Injections de neuromodulateurs (Botox ou Dysport)

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a purified protein derived from the culture of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It was first used in medicine to treat strabismus, certain facial spasms and palpebral tics. A reduction in wrinkles around the treated eye was then observed, paving the way for its aesthetic use to reduce wrinkles. Before-and-after examples of the eye area can be convincing; results vary from person to person.

Botulinum toxin acts primarily on dynamic wrinkles (of muscular origin). By acting at the neuromuscular junction, it gradually relaxes the targeted muscles, softening expression lines.

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Indications for botulinum toxin on the face

Expression lines appear with facial movements. In younger people, the skin becomes smooth again after contraction; over time (from the thirties onwards), elasticity diminishes and lasting cracks set in.

The main areas treated are in the upper third of the face:

• Horizontal forehead wrinkles. The number of units varies according to muscle strength and your goals.
• Lion's wrinkle (glabella) between the eyebrows.
• Crow's feet at the corner of the eyes.

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Other areas that can be treated:

• Gummy smile" linked to hyperactivity of the upper lip's levator muscles; botulinum toxin can reduce this naturally.
• Smoker's lines - vertical lip lines.
• More bitterness on either side of the mouth, when caused by repeated mimicry (and not by skin slackening).
• Nose wrinkles ("bunny lines").
• Bulky masseter muscle: in the case of hypertrophy, botulinum toxin can refine the lower face and soften the oval (facial slimming).

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Intervention in practice

The professional observes your expressions and skin mobility to define the areas to be treated. After cleansing and disinfection, injections are made at precise points on the muscles responsible (and sometimes intradermally, depending on the indication). The desired effect appears progressively: around D+3, a subtle slackening of the skin is often noticeable; optimal results are seen after 10 to 15 days.

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The desired effect begins to appear gradually. Many patients wonder what to expect after 3 days of Botox. At this stage, a subtle loosening of the muscles is already noticeable, although the final result is optimal after about 15 days.

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The benefits of botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is a well-established treatment with a recognized safety profile when performed by a trained professional. It can help delay the onset of certain expression lines in young adults and soften the features of a more mature face. In the case of very deep wrinkles, botulinum toxin can be combined with hyaluronic acid in a global approach: the former limits muscle contraction, the latter fills in hollows.

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Tips for a successful treatment

BEFORE: If possible, and depending on your professional's advice, avoid taking bleeding-inducing medication the week before. The treatment can be performed on tanned or untanned skin. Ideally, arrive with your make-up removed; if necessary, we'll remove it for you.

‍PENDANT: The session is generally well tolerated and lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas.

‍APRÈS: After the session, no major social changes are expected; you can resume your activities. Avoid massaging or pressing hard on the treated areas for 24 to 48 hours to limit the spread of the product.

‍SUITES: Rare transient effects may occur (headache, redness, slight edema or small bruises at injection sites).

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Expected results

The first effects can often be seen as early as day 3, with improvement lasting up to day 14. Wrinkles fade and the face appears more relaxed, without a frozen appearance. A follow-up visit is usually recommended 2 to 3 weeks after treatment. The effect generally lasts 4 to 6 months; a further session may be considered around the 4th to 6th month to maintain the result. As the sessions progress, the dosage becomes better calibrated and certain movements responsible for wrinkles become less habitual.

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