Gummysmile treatment

Botulinum toxin, commonly known as “Botox,” is a medication that has been used since the 1970s as a muscle relaxant. Botox is a purified protein that temporarily blocks the signal transmission between nerves and muscles. In the 1990s, it was accidentally discovered that treating eyelid spasms (twitching eye) resulted in the disappearance of wrinkles around the eyes. Since then, the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes has grown significantly and become the most performed cosmetic procedure. The majority of Botox is still used by hospitals for medical purposes.

When we consciously or unconsciously contract a muscle, a signal is sent from our brains through a nerve to the muscle, instructing it to contract. When Botox is injected into this muscle, the signal from the nerve is temporarily blocked, resulting in a decrease in muscle strength or complete muscle relaxation. Facial muscles that cause wrinkles can relax, softening or completely eliminating the wrinkles. Botox not only works on muscles but also on glands. It is often used to treat excessive sweating of the armpits.

A very thin needle is used for the injection of Botox. The injections are typically experienced as pinpricks. For a Botox treatment, no anesthesia is necessary. If you find it very nerve-wracking, we can apply a numbing cream.

As Botox is injected through the skin with a needle, there is always a chance of hitting a small blood vessel. A bruise will usually fade on its own within a few days and is often easy to conceal. If you are concerned about this, avoid using blood-thinning agents such as fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, and ibuprofen in the days leading up to the treatment. The likelihood of bruising is generally small, but it’s worth considering, especially before important events.

After the treatment, it is important for the Botox to ‘settle’ in the muscle where it was injected. During the first 4 hours after the treatment, the Botox is still ‘liquid’ and can theoretically spread. We advise during this period:

1. Not to touch the treated area
2. Avoid sports or other physical activities
3. Refrain from activities that may cause heat
4. Avoid lying down flat

The effect of a Botox treatment usually becomes visible after a few days and reaches its final result after 1-2 weeks. The muscles that pull the skin into a fold relax, causing the skin to smooth out. If the wrinkle has existed for years and has become deep, it may soften but not completely disappear after the treatment. Since Botox also affects sebaceous glands, we often see an improvement in skin quality in the “T-zone” of the face. On average, the effect of a treatment lasts 3-7 months. With repeated treatments before it completely wears off, we observe an increase in the duration of the effect.

Botox is a medication that has been researched for its effectiveness and safety since the 1970s. It has been proven to be a safe substance with FDA approvals for various medical and cosmetic applications.

A Botox treatment can, in some cases, be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as fillers. When combining it with a treatment that causes a significant skin reaction or swelling, it is advised to postpone the Botox treatment until the skin has recovered. If you have a treatment scheduled with a beautician or skin therapist, it’s recommended to consult with your cosmetic doctor to determine if it could impact your Botox treatment.