Botulinum therapy

What is botulinum therapy?

Botulinum therapy is an injectable rejuvenation procedure that eliminates fine expression lines and significantly reduces deep facial wrinkles. In the case of deep static creases, achieving the best results requires not only Botox but also filling the wrinkles with hyaluronic acid. So, what exactly is botulinum therapy, and how does it work? 

Botulinum toxin type A is the active ingredient in medicinal products (such as Botox) that are injected into muscles in areas where facial wrinkles form. Botulinum toxin blocks neuromuscular impulses, causing muscle fibers to relax and remain at rest regardless of a person’s activity.

Thanks to the absence of muscle tension, the skin gets a chance to rest, begins to smooth out, becomes firmer, and wrinkles either disappear or become less noticeable.
Is botulinum therapy safe? Yes, its safety and effectiveness have been proven by numerous clinical studies. In our article, you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Botox.

Advantages and disadvantages of botulinum therapy

Botulinum toxin products do not cause addiction, do not have a systemic effect on the body, and, when used according to a cosmetic doctor’s recommendations, do not lead to complications. They are quite popular among both women and men because they help quickly and effectively eliminate expression wrinkles for a long time.

What Makes Botox So Popular?

• minimally invasive – unlike surgical facelifts, the procedure is painless yet delivers comparable rejuvenating effects;
• fast results – the first visible improvements appear within 3–5 days after the injection;
• versatile – effectively smooths both deep and fine expression lines on the face;
• there is no need for a complex recovery period, and the procedure does not disrupt daily life;

As for the disadvantages, there are few:

• some patients may experience mild discomfort from the micro-needle injections, but anesthesia is not required;
• minor bruising may appear at the injection sites, but it does not require medication and fades on its own.

Since everybody is unique, the initial reaction to the injections (specifically to the micro-needles) and the duration of the results are also individual. It is important to consider factors such as chronic conditions, skin and vascular health, age, activity level, and more.

Indications for Botox

Botulinum toxin products are used in cosmetology to eliminate fine lines and smooth out deep expression wrinkles, specifically:

• eye area – “crow’s feet”;
• forehead area – vertical and horizontal wrinkles;
• glabellar area (between the eyebrows) – horizontal crease on the bridge of the nose, vertical “frown lines”;
• mouth area – comprehensive correction of downturned mouth corners.

The product can be injected into a single area or combined for better results, such as forehead + glabella, glabella + eyes, or forehead + glabella + eyes. Notably, botulinum therapy performed in combination is more cost-effective. In addition to wrinkle correction, Botox is also used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and facial redness therapy.

For comprehensive rejuvenation and improved skin condition, a cosmetic doctor may recommend combining Botox with surface treatments in a single visit, including injectable procedures such as peels, mesotherapy, and more.

Contraindications for the Procedure

Despite the proven safety of botulinum toxin, not everyone can experience its benefits. There are certain contraindications to botulinum therapy, including:

• muscle disorders;
• infectious processes in the planned injection areas;
• antibiotic use within three days before the procedure;
• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding period;
• conditions and diseases associated with blood clotting disorders;
• bBlood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) taken a day before the procedure;
• oncological diseases.

To prevent complications from botulinum toxin, a cosmetic doctor will take a medical history and assess whether there are any contraindications.

What Results Can Be Achieved from Botox Injections?

Botox is often called “the beauty and youth injections” because it not only eliminates expression wrinkles but also provides comprehensive rejuvenation:

• it eliminates skin sagging;
• it reduces tissue ptosis (sagging).

The average duration of this effect lasts 3 to 6 months. It is recommended to have injections at least twice a year. After 1.5 to 2 years of using botulinum toxin, the habit of excessive wrinkling disappears, which is also the best prevention against the formation of expression wrinkles.

Post-Procedure Care

Botulinum therapy is an effective cosmetic procedure that helps smooth and correct expression lines. However, to achieve the best results, it is important to follow certain guidelines during the rehabilitation period.

The first few hours after the injections:

• do not touch your face with your hands for the first 4 hours;
• do not lie down or bend your head down for the first two hours.

In the next 2-3 days after the injections, it is important to follow additional recommendations:

• avoid consuming alcohol, as it can affect the metabolism of botulinum toxin;
• exclude intense physical activities to prevent increased blood circulation in the injection areas;
• avoid heat exposure – such as baths, saunas, or hot tubs.

Since some cosmetic products and medications can negatively affect the results of the procedure, it is important to consult with your doctor regarding the list of approved skincare products and medications.

For the best results, it is recommended to visit only clinics and doctors who have experience working with the product. Safe botulinum therapy in Lviv is performed at the LeoDerm clinic. Schedule an appointment — you will receive a professional consultation that will address all your doubts about Botox.