Botox, formally known as Botulinum Toxin, is a substance widely used in the beauty industry to reduce wrinkles and enhance facial contours for a more youthful appearance. Botox works by temporarily blocking muscle contractions, which helps diminish the appearance of wrinkles caused by facial movements.

• Wrinkle Reduction: Botox effectively minimizes wrinkles caused by facial expressions, such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.
• Facial Contouring: Injecting Botox into the jawline can create a slimmer and more defined face shape.
• Lifting and Firming: With advanced injection techniques at 22 Square Clinic, Botox can lift and firm the facial contours and elevate the corners of the eyes.
• Sweat Reduction: Botox can reduce excessive sweating in areas like the palms or underarms.
• Pore Minimization: Botox can also be used to tighten and minimize enlarged pores.
• Relief for Muscle Spasms: Botox is sometimes used to treat pain caused by muscle spasms in certain medical conditions.

Botox works by blocking the signals from nerves to muscles, preventing the injected muscles from contracting. This reduction in muscle activity helps diminish wrinkles caused by facial muscle movements. Results typically become noticeable within 3-5 days after the injection, and the effects can last for approximately 3-6 months, depending on the type of toxin used.

The differences between Botox brands lie in their purity, ingredients, and the specific type of botulinum toxin used. These factors influence the longevity of results, the speed at which effects become noticeable, and the likelihood of resistance developing after repeated injections.

At 22 Square Clinic, we offer three types of Botox from different countries:

• Allergan: American Botox
• Xeomin: German Botox
• Aestox: South Korean Botox

Preparation Before Treatment
The doctor will assess your facial condition and provide advice on preparing for the procedure, including the total amount of Botox needed.

Botox Injection Process
The Botox injection process is quick and minimally painful. A small needle is used to inject Botox into the targeted areas. For those who are concerned about pain, a numbing cream can be applied 30-40 minutes prior to the procedure. Alternatively, applying ice or using a cold compress can also help reduce discomfort during the injection.

• Possible Bruising: Mild bruising at the injection sites may occur but typically resolves within 7-10 days.
• Avoid Lying Down: Refrain from lying flat for at least 4 hours after the injection.
• Jaw Pain Relief: If you feel soreness after jaw Botox injections, chewing gum can help alleviate the discomfort, which usually improves within 5-7 days.
• Avoid Pressure on Treated Areas: Do not massage or press the treated areas to prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended regions.

Lifestyle Restrictions: Avoid intense exercise, alcohol consumption, and direct sunlight exposure during the initial period after treatment.

Potential issues that can occur after Botox injection include:

• Bruising: Some bruising may occur at the injection site.
• Unwanted Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness can occur in areas not intended for treatment, such as eyelid drooping from Botox injected around the eyebrows and forehead, or mouth corners dropping from Botox injected into the jaw or crow’s feet. This can happen if the Botox spreads to surrounding muscles. However, these effects are temporary and will subside over time.

If you experience any abnormal symptoms, it’s important to notify the treating physician immediately.
These complications can be avoided by having Botox administered by an experienced dermatologist, who will assess your skin condition before the procedure and use techniques to prevent such occurrences.