What is the substance used during Botulinum Toxin application?

When expressing our emotions, we use our facial expressions to reflect our reactions outwardly. As age progresses, visible lines and wrinkles appear on the skin over the muscles we use to express our emotions over the years. Botulinum toxin application helps to provide a beautiful, smooth appearance to the skin over the facial muscles and also prevents the formation of new wrinkles.

The substance used during botulinum toxin application is called Clostridium botulinum, which is produced by a bacterium that affects food poisoning, producing spasmolytic neurotoxin. Botulinum toxin application, which gained its name in the 1980s, later gained an identity as a medicine.

Botulinum toxin temporarily prevents communication between nerve endings and muscles, as well as sweat glands. By reducing the contraction of facial muscles, wrinkles disappear, and it normalizes sweating in areas of excessive sweating. The main areas of application for botulinum toxin are wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, between the eyebrows, crow’s feet wrinkles, slight lifting of the eyebrows and nose tip, wrinkles on the lips due to facial expressions, lines caused by excessive contraction in the jaw, neck wrinkles, facial asymmetries, and décolletage wrinkles.

Precautions to Take Before Botulinum Toxin Application:

Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Those getting botulinum toxin injections should avoid alcohol at least two days before the procedure. Aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken at least one week before botulinum toxin application to reduce the risk of complications.
Inform the doctor about the foods and dietary supplements taken before botulinum toxin application. Foods such as green tea, vitamins C and E, garlic, echinacea, fish oil, ginseng, and ginkgo should be discontinued two weeks before botulinum toxin application due to their anticoagulant effects.
If there is an active skin infection in the area where botulinum toxin injections will be administered, the procedure should be postponed. This is because small needles are used in botulinum toxin application.

Precautions After Botulinum Toxin Application:

The needles used in botulinum toxin applications are small and thin, causing minimal discomfort. Therefore, the patient can continue their daily activities smoothly after botulinum toxin application. However, there are important factors to consider after botulinum toxin application.
● Within two hours after botulinum toxin application, it is necessary to exercise the facial muscles to better establish the effect of the application on the muscles.
● Applying cold compresses to the face reduces the effects of swelling, bruising, and redness.
● Actions such as rubbing the face, massaging the face, plucking eyebrows, dyeing hair, and applying makeup should not be done within the first 24 hours after botulinum toxin application.
● Avoid lying face down for the first 4 hours.
● Avoid intense and heavy exercise within the first 24 hours after botulinum toxin application.
● Taking a hot bath or shower should be avoided within the first 24 hours as it may cause redness on the face. Additionally, it is essential to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

The substance used during filler injections is called what?

Injecting filler substances to address signs of aging is among the minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Fillers are commonly used to address wrinkles starting from the 30s. However, individuals with contour irregularities can start getting fillers from their mid-20s. The most frequently used filler substance is known as hyaluronic acid. After applying a mild anesthetic with creams, the filler is injected into the skin in a short process lasting approximately 15-30 minutes. Filler injections are generally used to address hollows and deep wrinkles, leading to shadowing on the face. The most common areas for filler injections include the nose, forehead, lips, lip corners, jawline, and the lines between the eyebrows.

Precautions Before Filler Procedure

  • The use of aspirin or similar medications should be stopped 2 weeks before the filler procedure.
  • In case of cold sores specifically in the lip area, getting lip filler should be postponed. If there is a frequent occurrence of cold sores, an appropriate antiviral cream should be used before and after the procedure.
  •  Filling should be avoided in areas with acne problems or infections.
  • Filler injections around the mouth should not be performed simultaneously with dental treatments because an infection in the dental area significantly affects the filler around the mouth.

Post-Filler Application Precautions

  •  Just like before the filler application, aspirin and similar medications should not be used for another 2 weeks after the procedure.
  • After the filler application, it is necessary to stay in an upright position for 1-2 hours. No strenuous exercises should be performed for 24 hours.
  •  Pools are areas with a high risk of infection; therefore, it is advisable not to swim for at least 2 days after the filler application.
  •  Avoid lying face down for 4 hours after the filler procedure.
  •  Sunscreen and colorless pharmacy products can be used.
  • Makeup materials and brushes should not be used for 1 day.
  •  No skincare should be done on the day of the filler application; such procedures should be postponed for at least 1 week.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption on the day of the filler application should be avoided as it may increase swelling. Therefore, alcohol should not be consumed for 2 days after the filler procedure.