Botox on the forehead: how many injections are needed and how many units of the drug

The consequence of active facial expressions - expressions of surprise, admiration, dissatisfaction - are wrinkles on the forehead and in the area between the eyebrows. Every day, unbeknownst to ourselves, we frown and raise our eyebrows, which negatively affects the condition of our skin. Constant muscle tension leads to the fact that facial wrinkles become pronounced and noticeable even under a layer of corrective products.

The procedure of botulinum therapy - Botox injections - allows you to smooth out wrinkles and give your face a calm, rested look.

How Botox works

Botox injection is an effective technique for eliminating facial wrinkles and forming a beautiful facial contour. Essentially, this is a correction without a scalpel.

Botox is a weakened, purified neurotoxic drug based on botulinum toxin. The latter is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. A powerful neuroparalytic that can relax facial muscles.

Botulinum toxin A has been used in cosmetology for more than 30 years. It is injected into the area of ​​the facial muscle, as a result it relaxes, and the skin relief of the area is noticeably smoothed. The hydrobalance of the deep layers of the dermis is restored, the natural production of collagen and elastin is stimulated.

Botox is used to correct facial contours, smooth out wrinkles on the forehead, in the eye area and nasolabial triangle.

How is Botox removed from the body?

The drug is contained in the body for about a day, then it completely disintegrates into individual elements, and its activity ceases. Botox is excreted from the body through the kidneys as metabolites.

There is a misconception that the drug has a cumulative effect after each injection. The mechanism of the active activity of Botox and its subsequent disintegration is obvious; the drug does not leave the slightest fraction of its content and, moreover, does not have a cumulative effect. It is excreted in full, without causing any negative effects on human health.

Exposure time

The duration of the effect of Botox depends on the individual characteristics of the body, habits, and care procedures:

• Age. Typically, botulinum therapy is indicated for people over 45 years of age, but often younger people also need correction. The breakdown of drug substances in a young body occurs faster, so the duration of the effect is reduced.
• Behavior. Poor nutrition, lack of sleep, stress and negative habits affect not only your well-being, but also your appearance - they worsen the effect of injections.
• Quality of the drug. The drug must be original and stored correctly.

At what age can Botox be injected?

Manufacturers do not indicate clear restrictions on the age group, however, most specialists do not work with patients under 18 years of age. Moreover, at such a young age, there are most often no clear indications for such radical anti-aging therapy. The only exceptions are individuals who have a genetic predisposition to the formation of facial wrinkles. Many people mistakenly believe that this phenomenon is associated with overly active facial expressions, but in fact this factor is of secondary importance, after heredity.

When answering the classic question, at what age can Botox be injected, most experts still determine the age group from 30 to 45 years, when the drug will demonstrate the most pronounced effectiveness. At the same time, for elderly patients over 60 years of age, the relevance of Botox is lost every year, due to the manifestations of age-related tissue ptosis, which is noticeable even when the muscle is in a relaxed state.

Signs of Botox working

It is easy to feel the effect of botulinum toxin after the procedure: the facial muscles at the injection site stop working almost immediately, although a trace of the wrinkle will still be visible. For example, it will not be possible to frown your forehead, and, therefore, folds on the skin will not be able to form.

On days 5-7, the distribution of the drug ends, the effect becomes maximum: the skin is noticeably fresher, acquires a healthy shine and tint, and cosmetics fit perfectly on it. Even deep wrinkles are gradually smoothed out.

When administered correctly, Botox injections do not turn the face into a “mask.” There will still be facial expressions and emotions. To get truly excellent results, contact beauty centers - cosmetologists with extensive experience work there.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

Botox injections are given to patients with hypertonicity of the facial muscles. The main indication for the procedure today is the appearance of wrinkles.

. The cosmetologist will tell you how many units of Botox are needed. Botox for the forehead and eyebrows is applied according to individual indicators: the procedure may be required both at 20 and at 40.

Contraindications

• Inflammations on the skin of the face.
• Infectious diseases.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding period.
• Chronic diseases in the acute stage.
• Allergic reaction to the drug.
• Children under 18 years of age.

Before administering the drug, the Aesthetic Club doctor will definitely conduct a survey, collect anamnesis, and make sure there are no contraindications.

Repeated procedures

After Botox is removed, you can repeat the course to get the results back. Wait until your facial muscles have fully recovered to get the best results.

If Botox was administered for the first time, a corrective session is usually carried out after 8 months. All subsequent injections are performed at intervals of 4-6 months. With this technique you can maintain consistently good results.

If procedures are performed too often, the sensitivity of the dermis and nerve structures increases significantly. Botox dissolves faster each time, correction is required more often.

How long does the effect of Botox last?

How effective Botox is is perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions. Here it should be understood that there simply cannot be an unambiguous answer to this question, since the duration of local muscle relaxation will, like the speed of achieving the effect, directly depend on the metabolic functions of the body, more simply, on the metabolic rate. However, experts say that after the first administration of the drug, the average duration of action of Botox will be from 4 to 6 months.

Also, speaking about the duration of action of Botox, it is simply impossible not to mention the increased effectiveness of the drug with repeated administration. Repeated injections show a significantly longer lasting effect, which can range from 8 to 12 months. In addition, regular use of botulinum therapy often gives the cosmetologist the opportunity to reduce the dosage. This is largely explained by the fact that being stationary for a long time, the facial muscle loses the “habit” of actively moving, and a person loses the habit of “frowning,” which reduces the load on the facial muscles and the severity of wrinkles.

Is it possible to extend the result?

Follow all the cosmetologist's recommendations to get the maximum, safe and prolonged effect of the procedure.

We will consider the main recommendations below:

• Physical activity in the first 7-10 days after the session significantly reduces the effect of botulinum therapy.
• There are no additional jokes between the main courses! They will provoke the production of antibodies, which destroy the toxin and reduce its effect to a minimum.
• Avoid solariums, baths and saunas.
• Assess the compatibility of current pharmacotherapy with contraindications to botulinum therapy.

How it's done?

The treatment is very simple, step-by-step, and most people can return to their normal activities immediately. And social activity without any noticeable swelling or suggestion that they "did something."

Botox on the forehead

DO NOT DECIDE WHERE TO GET ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS UNTIL YOU READ THE FOLLOWING!

Anti-wrinkle injections are becoming increasingly popular, and as a result, more and more doctors are using them. Some general practitioners and now dentists offer these treatments. However, unfortunately for patients, some clinics offer treatment at low prices. Which, while tempting, may not produce the best results possible or in the safest way.

THREE IMPORTANT criteria for the best possible results and lasting corrections:

1. "Freshness" of the product (see below).
2. Adequate dosage (see below).
3. Precise placement - which is only possible if the injector knows the facial anatomy well.
4. The more your treatment deviates from the three criteria above, the worse your outcome will be!

• THE “FRESHNESS” OF A PRODUCT SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CONSIDERATION:

The manufacturer clearly states on the label that the product should be used within 24 hours of opening. Reasons for this:

• Firstly, it does not contain a preservative. And if the entire bottle is not used within 24 hours. And the rest of the Botox will be stored in the refrigerator until then. Until it is used, it may become contaminated. And cause a serious skin infection with the next injection.
• Secondly, one British study found that the product becomes less effective over time. Therefore, if you are offered a product that was opened more than 24 hours ago. You will probably get a weaker result - or a smaller correction. Either a shorter duration, or both. Think about this: If you can go to any clinic. And immediately undergo treatment, how do you know when the bottle was first opened? It could have been one hour ago (which would have been acceptable). Or it could have been a week or a month ago (unacceptable). So, if the clinic is not ready to guarantee you. What opened less than 24 hours ago, go somewhere else!

Lifestyle after the procedure

The strictest recommendations for the first 3 days after the session:

• Avoid alcoholic drinks: ethyl alcohol increases blood flow to the face.
• Do not take hot baths or go to the sauna.
• Avoid visiting the beach and solarium.
• Protect your face from direct sunlight.
• Avoid even minimal physical activity.
• Do not take muscle relaxants, tetracycline antibiotics, or B vitamins.
• Do not massage the injection area.

How many units do you need?

The number of wrinkles and their severity determine the number of Botox units. For some, 5 units are enough, for others, 30 are needed.

On average, up to 25 units of the drug are needed to correct eyebrow wrinkles with Botox.

Recommendations after the procedure

1. First hours. You cannot lie down or bend over. It is prohibited to touch or knead injection sites with your hands.

2. The first days after injections. Active facial expressions are recommended for uniform distribution of the drug. You cannot use decorative cosmetics. Do not wash your face with cold water. During this period, skin redness, peeling, and discomfort are possible. All this will pass in a couple of days. On the fifth day, you can evaluate the result of the procedure.

3. 14 days after the procedure. During this period, it is better to refrain from drinking alcohol, spicy and salty foods. Facial massage is prohibited. It is better to postpone intense physical activity until later. After two weeks, you need to see a doctor, especially if not all the wrinkles have smoothed out.

No other cosmetic procedures are performed during the rehabilitation period. Your doctor may approve light face masks. Home care may also need to be adjusted. Do not hesitate to ask questions to a specialist. This is the key to the most effective transformation!

Undesirable effects

It is impossible to predict in advance how the substance will be distributed, how muscle fibers will react to the effects of botulinum toxin.

Typical side effects are redness of the facial skin, the appearance of papules, pain, and swelling.

Rare complications and their causes:

• Strong relaxation of the frontal muscles gives the effect of lowered eyebrows.
• Excessive botulinum toxin injections can lead to eyelid spasm.
• Excessive physical activity and ignoring recommendations are a common cause of asymmetry, bruising, and articulation disorders.
• Individual reaction: headaches, lumps and papules at injection points, increased intraocular pressure.

Qualitative comparison of botulinum toxins

Botox / Botox (Allergan, USA)

Botox is the very first drug, rightfully called the “standard of botulinum therapy.” It contains purified botulinum toxin type A in combination with human serum albumin (0.5 mg) and sodium chloride (0.9 mg). Due to the large molecular size of 900 kDa and albumin concentration (average among other drugs), Botox has fairly limited diffusion and allows you to achieve the expected result even at difficult injection points; its effect is always predictable for doctors. This allows you to avoid complications, side effects, and also maintain a natural facial expression. However, the albumin content at this concentration also indicates the strength of the drug: the lower the albumin content, the stronger the effect. From this it follows that Botox has an average strength and provides a mild effect in comparison with other drugs, which we see in practice. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend starting botulinum therapy procedures with this drug.

Botox cost

The cost of Botox varies from 350-400 rubles per unit. As with any other toxins, it is difficult for the patient to determine the number of units by eye, so it is recommended that when determining the cost of the procedure, it is recommended to be guided by generally accepted values ​​for the number of units for different zones.

The number of units required to correct a certain area depends on many factors and is determined during a face-to-face consultation.

Approximate number of units of Botox:

• forehead area: 5-10 units.
• bridge of the nose: 5-15 units.
• eye area: 10-20 units.

The effect of the drug becomes noticeable 4-5 days after the procedure, and the full effect occurs 14 days after administration. The duration of action of botulinum toxin type A in Botox depends on the individual metabolic rate, and is about 4 months.

Side effects and complications of Botox

Side effects are extremely rare, but, nevertheless, there is a risk of them occurring:

• Local effects, relatively harmless complications associated with the body’s reaction to the drug: subcutaneous hemorrhages, allergic reactions, swelling, redness and itching at the injection sites, a feeling of “tightness”. They go away on their own within a few hours or days.
• General effects on the body: general allergic reactions, skin paresthesia (disorders of tactile and temperature sensitivity, pain on palpation), gastrointestinal disorders, headache, general muscle weakness.
• If the dosage is repeatedly exceeded, difficulty breathing and swallowing may occur. With the exception of an allergic reaction, all these consequences are the result of the toxin entering the bloodstream, and therefore indicates the illiteracy of the specialist who performed the procedure.
• Aesthetic consequences, as a rule, are the result of the work of an inexperienced specialist. This group includes: ptosis, diplopia, mask-like face, facial asymmetry. Such effects are possible if the toxin is introduced into the wrong area or the dose of the drug is incorrectly selected.

Dysport (Ipsen, France)

Dysport is the main competitor to Botox. It also contains botulinum toxin type A and human serum albumin (125 mcg), and an excipient - lactose monohydrate (2.5 mg). It is characterized by a lower molecular weight and a high ability to diffuse into adjacent tissues. In addition to the diffusion effect, the low concentration of albumin in the composition of the drug significantly increases the “strength” of its action and, in the hands of experienced specialists, allows one to achieve excellent results.

Dysport's units of activity cannot be compared to those of Botox. Approximately 1 unit of Botox is equal to 2.5-3 units of Dysport. Thus, both the dose calculation and the methods of administration of these drugs will differ. This makes it difficult to switch from one drug to another and predict the effect even with an equivalent calculation.

Cost of Dysport

The cost of one unit of Dysport is about 120-150 rubles. However, due to the need to administer more units, the cost of the two drugs Botox and Dysport is relatively the same.

Approximate number of units of Dysport

• forehead area: 20-40 units.
• bridge of the nose: 20-55 units.
• eye area: 35-75 units.

The effect of the drug becomes noticeable somewhat earlier than Botox, and occurs 2-3 days after the procedure. However, the delayed, full effect occurs within the same time frame: up to 14 days from the moment of administration.

The duration of the retained result in practice is longer than that of Botox and is, on average, about 5 months.

Side effects and complications of Dysport

The simultaneous advantage and disadvantage of the drug is its ability to diffuse into neighboring tissues. As a result, the likelihood of undesirable effects increases, for example: drooping of the upper eyelid, raising of the eyebrows, etc. However, a competent specialist, a qualified cosmetologist is able to turn this disadvantage into an advantage of the drug and make the effect of the correction softer and more natural.

Other side effects and complications occur extremely rarely and are comparable to the effects of Botox.

Xeomin / Xeomin (Merz Aesthetics, Germany)

Xeomin is a relatively new drug with botulinum toxin type A. The drug, in addition to botulinum toxin type A, contains 1 mg of albumin and 4.7 mg of sucrose.

The low molecular weight of 150 kDa is compensated by the high albumin content of 1 mg. Therefore, in terms of behavior in tissues, Xeomin is closer to Botox than to Dysport. It has a mild effect and an average degree of diffusion into tissue. The drug is quite easy to work with even for a novice doctor. Xeomin does not require special storage conditions (unlike other drugs) and retains its properties at room temperature. It is used to correct the upper, middle and lower parts of the face; periorbital region; in the neck area. 1 unit of Xeomin is approximately equal to 1 unit of Botox.

The effect of the drug occurs quite quickly 2-3 days after administration, and the final effect can be seen on 12-14 days.

Disadvantages of Xeomin

The cost and concentration of the drug is similar to that of Botox, but the concentration of albumin is 2 times higher in Xeomin, hence the weaker and less long-lasting effect of the toxin (from 3 to maximum 6 months).

Side effects and complications of Xeomin

Due to the high degree of purification of the drug and its recent debut in the field of cosmetology, there are very few negative reviews about its use. Expected, mild side effects: swelling, burning, bruising at the injection site, headache.

As a rule, due to a violation of the drug administration technique, the following undesirable effects can be encountered: ptosis of the upper eyelid, sagging tissue, facial asymmetry.

Neuronox (Medytox, South Korea)

Neuronox is another analogue of drugs containing botulinum toxin type A (100 units), human serum albumin (500 mcg) and the excipient sodium chloride (900 mcg). As you can see, the composition is identical to that of Botox. The advantage of the drug is its inability to penetrate into adjacent tissues, due to its high molecular weight and average albumin concentration.

Neuronox is widely used to smooth out facial wrinkles and temporarily correct hyperhidrosis. For side effects and complications, see the section on Botox .

Lantox / Lantox (Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products, China)

Another drug containing botulinum toxin type A (50 or 100 units) and several excipients: gelatin 5 mg, dextran 25 mg, sucrose 25 mg. According to the developers, gelatin in the drug makes it possible to impart greater stability to the toxin molecule and prevent its excessive diffusion. The effectiveness of Lantox has been proven both in the correction of wrinkles and in the fight against hyperhidrosis. The effect of the drug begins 24 hours after administration and reaches its maximum result on the 14th day, the effect lasts for 3-6 months.

As stated above, it is impossible to compare the diffusion and behavior in tissues of this drug due to the lack of comparative information on the properties of albumin and gelatin. In practice, the drug showed fairly good results, average diffusion. The effect at an equivalent dose is stronger than Botox and milder than Dysport.

Indications

“Beauty injections” have become so popular due to their wide spectrum of action, because with the help of drugs with botulinum toxin, various age-related changes can be significantly reduced or completely eliminated. While their effect lasts, new creases will definitely not appear.

Injections are recommended to solve the following aesthetic problems:

• horizontal and vertical deformations in the forehead;
• drooping eyebrow tips;
• facial asymmetry;
• crow's feet;
• ptosis (drooping) of the upper eyelid;
• scars and scars.

Contraindications

Like any cosmetic procedure, botulinum therapy has a list of contraindications:

• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• diabetes mellitus at the stage of decompensation;
• exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
• hypersensitivity to the components included in the drug;
• high degree of myopia (myopia);
• acute inflammatory or infectious diseases;
• oncology;
• hyperthermia (high temperature);
• dermatological problems (rashes, pustules);
• violation of the integrity of the skin;
• tendency to form keloid scars.

Preparing for Botox injections

There is no need to prepare specially for visiting a cosmetologist. In order to eliminate the risk of side effects, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol about a week before the procedure. If you are taking medications, you should also inform your cosmetologist about this.

What should you not do before the procedure?

• drink alcoholic beverages;
• take antibiotics and anticoagulants;
• drink calcium containing medications;
• apply decorative cosmetics.

What effect do beauty injections have?

The drug contains botulinum toxin type A in a dosage that is safe for health. Using injections, it is injected into the facial muscles of the forehead, the area around the eyes and between the eyebrows, nasolabial folds, and neck. Under the influence of the drug, nerve endings stop transmitting impulses. The muscles are temporarily paralyzed and relaxed, and the skin becomes stretched and smoother. It produces those substances (including hyaluronic acid) that restore its internal structure and appearance. Therefore, the procedure gives a rejuvenating effect.

After a few months, botulinum toxin is painlessly removed from the body. After the drug wears off, it is recommended to take a short break to allow the muscles to recover. Then the procedure can be repeated. Botox injections allow you to:

• get rid of wrinkles,
• correct pronounced facial asymmetry,
• remove sagging upper eyelid,
• and also eliminate increased sweating.

Botulinum toxin was originally used as a medicine. It has undergone multiple clinical trials and has been used in the beauty industry for about 30 years. During this time, doctors have not identified any generally dangerous consequences of its use.

Benefits of injections

Features of the drugs

Botox injections are an affordable and painless way to get rid of facial wrinkles for a long time. In modern cosmetology, safe drugs are used, after which the risk of complications is practically eliminated. Many patients are interested in the question of how they differ.

Botox is manufactured by the American-French company Beaufour Ipsen International. "Xeomin" - German manufacturer Merz Aesthetics. They all differ in excipients and molecular weight, that is, their ability to penetrate tissue. The choice of drug should be made by a qualified physician.