When visiting the dentist, to have confidence in the one who will inspect our teeth, we hope not to see yellow, decayed teeth… The same goes for a dermatologist! Hopefully, they don’t have an acne outbreak. Dr. H.D is a plastic and cosmetic surgeon. Not a single wrinkle, a smooth face and especially a smooth forehead… thanks to injections of botulinum toxin, called Botox. What is it? Is it dangerous? How much does it cost? What does it entail?
Botulinum toxin, when injected directly into the concerned muscles, produces chemical denervation. A week after the injection, the wrinkles begin to fade. Why? Explaining in medical terms: the toxin acts at the neuromuscular junction by blocking the release of acetylcholine (a chemical neurotransmitter). This allows the treated muscle to relax temporarily and reduces expression lines. This is only temporary because the body replaces the muscle cells. When we modify the body, fears arise. It’s legitimate. Yet Botox provides all the assurances to dispel these concerns. The greatest of these assurances: it is considered a drug. Marketed under the name Vistabel by Allergan, Botox received authorization for aesthetic use in 2003 from the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products (Afssaps), which is under the Ministry of Health. France is undoubtedly the most vigilant country in terms of drug marketing.
Botulinum toxin is originally used for therapeutic purposes, notably in the treatment of strabismus or blepharospasm (severe eye blinking that is dangerous in everyday life).
Nevertheless, there are precautions to be taken. Only five specialists are authorized to inject: a specialist doctor in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, a specialist doctor in dermatology, and a specialist doctor in surgery of the face, neck, and maxillofacial areas. They receive training to perform injections.
They must discuss with the patient, explaining the changes that the face will undergo. “We must warn that the wrinkles will disappear and that sometimes one feels as if they have changed. Forehead wrinkles give expression to the face. For some people, changing their expression can be troubling. One must be able to accept it,” explains Dr. H.D. Fifteen days after the injection, the patient and the doctor meet again to monitor the effects of Botox.
Effective and miraculous for those wishing to fight against the external signs of aging, Botulinum toxin is a direct competitor to all anti-wrinkle creams. Some of these creams mention “with botox” and charge a price for it. It should be noted that this is both misleading and prohibited. Misleading because creams only affect the dermis, and wrinkle removal is a neuromuscular effect. Prohibited because only specialist doctors can handle Botulinum toxin.
We all hope to feel good in our skin, not to see aging. Botox is as effective as a spa treatment. Thus, Botox injections can be an original Christmas gift…
Key points to remember:
– Price: between 300 and 500€.
– The injection is almost painless to the extent that anesthesia is not necessary since it’s more painful.
– The treatment is done by micro-injection.
– The patient can resume their activities immediately after the injection.
– The effect of the toxin lasts about four months.
– Wrinkles begin to disappear moments after the injection and completely within a week.
