Is botulinum toxin the same as Botox ®?
Botox® is the trade name (particularly from the Allergan company) of the botulinum toxin. Currently, what is really used (and there are more than 20 years of experience in different specialties such as Ophthalmology, Traumatology, Neurology, Urology…) in Aesthetic Medicine are the three legal brands in Europe: Vistabel®, Azzalure® and Bocouture ®, any other brand including BOTOX® is not legal to use in aesthetics)
What applications does it have in Aesthetic Medicine?
At the level of the muscles it basically has two effects: relaxing or paralyzing. This will mean that we will be able to treat wrinkles either by reducing their depth and making them less noticeable or by preventing them from appearing or getting worse, especially between the eyebrows and crow’s feet. At the skin level, it decreases and regulates the secretion of sweat and oil, improving excessive sweating (for example in the armpits and forehead) and the quality of the skin.
Is it possible to use botulinum toxin for filling?
It is common for people to ask when they see someone famous whose lips have obviously been treated and may even have exaggerated lips, whether they have overdone it with Botox. This is because there is a belief that botulinum toxin is almost the only facial treatment and that it works for everything. This is not the case, being a basic treatment in Aesthetic Medicine with generally very good results, it is not a panacea. If you want to add volume to your face or lips, the treatment is generally done with hyaluronic acid.
Can I remain expressionless after the treatment?
It is a very common question. Nowadays we avoid treatments that paralyze the muscles, the trend is to relax the facial muscles without completely preventing the muscles from tightening. That is, the eyebrows will not stay above our eyes because we cannot raise them at all, for example. In this sense, we try to give a low dose initially and review it after approximately 15 days to try to adjust the treatment.
Is it going to be noticed a lot?
It depends. There are people who want a great effect from the treatment and other people prefer subtle results, especially if it is the first time they have had the treatment, to avoid “overdoing it.” When talking to the doctor, it is a good time to make this point clear to achieve the results that each one wants.
Do you always have to treat the 3 areas: between the eyebrows, forehead and crow’s feet?
No, not all patients have the same needs, there are people who are very expressive with their eyebrows and raise them a lot and therefore have a lot of wrinkles on their forehead but nevertheless do not have wrinkles between their eyebrows. In all cases it is individualized, one area, two or all three can be treated without problem. For the same reason, if someone wants to treat crow’s feet but does not want to lose the expression between their eyebrows, it can be done without problems.
How long does it take to take effect and how long does it last?
Normally the effect takes about 2 days to start and lasts between 4 and 6 months. Like everything, no person is the same and some people last longer and others less. Many patients are treated every 4 months to maintain the effect of the treatment.
Can I get pricked at any medical center?
The answer is no”. It is only allowed to inject it in an authorized medical center with a pharmacy warehouse. Normally, when a treatment is performed, a record is left with the batch number of the product and the title of the doctor who injected it.
Are all toxins the same?
Yes in its active ingredient, botulinum toxin , and not in the substances that accompany the toxin. There are no scientific studies that reveal which of the three brands is better, each center uses the one that is most comfortable to use. They are all safe and effective.