential risks and benefits of treatment.

Undergoing botox treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant. Although there is no direct evidence that botox is harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it is still not recommended to use botox during these periods because the long-term effects on the fetus or baby are not fully known. Other situations in which the use of botox is not recommended include known allergies to botulinum toxin or related ingredients, neurological disorders, muscle weakness or swallowing difficulties, active skin infections or inflammation, and the use of medications that affect blood clotting. Always consult with our doctors before considering botox, especially if you fall into any of these categories.

Botox is considered very safe worldwide. Indeed, it has been used in medicine for various medical purposes since the 1970s. Clinical and scientific research have demonstrated the safety of botulinum toxin for many years.

Nevertheless, it is important to have a botox treatment performed at a professional clinic with an experienced doctor. If the treatment is not performed skillfully, the wrong facial muscles may be hit, producing unwanted effects. It is also possible that people are hypersensitive to (one of the ingredients) of botox. It is important that in such cases a doctor can act appropriately and medically. Our doctors are extensively experienced in performing botox treatments.

After treatment, mild swelling and redness around the injection site may be present. In a few cases, there may be very small bruises.

Side effects from botox are rare. Sometimes people may experience a temporary headache about a week after treatment. In certain areas, such as the forehead, a tight feeling may be experienced in the first two weeks. Also, certain areas may experience some fluid collection around the eyes in the first few weeks. This is often when your body has to get used to the effect of the botulinum toxin. These side effects often disappear on their own.

If the botox was not injected properly, or the aftercare recommendations were not followed properly, the botox may act on an unintended muscle. Rare side effects such as drooping eyebrows or eyelids may then occur. At a professional clinic with extensive experience, these side effects almost never occur.

In the most extreme case, there is hypersensitivity or allergy to a component of the botox. This may manifest as excessive swelling or redness of the skin. In this case, the doctor may need to prescribe anti-allergic medication.

At JECT Clinics, we work with Azzalure and Alluzience. Both botulinum toxins come from Galderma, Europe's largest manufacturer in the field of dermatological injectables. These A-brands are widely used worldwide and are supported by years of extensive scientific research.

A unique feature of both brands is their rapid onset of action. Where other types of botox take ten to fourteen days to work, the Azzalure often starts working after only three days and the Alluzience even after 24 hours. In essence, Azzalure and Alluzience are similar products with some subtle differences. Our doctors will consult with you about which option is best suited for your specific needs and expectations.

After a botox treatment, there are some important things you should avoid doing to maintain the best results and avoid possible complications. Here are some things we recommend not doing after a botox treatment:

• Do not lie down: for the first four hours after treatment, avoid lying flat. This can help prevent the botox from spreading to other muscles and causing unintended effects.
• Do not rub or massage: Try not to rub or massage the treated areas for at least 24 hours after treatment. This can help prevent the botox from moving to other parts of the face.
• Do not exercise or lift heavy things: For the first two days after treatment, avoid intense exercise or activities that require heavy exertion. This can help prevent the botox from moving to other parts of the body and reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Do not go to the sauna, spa or swimming pool: For the first two days after treatment, avoid visiting places that stimulate circulation, such as a sauna, spa or swimming pool. This can help prevent the botox from breaking down and being excreted from the body more quickly.
• Do not drink alcohol: It is generally recommended to limit the consumption of alcohol during the first 24 hours after treatment, as alcohol can stimulate circulation and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

How often you need to repeat botox depends on several factors. For example, the purpose of the treatment, your body's individual reaction to the botox, and how long the effect of the treatment lasts. Generally, botox is repeated when muscle activity increases again and wrinkles return. This can vary, but for most people it means that they need another treatment about every three to four months. In some cases, after repeated treatments over a longer period of time, the duration of the effect of botox may increase, extending the time between treatments. This may mean that you need treatments less frequently over time. It is important to follow the recommendations of our treating physicians and consult with them regularly to customize a treatment plan that fits your specific needs and goals.