For those who have decided to rejuvenate, the question is where to inject Botox correctly, i.e. the pattern of injections on the face becomes especially significant. Today, the procedure can be considered one of the most effective and affordable methods that helps get rid of the consequences of age-related changes and correct nasolabial folds. The effectiveness of manipulations is influenced by the professionalism and qualifications of the cosmetologist.
The work of a master with little experience can lead to the opposite effect. Therefore, it is extremely important to trust your face exclusively to those people who understand this and can insert the needle with maximum precision into those areas that will become a conductor of the injected active substances, i.e. according to the scheme.
Pharmacological characteristics
The active ingredient in Botox, botulinum neurotoxin, is the strongest toxic substance of organic origin. Botulinum toxins are produced by the anaerobic gram-positive bacteria Clostridium botulinum in the complete absence of oxygen. Clostridia can multiply in canned food, raw smoked sausages, and live in large quantities in the stomachs and intestines of fish, as well as in soils. The toxins that this type of bacteria releases during its life are called botulinum toxins. They have a protein nature, a large molecular weight (more than 155 thousand atomic mass units) and are almost 2.5 times larger than the size of a typical protein chain, which determines the extremely high degree of neurotoxicity compared to other groups of toxins.
Structure of the botulinum toxin molecule
The use of Botox in cosmetology became possible due to the pharmacological properties of botulinum neurotoxin type A-hemagglutinin complex (the full name of the active substance), the main of which is the specific interaction of molecules with the presynaptic membrane membrane. Within 30 minutes, botulinum toxin molecules penetrate certain areas of the superficial membrane of the nerve fiber, through which mediators are released into the synaptic cleft. The therapeutic effects of using Botox are:
- relaxation of the intrafusal fiber of the neuromuscular spindle, which is responsible for muscle speed and contraction;
- decreased activity of muscle stretch receptors;
- reducing the intensity of pain caused by muscle spasms.
Mechanism of action of botulinum toxins
These properties have made it possible to use Botox to combat facial wrinkles, which are skin folds formed as a result of natural or forced contraction of the facial muscles. In this case, the drug affects only neuromuscular transmission; the muscle structure and nerve endings do not undergo any changes and are not damaged in any way during the procedure.
How does the drug work?
After local injection into the facial muscle, botulinum neurotoxin type A-hemagglutinin complex disintegrates, after which pure neurotoxin is released. Botulinum toxin penetrates the presynaptic membrane and blocks the transmission of nerve impulses between nerve endings and facial muscles. The result is complete relaxation of the muscle fiber: the tone of the facial muscles decreases, the degree of skin tension decreases, which ultimately leads to the smoothing of skin folds and grooves.
After using Botox, the skin texture is evened out
It is important to note that Botox injections are effective only for facial wrinkles that appear as a result of increased tonic tension in the facial muscles. If the process is triggered by other reasons (dehydration, damage to collagen and elastin fibers, natural aging processes), botulinum therapy will be ineffective.
Important! The result after the injection is not immediately visible, since the process of active denervation continues for 5-10 days after the injection. This is exactly how much time is needed to evaluate the first results, and complete smoothing of wrinkles and correction of other skin defects associated with a violation of the tonic status of the facial muscles occurs by the end of the second week from the moment of the procedure.
Reviews
“From an old woman to a young woman! Getting rid of wrinkles occurs almost immediately. Preparation for the procedure is required, but afterward I looked like I didn’t look at 20 years old. The redness goes away quickly, you can go to work immediately after the cosmetologist.” Evgenia.
“I went for a procedure to get rid of wrinkles on my forehead. I was pleasantly surprised that after the injections there were no bruises, although my skin is very sensitive. The feeling after that you want to wrinkle your forehead, but you almost can’t. And it puts a little pressure on the eyebrows, but then it goes away. I did 2 procedures, after the first there were creases above the eyebrows. The result is a smooth, beautiful forehead.” Maria.
“I wanted to add volume to my lips and get rid of emerging wrinkles. To be honest, it was painful, but for the sake of beauty I had to endure it. Then there was a slight numbness, but no facial changes occurred. I checked it in front of the mirror - there was no difference, although it felt like the muscles were working differently. This injection did not give any volume; filler is used for this.” Valeria.
At home, you will not be able to competently carry out the rejuvenation procedure on your own. To avoid harming yourself, contact a cosmetologist with an extensive client base. A proven professional will do, it is advisable that familiar people use his services.
Indications for injections
Botox injections are increasingly called “beauty injections”, as they not only help fight the first signs of aging (extreme lines on the face), but also have a positive effect on the appearance of the skin. After the injections, the patient’s skin becomes smoother, its color and structure are evened out, the gaze becomes more open, and the smile becomes natural, without signs of tension.
Botox injections have a positive effect on the appearance of the skin
Considering the mechanism of action of the drug, we can highlight the main indication for the use of Botox in cosmetology – expression wrinkles, which can be of several types.
Types of expression wrinkles
| Name | Where are they located? |
| Wrinkles of discontent | Vertical folds between the eyebrows. |
| Rabbit wrinkles | Oblique grooves on the bridge of the nose. |
| Crow's feet or squinting furrows | Outer corner of the eyes. |
| Stress wrinkles | Longitudinal folds of sufficient length and depth in the forehead area. |
| Doll wrinkles | Corners of lips. |
Types of expression wrinkles
The procedure is effective for visual correction of the location of the eyebrows (too low or, conversely, raised eyebrows), nasolabial folds. If necessary, injections can be performed in the neck area and used as an alternative to a surgical facelift (Botox lift).
Note! In cosmetic dermatology, Botox injections are indicated for patients as part of the complex treatment of hyperhidrosis, a pathology characterized by increased activity of the sweat glands and hypersecretion of sweat in various parts of the body. The drug is used locally, that is, it does not affect systemic sweating, reducing sweat production only in the injection area (armpits, palms, feet, etc.).
How much do Botox injections cost for the face?
The cost of a unit of botulinum toxin depends on the place of purchase. If the purchase is made personally by the client, the price is on average 150 rubles. Salons charge a premium, where a unit costs 300-400 rubles. It is difficult to calculate the dosage on your own, so most often you have to buy additional material in a cosmetology office. And not all masters will agree to work with the drug that the client brought with him.
| Application area | Number of units | Price/r. |
| Lips | 5-20 | 8000 |
| Forehead | 20-30 | 10-12000 |
| Nasolabial folds | 4-8 | 1700 |
| Crow's feet | 4-10 | 5500 |
| Brow space | 4-20 | 6500 |
Additional manipulations are added to this (pain relief - 1000 rubles, consultation 500-1500 rubles). Many salons offer the purchase of special skin care cosmetics. Therefore, the price varies greatly depending on the location of service. It is still better not to purchase Botox on your own; certain conditions of transportation and storage must be observed. It is better to entrust this moment to specialists.
Do I need to prepare for the injection?
Botox injections are a procedure that requires some preparation, which must begin several days before the appointed date. The specialist who will perform the injection should tell you in detail about individual preparation, but there are general recommendations that are mandatory for all categories of patients.
It all starts with a consultation with a cosmetologist
- 2-3 days before the injection, you must stop drinking drinks and foods that contain ethyl alcohol (including cakes soaked in cognac, sweets with liqueur, etc.). Ethanol is completely eliminated from the body within 48 hours, so if botulinum toxin is introduced into the body before the end of this period, there may be a significant increase in the neurotoxicity of the drug and the risk of serious complications, including coma.
- You should also limit the amount of foods in your diet that contain a large number of chemical components: preservatives, flavors, dyes, stabilizers and emulsifiers. This will reduce the likelihood of unwanted side effects and reduce the toxic effects on the body as a whole.
- If the patient is taking blood thinning medications, it is necessary to consult with a doctor about the possibility of discontinuing them. If this is not possible, the patient should be informed of the high likelihood of hematomas and bruising at the injection site.
A few days before the procedure, you should review your diet.
While undergoing antibiotic therapy, there is no need to stop treatment, but it should be borne in mind that some antibacterial agents (aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, erythromycin, polymyxin) enhance the effect of Botox. Such patients are allowed to reduce the dosage in order to reduce the likelihood of toxic effects on the body.
Important! A few days before the injection, it is not allowed to perform actions that can affect blood circulation (physical activity, prolonged stay in one position, especially face down, massage), as this can negatively affect the effectiveness of the procedure and increase the likelihood of side effects.
Injection procedure
Botox injections are performed only by highly qualified doctors licensed to work with botulinum neurotoxin, strictly in accordance with the approved protocol.
The procedure must be carried out by a qualified specialist
Preparation
Before the injection, a consultation with a specialist is required, during which the doctor not only examines the skin and identifies problem areas, but also collects the patient’s primary medical history and determines the presence of possible contraindications. If the patient has completed preliminary preparation, the injection can be performed on the day of treatment.
During the examination, the cosmetologist marks areas of increased muscle tension with a special medical marker. For more careful marking, the patient may be asked to frown, smile, or laugh. This is necessary to identify the so-called hypertonic points, where the degree of muscle tension is maximum. Micro-zones with a diameter of no more than 1.5 mm are formed around these points, which determine the area of distribution of the solution and the zone of therapeutic effect of Botox. All micro-zones must form an unbroken chain, that is, touch each other.
Before the procedure, the doctor marks points with a marker for precise administration of the drug.
The injection sites are anesthetized with local anesthetics (Akriol Pro gel with lidocaine, Emla gel with lidocaine and prilocaine). Patients with a high individual threshold for pain sensitivity can do without prior anesthesia, since the Botox injection procedure is considered moderately painful.
Administration of the drug
To perform the injection, sterile disposable gloves, syringes and thin needles are used. A special cap is put on the patient’s head, and the injection site is treated with an antiseptic to prevent infection. According to the manufacturer's instructions, the central part of the stopper closing the bottle must be treated with alcohol before opening.
Injections are made under sterile conditions, the drug is drawn into a syringe in front of the patient
Technical characteristics of the procedure:
- solvent for diluting the drug - sodium chloride solution 0.9% for injection (volume - about 2.5-4 ml);
- possibility of storing the finished solution – no more than 4 hours at temperatures up to +8°C;
- syringe and needle used – insulin syringe with a non-removable needle with a diameter of 0.29 mm;
- The patient's position is sitting on a chair or the edge of a couch, the head is raised up, the back of the head is securely fixed.
The administration procedure is controlled using EMG (electromyography), a method for measuring neuromuscular transmission and the degree of excitation of the muscle fiber. EMG control is necessary for highly accurate determination of the affected area and prevention of complications that can be caused by incorrect administration of the solution.
Electromyography allows you to monitor the effect of the drug
After the injection
After the injection, the patient is under the supervision of a specialist for 30 minutes - this time is enough to assess possible side effects, since the neurotoxin molecules bind to the synaptic surface membrane within half an hour after injection. Immediately after removing the needle, the puncture site is lightly pressed with a finger to reduce the risk of hematomas and bruises.
To ensure that the recovery period goes faster and the results from the procedure last longer, cosmetologists recommend following the rules below.
- Immediately after the injection, you should give an active load to the facial muscles: smile, open your mouth, move your eyebrows, etc. Such gymnastics will not only help to avoid congestion in the muscles, but will also contribute to a more thorough and uniform distribution of the drug.
- You cannot take a horizontal position for 4 hours. The maximum permissible position during this period is half-sitting.
- For two days after the procedure, frequent and prolonged downward bending (washing floors, weeding beds) should be avoided.
- Drinking alcohol is prohibited for 14 days.
You should not drink alcohol for two weeks after the procedure.
General recommendations for all categories of patients are also to limit strength loads and exposure to high temperatures (going to the steam room, sauna) for 2-3 weeks after the injection.
Rules
Rejuvenation will be safe and effective if you prepare in advance. A week before the procedure, you should give up alcohol, stick to a simple diet and stop taking medications. Before administration, the doctor must conduct a diagnosis and make sure there are no contraindications.
The most difficult stage is marking. To do this, the specifics of the patient's facial expressions are studied. Having identified the points and calculated the dosage, the specialist dilutes the drug with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution and begins injections.
Sequence of procedure:
- Cleansing and disinfection of skin.
- Treatment of the face with an anesthetic.
- Injection of toxin. The injections are made to a depth of 2-3 millimeters, the muscle is first compressed with the fingers. After removing the needle, the area is slightly rubbed.
- Wiping the face with a damp swab.
The manipulation lasts up to half an hour and can be accompanied by 20-25 injections, which account for 200 units of the drug. However, most often a session consists of 10 injections, when up to 80 units are administered.
After the procedure, the specialist records the name of the toxin, the schedule of administration, its quantity and gives recommendations regarding further care.
Course duration
Botox works while the innervation of the nerve endings is restored. The process starts when it enters the cell, but the substance is suppressed after 3-4 months. The effect fades away gradually over several more months.
There are opinions about addiction to Botox. These are not myths, since with constant injections in small doses, insensitivity appears due to the production of antibodies to the toxin.
Some cosmetologists use a minimal amount of the drug during the first injection, and then add it later.
It is important that the interval between injections is at least six months, even with small volumes. The next procedure is prescribed only after the muscle has been restored.
Recommended dosages
The dosage suitable for each specific case is determined individually. What matters is the location of the defect, the degree of hypertonic muscle tension, and the intensity of muscle hyperactivity.
Recommended dosage of botulinum toxin in cosmetology
| Problem | Features of the procedure | Dosage per injection (in units) |
| Marionette wrinkles (doll wrinkles) | The maximum effect is achieved with the simultaneous use of botulinum toxins and fillers based on sodium or zinc hyaluronate. | 1-2 units on each side in the corners of the mouth. |
| Wrinkles in the area of the platysma (subcutaneous cervical muscle) and chin | It is necessary to inject the drug into this area extremely carefully, since an excess of botulinum neurotoxin can provoke life-threatening complications, for example, impaired swallowing function. It is recommended to divide the required dosage into two doses, the interval between which should be at least 14 days. | 2 units on each side of the muscle cord (the distance between the points is at least 2 cm). |
| Crow's feet and skin folds in the outer corner of the eye | In the lower eyelid area, the drug can only be administered subcutaneously. | 6-10 units. |
| Purse-string wrinkles around the mouth (the initial sign of natural aging of the dermis) | The procedure allows you not only to smooth out wrinkles around the mouth, but also to visually increase the volume and fullness of the lips. | 6 units (4 points above the upper lip, 2 below the lower lip). |
| Longitudinal wrinkles in the forehead area | Violation of the dosage regimen recommended by the manufacturer leads to drooping of the eyebrows over the eyes, which is visually manifested by a frowning expression on the face. | 12-20 units. |
| Skin grooves and creases between the eyebrows | The drug is injected into the projection of the location of the muscles that corrugate and lower the eyebrow. | 8-16 units. |
Each zone has its own dosage of the drug.
Important! The maximum total dose of Botox should not exceed 250 units per injection. The semi-lethal dose (LD50) of botulinum toxin for humans is 1 ng/kg, so it is extremely important to correctly calculate the dosage of the drug, always taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s facial muscles: the presence of injuries, neuromuscular diseases, surgical interventions on the facial muscles, etc.
Cost of the procedure
The cost of botulinum therapy depends on the type of drug and the area being treated. You can buy drugs in specialized online stores and pharmacies.
Attention! Prices in salons are per unit of administered substance.
Moscow
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Center for cosmetology and hair removal "Doctor Laser" | Michurinsky Ave., 25, bldg. 2 | 320 | +7 |
| Beauty salon "Else style" | st. Generala Glagolev, 26, p.4 | 450 | +7 |
| Beauty salon "Mont Plaisir" | st. Sergeya Makeeva, 1 | 430 | +7 |
Krasnoyarsk
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Clinic "Face & Body" | st. Alekseeva, 8 | 350 | +7 |
| Laser cosmetology center "O.K." | st. Alekseeva, 111 | 400 | +7 |
| Medical and cosmetology | st. Vzletnaya, 26g | 360 | +7 |
Novosibirsk
Botox
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Beauty salon "Marlene" | st. Pisareva, 53 | 300 | +7 |
| Medical | st. Dusi Kovalchuk, 270/3 | 350 | +7 |
| Clinic of medical cosmetology "Art-Medica" | st. Zheleznodorozhnaya, 22 | 300 | +7 |
Orenburg
Dysport
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Clinic "Maximed" | st. Avtoremontnaya, 1, building 4 | 130 | +7 |
| Medical | st. Eastern, 42/2 | 120 | +7 |
| Cosmetology “Universe of Harmony and Beauty” | st. Ostrovsky, 45 | 120 | +7 |
Belgorod
Xeomin
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Cosmetology clinic "East-West" | st. Pushkina, 67 | 460 | +7 |
| Family Medicine Center "Life-Giving Spring" | st. Vokzalnaya, 26a, building 1 | 350 | +7 |
| Unite Clinic | 330 | +7 |
Irkutsk
Dysport
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| "Center for Innovative Medicine" | st. Timiryazeva, 16 | 140 | +7 |
| Center for Medical Cosmetology "Ashi" | st. Deputatskaya, 25 | 110 | +7 |
| Center for Aesthetic Medicine "Satel" | st. December Events, 100 | 160 | +7 |
Bryansk
Botox
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Center for Aesthetic Cosmetology "Larus" | Boulevard 50 Let Oktyabrya, 3 | 280 | +7 |
| Cosmetology "Ethel" | st. Romashina, 32 | 280 | +7 |
| Medical | st. Krakhmaleva, 47 | 320 | +7 |
Samara
Botox
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| "Postnikov Clinic" | st. 6th clearing, 165 | 300 | +7 |
| Medical Clinic "Daliz" | st. Alexey Tolstoy, 78 | 330 | +7 |
| Clinic "Doctor Bormental" | st. Sadovaya, 335 | 250 | +7 |
Ufa
Dysport
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Surgery Clinic "Uhelp" | st. Academician Uraksina, 3 | 150 | +7 |
| Medical | st. Salavata, 13 | 100 | +7 |
| Clinic "Be Healthy" | Oktyabrya Ave., 6/1 | 100 | +7 |
Ekaterinburg
Xeomin
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Medical | st. Tveritina, 16 | 320 | +7 |
| Clinic "Magnolia" | st. Bolshakova, 61 | 300 | +7 |
| "Family Clinic" | st. Klyuchevskaya, 15 | 300 | +7 |
Volgograd
Dysport
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Medical | st. Pugachevskaya, 7b | 110 | +7 |
| Clinic "Olympus" | st. Rokossovsky, 62 | 110 | +7 |
| Clinic "Movement" | st. Rionskaya, 2 | 150 | +7 |
Tambov
Botox
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Center for diagnostics and treatment "Tambovmedservice" | st. Kronstadtskaya, 14b | 350 | +7 |
| Clinic "Doctor Profi" | st. Sovetskaya, 181 | 250 | +7 |
| Beauty Clinic | st. Svobodnaya, 12a | 300 | +7 |
Arkhangelsk
Botox
| Name of the clinic/salon | Address | Price | Telephone |
| Clinic "Persona" | st. Vyucheyskogo, 25 | 260 | +7 |
| Medical Clinic "Academy of Health" | Dzerzhinsky Ave., 7, bldg. 4 | 340 | +7 |
| Clinic "Aesculapius" | st. Loginova, 21, bldg. 1 | 400 | +7 |
When can the result be assessed?
The effect of botulinum toxin on the facial muscles is selective and long-lasting, since the degree of relaxation depends on the rate of binding to the presynaptic membrane of the nerve fiber. Immediately after the procedure, it is impossible to visually assess the result, since the inhibition of alpha motor neurons at the level of the neuromuscular synapse continues for several weeks after the injection. Most patients notice visible changes (smoothing of wrinkles) approximately on the fifth to seventh day after the procedure, and the maximum result appears by the end of the second week.
Visible changes appear a few days after the procedure
Starting from the third week, the active process of denervation continues, clinically manifested by pronounced relaxation of facial muscles and smoothing of skin furrows and creases. The achieved effect lasts for 2-6 months, after which the contractility of the muscle fiber is restored and wrinkles may appear again.
Note! Practice shows that repeated injections of Botox increase the period of maintaining the clinical result to 10-12 months (after a course of 4-5 injections). Before each procedure, the patient must undergo the minimum necessary examination to exclude possible contraindications.
Contraindications
Botox injections are a procedure associated with fairly high risks, determined by the high degree of neurotoxicity of the active substance.
Botox injections come with certain risks.
Before performing an injection, the cosmetologist must make sure that the patient does not have any contraindications from this list:
- any inflammatory processes (including infectious-inflammatory, purulent pathologies) at the injection site;
- high myopia;
- a history of burdened immune status (autoimmune pathologies, allergic reactions, bronchial asthma);
- autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, characterized by pathologically rapid muscle fatigue;
- hernia of the upper or lower eyelid;
- history of alcoholism;
- signs of gravitational ptosis in the face and neck;
- any conditions accompanied by high temperature, fever, systemic intoxication.
Signs of gravitational ptosis are one of the contraindications to Botox injections
Botulinum toxin injections are strictly contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, persons taking drugs from the group of anticoagulants or drugs that increase the intracellular concentration of calcium ions. If the patient is taking antibiotics, the possibility of performing an injection is determined by the attending physician.
Important! For patients who have undergone any surgical procedures on the face, Botox injections are allowed no earlier than 3 months after surgery.
Is Botox harmful to the face?
The drug is a weak poison, so Botox injections must be administered correctly, observing the concentration and dosage. If the technology is fully followed, then there will be no harm to the body.
Troubles arise if the recommendations for the drug are violated or an inexperienced specialist makes a mistake. What can happen in this case:
- facial muscles are paralyzed, some parts of the face cannot be moved;
- the appearance of extensive hematomas;
- the occurrence of an allergic reaction;
- manifestations of fever, chills;
- dizziness, headaches;
- disruption of the digestive system.
If during the procedure the concentration of the active substance is disturbed, the part into which the injection was administered is likely to drop - ptosis. This happens because the muscle relaxes excessively and sags. Another option for an unsuccessful injection is an injection into the wrong muscle. The result is eyes that cannot blink, one corner of the mouth that turns down, and a crooked smile. There may even be a speech impediment if a serious mistake is made.
Important: of course, it is difficult to endure the negativity after an unsuccessful procedure, but you must understand that the drug is not administered forever. A couple of months will pass, it will begin to dissolve, dissolution is accelerated with the help of massage and warming procedures. Gradually, the condition of the skin and muscles will be restored, and the face will regain its original appearance.
Photos before and after
Photos before and after Botox injections No. 1
Photos before and after Botox injections No. 2
Photos before and after Botox injections No. 3
Botox injections, or, as cosmetologists and patients also call them, “beauty injections,” are a fairly simple, but not entirely safe way to combat facial changes in the skin. The drug based on botulinum toxin copes well with facial wrinkles, smoothing them out after the first procedure. Despite this, the procedure is associated with a high risk of complications, so people with a complicated medical history are advised to choose alternative methods and safer methods, for example, plasma lifting or laser skin rejuvenation.
Homemade masks and face creams for wrinkles instead of Botox
Not everyone can afford Botox injections for the face , some are not satisfied with the price, and men are even embarrassed to contact a cosmetologist. An alternative is masks and creams with a rejuvenation effect from manufacturers Bioven, Qi-Clean, Garnier, etc. Reviews of creams with this effect are positive. They leave a visible but short-lived effect. Requires frequent use, unlike injections. The Nano Botox serum has received good reviews; its effect is similar to injections, but also does not last long.
At home, prepare the following composition: 1 tbsp. cream, 1 tbsp. carrot juice, 1 tbsp starch. The latter is diluted with a small amount of water and heated in a water bath until it becomes a jelly. All other ingredients are mixed with starch and applied warm to the skin. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer.
