Botox: learn more about the procedure and uses beyond aesthetics

Botox is one of the best-known procedures in the aesthetic environment. But did you know that it has other uses? Find out what it is, what it is for, the precautions to be taken and the experiences of those who have already applied it. The information comes from dermatologist Aline Somacal (CRM 25661), from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Check out:

What is botox?

According to the dermatologist, Botox is one of the trade names for botulinum toxin, “a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium that causes botulism, a serious disease where muscle paralysis occurs.” Aline explains: “For aesthetic purposes, very small doses of this toxin are applied in certain points of the facial muscles, responsible for facial mimicry, promoting a temporary paralysis in these places.”

What is botox for?

Despite its best-known purpose being to attenuate expression lines, the dermatologist explains that botox has several uses. See below:

• Aesthetic use: according to Aline, Botox “promotes improvement in the expression lines of the upper third of the face: around the eyes (crow’s feet), between the eyebrows (wrinkles of bravo) and on the forehead. On the face, it can still be used on the neck, on the masseter muscle, on the chin, on the tip of the nose and in the correction of the gummy smile.”
• Surgical use: the application of botox results in an “improvement in the appearance of surgical wounds, hypertrophic scars and keloids”.
• Dermatological use: if applied in microdoses, it acts as an adjuvant in the treatment of acne, rosacea, open pores and other rarer dermatological diseases. It can be used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in the armpits, hands, feet and face.
• Ophthalmological use: treatment of strabismus and blepharospasms.
• Neurological use: treatment of spasticity, dystonias and chronic migraine.
• Other Uses: Botox can also be used in Asian women to “thin” the calves and trapezius muscle, for scrotal rejuvenation, and to treat chronic pain.

The specialist comments that “the duration of the effects of botulinum toxin varies according to the type of skin, age and activities practiced, but, in general, they last from 4 to 6 months.”

Botox precautions and contraindications

Dermatologist Aline Somacal warns that “it is necessary to carry out the procedure with a suitable and qualified professional.” Tell your doctor if you are on medication, vitamins or if you are pregnant.

The expert warns that “applications should be made in places where hygiene and asepsis standards are adequate, such as hospitals, clinics or doctors’ offices, and should not be carried out in beauty salons, at home, shopping malls or inappropriate places. It is a procedure that uses needles, and these must be used individually and discarded after use, to avoid transmission of diseases.”

The dermatologist warns: “always be wary of places that offer prices far below the market value, as there is a risk of reusing materials, poor quality products and high product dilutions, compromising effectiveness and safety.” Also, it is necessary to respect the minimum period for reapplication, which is 4 months.

According to the specialist, Botox is contraindicated for “pregnant women, patients with neuromuscular diseases (such as myasthenia gravis), allergic to the product and patients who use certain medications.”

frequently asked questions

Next, ask your questions about the procedure based on information from the dermatologist:

Can only doctors apply botox? Yes, only doctors can perform the procedure. Dentists do it in cases of bruxism or smile asymmetries – situations that are related to dental treatment. For the purchase of the product, for example, it is necessary to verify the registration of the professional in its class council (CRM or CRO).

Does the application hurt? The degree of pain can vary from person to person, but in general it is a procedure with very little pain, very well tolerated. The application is done with insulin needles, practically painless.

Need rest after application? Rest is not necessary, however, it is recommended to avoid physical activities or intense efforts for 24 hours after the procedure. You should also avoid lying down, lowering the head or manipulating the treated area for 4 hours after the procedure, to avoid product diffusion.

Now that you know more about the procedure, check out the experiences of those who have used botox.

Learn more about botox

Watch the videos with the experiences of those who have gone through the procedure and ask your last questions:

Botox: Does it hurt? How much?

In this video, you learn more about botulinum toxin, the procedure and post-application. See also the results of botox when applied to the face.

Botox: step by step application

Are you curious to know how botox is applied? This video shows the whole step by step, from the appointments to the post-procedure result.

Botox and regrets

There are those who have regretted having had the botox. Before applying, watch this video to weigh the effects and make sure the procedure is really what you want.

Remember that each case must be analyzed by a professional and it is necessary to be alert about who performs the procedure and which products are used in the application. And if you don’t neglect your skin and well-being, take the opportunity to learn about the benefits of gua sha.