What is Botox?
Botox is Botulinum toxin, a toxin that paralyses muscle. When you smile, the corners of the eye don’t move and there are no crow’s feet, but there are also no smiling eyes. Since it paralyses muscles, it only works on “dynamic” wrinkles i.e., lines that appear when muscle moves. It does not work on “static wrinkles” like the laugh lines.
How long does Botox last?
The textbook answer is three months. However, there will be people who will claim longer durations and follow that with the disclaimer “results may vary”.
Botulinum Toxin Technology
Botox formulations come in different concentrations, and the volume injected must vary depending on the concentration. More concentrated solutions require smaller volumes.
After injection, we do not want the toxin to spread because that would cause effects in unwanted, adjacent areas. For example, if the injection is meant for the crow’s feet, we would not want the Botox to spread into the eyes and cause double vision. A smaller volume of a higher concentration is desirable for treating small delicate areas like the crow’s feet area. However, small volumes are harder to dilute and inject because tiny amounts are involved. There has to be a balance of concentration vs volume.
Botox Injection
During a Botox treatment, a very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox into the targeted area. The actual injection procedure is relatively quick, typically taking only a few minutes, and most people experience little to no discomfort. What prolongs the treatment duration is the anaesthesia time. Before the injections, an anaesthetic cream is applied and this needs to be left on for 20 – 30 minutes.
Aftercare Treatment
Occasionally, there may be bruising around the injection site. There is no need to be concerned about this because it will clear up quickly. You should not attempt to hasten the process by massaging the bruise. In doing so, the Botox will spread to an adjacent area and cause unwanted effects such as double vision.
Can I exercise after getting Botox?
So long as your exercise does not involve using your face, you are free to engage in them! Using sunscreen and sun exposure to prevent damage to your skin does not have any effect on the Botox but it does prevent pre-mature aging. Botox is primarily injected for dynamic wrinkles, which are basically wrinkles that appear when your face moves, while Fillers work for the lines that remain still when the face is not moving (static wrinkles). Most people have both and this is why many people would opt for both treatments at the same time.
Botox Singapore
In Singapore, the use of Botox is regulated by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Only qualified medical practitioners are allowed to administer Botox, and they must follow strict safety measures to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Whilst saying so, the effect of the procedure is only temporary, and any complication derived from it will only last 3 months.
At SIM ENT & Facial Surgery, we dedicate ourselves to guiding and advising our patients to make informed decisions, assessing your specific needs and delivering exceptional results. Make an appointment and let us help you achieve your aesthetic goals today!
Credits: Image by studioredcup on Freepik