What is Botox and How Does It Work?
Botox is a medical aesthetic application that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the mimic muscles. This procedure, containing botulinum toxin, is especially used to eliminate forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet around the eyes. Its effect usually begins within 3–4 days and fully manifests in about 10–14 days.
Botox is a medical aesthetic application that provides a reduction in wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the mimic muscles. The effect usually starts to appear within 3–4 days after application, becomes prominent within 7–10 days, and fully settles in approximately 14 days. The longevity of the Botox application lasts an average of 4–6 months in most people.
Botox is one of the most frequently applied non-surgical aesthetic applications today. It is a highly effective method, especially for reducing forehead lines, lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet at the corners of the eyes.
In our clinic, the questions our patients asking for Botox for the first time most frequently ask are usually about how long it will take for Botox to take effect, whether the facial expression will change, and when they can return to daily life after the procedure. For this reason, we have summarized the basic points to be known for those considering having Botox for the first time below.
1. Botox is Not a Filler
Botox is often confused with filler applications. However, Botox is not a volume substance. Botox application, instead of filling wrinkles, temporarily reduces the movement of the mimic muscles that cause wrinkles. Thus, lines formed due to mimic movements become less prominent over time.
2. Its Effect Does Not Start Immediately
Results should not be expected immediately after Botox application. Effects after application usually:
- Starts to begin within 3–4 days
- Becomes prominent within 7–10 days
- Fully settles within 14 days
For this reason, we call our patients for a check-up about two weeks after the application. If the effect is less in some areas, it may be possible to complete the application with small doses.
3. The Effect of Botox is Temporary
Botox is not a permanent application. The average duration of action usually varies between 4–6 months. At the end of this period, muscle movements gradually return to their former state.
Regular Botox applications can help wrinkles form more slowly over time by reducing the excessive work of mimic muscles.
4. The Right Point and The Right Dose are Very Important
Achieving a natural result in Botox application completely depends on the anatomical knowledge and dose planning of the applying physician. It is necessary to know the locations of the mimic muscles in the face correctly and to apply the right amount to the right muscles.
Applications to the wrong points or excessive dose use may cause unwanted results such as loss of mimicry or drooping eyebrows in some patients. For this reason, it is important that Botox applications are performed by an experienced physician.
5. The Procedure Takes a Very Short Time
Botox application is usually a very short procedure. Most applications can be completed in an average of 3–5 minutes. In our clinic, we increase the comfort of our patients by using local anesthetic effect cream before the application.
Since the needles used in the application are very thin, the pain felt during the procedure is usually at a minimal level.
6. You Can Return to Daily Life Immediately
After Botox application, patients can usually return to their daily lives immediately. Mild redness that may occur in the application areas usually disappears spontaneously within 20–30 minutes.
Therefore, Botox application is often known as "lunch break aesthetics".
7. Certain Rules Should be Observed in the First Days
In order for Botox to stay in the right muscles, it is recommended to pay attention to some simple rules for the first few days.
- Not leaning the head forward for a long time in the first days
- Not applying intense heat to the application area
- Staying away from hot environments such as saunas and Turkish baths for a few days
Patients can take a warm shower, use skin care products, and apply makeup on the same day.
8. Mimics Do Not Disappear When Done Correctly
The purpose of Botox application is not to make the face completely dull. The aim is to protect natural mimics and ensure that the face looks more rested and youthful.
In Botox applications made with correct planning, the facial expression is preserved and a more natural look is obtained.
9. Regular Application Can Reduce Wrinkle Formation
Botox does not only reduce existing wrinkles. When applied regularly, it can also delay the formation of new wrinkles by preventing mimic muscles from working excessively.
Therefore, Botox can also be considered as an anti-aging protective application for some people.
10. Which Areas Can Botox be Applied to?
Botox is most commonly applied for forehead lines, frown lines (glabella), and crow's feet at the corners of the eyes.
Apart from this, it can be applied to the masseter muscle in the treatment of teeth grinding. In addition, in people with excessive sweating problems, it can be applied to the armpit, palm, or sole of the foot to significantly reduce the amount of sweating for several months.
In Which Situations is Botox Preferred?
Botox is used not only for aesthetic purposes but also in the treatment of some functional problems. It is applied especially in people with mimic wrinkles to ensure that the face looks more rested.
Apart from this, Botox application can also be used in the treatment of teeth grinding (bruxism), excessive sweating, and the correction of some mimic asymmetries.
What is the Difference Between Botox and Filler?
Although Botox and filler applications are often mentioned together, their mechanisms of action are different. While Botox prevents the formation of wrinkles by reducing muscle movements, filler applications aim to eliminate volume loss.
In some patients, Botox applications can be planned together with filler applications to obtain a more balanced facial appearance.