Before considering a Botox injection on the face, here is some practical information to take into account. Dr. Vincent Masson, cosmetic surgeon in Paris, specialist doctor and well respected for aesthetic medical injections answers your questions.
What is Botox?
Botox is actually a brand name (there is also Dysport, Azzalure, Vistabel, Bocouture), on a medical level we speak of botulinum or botulinum toxin. It is a toxin (equivalent to a poison) secreted by the clostridium botulinum bacteria, which is responsible for a disease that today is extremely rare: botulism.
How does Botox work?
The type A toxin acts at the level of the neuromuscular junction (the motor endplate) blocking the release of acetylcholine. By inhibiting the effects of acetylcholine it induces a paralysis of the motor nerves and the muscle does not receive the message to contract. Via Botox injections we use this muscle paralysis effect to prevent so-called expression wrinkles from occurring. We can treat the forehead, the glabella (the vertical “lion’s wrinkle” between the eyebrows) and the crow’s feet (the wrinkles at the outer corner of the eyes).
What is the cost and how long do the injections last?
On peut traiter le front, la glabelle (ride verticale du lion entre les sourcils) et la patte d’oie (les plis sur les côtés lorsque l’on fronce les yeux). Il faut compter en moyenne entre 400 et 500 euros à Paris pour des injections avec un spécialiste.
Botox capillaire ou Botox pour les cheveux à Paris, qu’est ce que c’est ?
In general, the cost is between 400 and 500 euros in Paris for injections with a specialist. The cost is to be taken into account because it is important to empathize that it is a product which has a transient effect. The injections last on average between 4 to 6 months and must therefore be repeated once a year.
What is Capillary or Hair Botox?
These are products that are often used in hair salons to improve the appearance of hair, this has nothing to do with Botox injections for wrinkles. It is a restorative treatment that seems to be effective in rejuvenating the hair and giving a radiant or youthful effect by strengthening the color and fibers. Hair Botox is used in the context of repeated coloring.
Where can I get Botox in Paris?
In Paris there are many cosmetic surgery and cosmetic medicine practices. Mainly in the 16th, 17th and 8th arrondissements. The practitioner must be specialized and be either a cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic doctor, or a dermatologist. Be wary of certain practitioners who are not specialists but GPs and do not have the university diplomas required to handle the product. In case of doubt, inquire at the conseil de l’ordre des médecins (French Medical Board) and be wary of a price that is too cheap compared to the competition.
What is the difference between Botox and hyaluronic acid?
Botox is used to reduce the expression lines that occur when the facial muscles are contracted. Hyaluronic acid is used to fill hollows and restore volume. It is a volumizing product.
Who injects Botox?
Either a cosmetic surgeon, a cosmetic doctor or a dermatologist. It is important to check the practitioner’s skills beforehand. The quantity injected and the areas treated are determined based on the demand and the practitioner’s expertise.
When does it work?
Botox begins to act around the 3rd day and to really have its effect on facial wrinkles around the 15th day.
How old do you have to be to have Botox injections?
There is no specific age but simply from the moment that the wrinkles are noticed or begin to show. In my opinion though I think it is important the patient is not too young so as to avoid a described effect of resistance by the manufacture of antibodies.
What are the precautions to take after a Botox injection?
Above all, avoid massaging, do not press where the product has been injected because there is a risk of developing ptosis (drooping of the eyelid). Do not put on a helmet or place the head upside down and avoid excessive heat such as saunas and physical sports for the first few days.
Are there any side effects of a Botox injection?
You can have a headache in the evening and some redness. Additionally, some small raised marks for the first few hours afterwards and a feeling that the forehead is descending. There are also sometimes asymmetries which will be corrected at the control visit 15 days after the initial procedure.
What are the results like?
The fundamental approach of Dr. Masson is that the results after the injections must be as natural as possible. It is out of the question to see a smooth and artificial looking forehead which would betray the fact that Botox injections have been administered.
What are the possible dangers or issues of using Botox?
We should really look for a paresis more than a paralysis of the muscles, that is to say that its important to avoid having a completely frozen appearance of the forehead because otherwise the results are very false and unnatural. Botox is to be avoided in case of pregnancy, rare diseases such as myasthenia gravis, and drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (aspirin).
Can Botox be injected in the lip?
This is not done but often patients think it is and confuse Botox with hyaluronic acid, which is injected into the lips to increase their volume. It is however possible to inject Botox in the forehead and hyaluronic acid in the lips at the same time.
What are the effects on the forehead?
This is the best indication for its use, with the effect of treating horizontal wrinkles on the forehead (worry lines), crow’s feet wrinkles and vertical “lion wrinkles” between the eyebrows. I sometimes combine different techniques together such as a mesolift, hyaluronic acid, skin booster, microneedling or peeling for an optimal result and thus achieve an equivalent of medical face lift without surgery.
Is it also possible to inject Botox in the armpits?
To counteract excessive sweating and odor under the arms due to sweating it is possible to have injections in the armpits. Excessive perspiration can thus be temporarily corrected using Botox injections.
