Botulinum toxin (Botox®)

The preventive effect of Botox refers to its ability to prevent the development of new wrinkles and expression lines on the face. This benefit is achieved through the temporary paralysis of the facial muscles where Botox is injected.

Botox prevents nerves from sending signals to the muscles, significantly reducing muscle activity in the treated area. This is especially useful in facial areas where expressions can cause wrinkles over time, such as the space between the eyebrows, around the eyes, and on the forehead.

With regular Botox applications, some patients notice that expression lines become less deep over time, even after the toxin’s effect has worn off. This happens because the muscles “learn” to relax and do not contract as strongly as before.

The current trend is to start Botox treatments earlier in adulthood, even before the formation of deep wrinkles, as a preventive measure. This approach is often referred to as “preventive Botox.”

A Botox session takes approximately 30 minutes.

You will have a real perception of the results after approximately 5 days.

The effect of the first Botox injection lasts approximately 4 to 6 months. Repeating the treatment progressively increases the duration of its effect. For hyperhidrosis, results last 9 months to 1 year.

The term “Lip Botox” can be a little confusing, since Botox (botulinum toxin) itself is not used to increase lip volume, which is what many people may think when they hear “Lip Botox.”

Instead, Botox can be applied around the lips to treat wrinkles and, in some cases, to slightly lift the upper lip, which can give the impression of fuller lips. This effect is known as the “Lip Flip.”

In the Lip Flip procedure with Botox, small amounts of the toxin are injected into the muscles around the mouth, causing these muscles to relax and making the upper lip curl slightly upward, creating the illusion of fuller lips.

However, this procedure does not add volume to the lip.

To actually increase lip volume, hyaluronic acid–based dermal fillers are used. These fillers are injected directly into the lips to add volume and definition. See Hyaluronic Acid Fillers, or more specifically, Lip Fillers.

The adverse effects of Botox (botulinum toxin) are generally very mild and temporary. However, in rare cases, some minor complications may occur.

Rare side effects:

• Small bruises at the injection site;

• Swelling at the injection site;

• Mild temporary discomfort.

Very rare side effects:

• Drooping eyelids (eyelid ptosis), which can occur if Botox spreads to areas near the injection site;

• (Reversible) paralysis in specific parts of the face, if large amounts of Botox are applied;

• Facial asymmetry, which can occur if Botox is not applied evenly.

All these adverse effects are temporary and reversible.

Side effects tend to be more frequent when applied by unqualified professionals. At Living Clinic, Botox is always administered by doctors dedicated to Aesthetic Medicine, which makes side effects practically nonexistent, except for the rare ones mentioned above, which may occur occasionally and temporarily (swelling and small bruises disappear after a few days).

Botox is considered a low-pain procedure. Even so, at Living Clinic we offer the application of anesthetic cream prior to treatment for greater patient comfort.

Botox is applied through injections with very fine needles, and many patients describe the sensation as a light sting or momentary discomfort.

After the application, there may be some mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, but this is usually temporary and can be relieved with cold compresses or medications recommended by the doctor.