Initial expression wrinkles begin to first show in one’s 20’s, in the upper third of the face (around the eyes or on the nose), or at the corners of the mouth – as a result of smiling. In one’s 30’s and 40’s, expression wrinkles deepen, become more noticeable, and may no longer disappear when the facial muscles relax. At the same time, static wrinkles with varying depths begin to form (the first signs of photo and genetic aging of the skin). Static wrinkles are generally formed in the forehead, cheeks and neck.

“Expression wrinkles”, also called dynamic wrinkles, are formed by muscle movement. They begin as thin lines on the skin, which are noticeable only within certain facial expression. For example, horizontal lines appear on the forehead when raising eyebrows and vertical lines are formed between the eyebrows when the person frequently reduces eyebrows to the bridge of the nose (frowning).

In terms of treatment, methods of influencing the muscle may be used to get rid of wrinkles on the skin, since the main reason for the formation of facial wrinkles is muscle activity. Our experts from Elysium Beauty recommend the injection of botulinum toxin as one of the most effective ways to control increased expression activity. Injections relax the tissues, leading to their tightening and smoothing. Skin-pinch, causing expression wrinkles is eliminated by replenishing injections, peels, mesotherapy and biorevitalization.

Static wrinkles, formed as a result of age, gravitational changes of muscles and facial tissues, loss of elasticity and firming of the skin, and a reduction of subcutaneous fat, can also be treated. The body’s aging effect, under the influence of various factors (ultraviolet, hormonal and genetic changes) is seemingly inevitable. However, procedures allowing a reactivation of skin’s natural moisturize – both on the surface and within deeper layers – may be an effective approach to addressing static wrinkles.

Our Medical Practitioners are, in such cases, prepared to utilize instrumental methods (photo-rejuvenation and laser resurfacing), as well chemical peels, wrinkle filling and rejuvenation injection.

Are you looking for a Toronto clinic that effectively treats wrinkles with Botox? Elysium Beauty is here for you!

Ask your practitioner about injections of this poisonous substance, in the hope of a rejuvenating effect. We would agree, it does sounds strange, but it’s proven to be one of the safest, most effective way to alleviate facial wrinkles. Botox® is a medicine produced by Allergan (USA). The active ingredients, purified botulinum toxin and weakened botulinum toxin have set the standard for facial rejuvenation everywhere.

In the cosmetic realm, Botox and its counterpart, Dysport are used to eliminate mimic (facial) wrinkles. Their appearance is most typical in the upper part of the face (forehead, between eyebrows, and around the eyes). The procedure of subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin is sometimes known as “Botox”, which has been one of the most popular methods of non-surgical facial rejuvenation since the 90’s of the last century.

Why is it popular? What is the composition of the drug and how it works? Where and how frequently it might be injected? How soon the effect will appear and how long it will last? If there are any contraindications, complications and side effects? Please allow us to address these important questions, below.

The main active substance of Botox and all its analogs is the botulinum neurotoxin type A. In any outstanding concentration, it is one of the most dangerous poisons in the world, but in microscopic doses, its effect is easy to control and direct to the desired focus. It is extracted via laboratory method from Clostridium botulinum bacteria for application in cosmetology, and is then stabilized and purified from protein contaminants.

When the drug is injected into muscle tissue, it blocks nerve transmission; and as a result, the target muscles relax and no longer reduce, and the nearby skin becomes smooth. The process is a very unique one, with nothing similar in aesthetic medicine today.

The process does, however, have very distinct limits. Only facial wrinkles can be eliminated with Botox - such facial skin deformities that appear due to the constant activity of nearby muscle fibers (primarily lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows and out of the corners of the eyes). The effect of injections preserves for about 6 months, but during this time, the activity of the treated muscles will be reduced. Hence the process of skin pinch appearance will temporarily stop. Botulinum toxin cannot control other types of wrinkles; in particular, ones that are associated with individual features of the skull structure and the distribution of subcutaneous fat (nasolabial, nasolacrimal canal)—or folds formed from stretched excess skin. In these cases, only surgical lifting or wrinkle-filling will provide the desired effect.

On average, the facial muscles relax in 5-7 days, with maximum effect achieved in two weeks. However, there are variances due to the individual characteristics of the organism, in terms of when the toxin begins to act (which may happen as quickly as the second day, while in some cases, up to one month). Additionally, there are also those who are insensitive to botulinum toxin, although such resistance is rare (Less than 1% of people). This may occur in people with a previous history of botulism or in those treated with high doses of Botox for medical reasons.

Botox may be utilized as one enters adulthood, though it is best to wait until later. Most Beauticians agree that treatments should be already started when the first signs of facial wrinkles appear on the face (Usually between 20 and 30 years of age). This “early start” will eventually preserve original smoothness of the skin for a much longer period of time, as the treated muscles will not dip and wrinkle skin during the time-course of the drug.

After the initial treatment, the facial wrinkles smooth out for an average of 4-6 months. To follow, the nerve-muscle connection blocked by the Botox gradually restores, and muscle fibers begin to shrink again – resulting in the return of the original skin presentation. To maintain the permanent absence of wrinkles it is necessary to repeat the injection approximately every six months. Generally, after 3-5 sessions, the duration of absence of wrinkles is increased to 10-12 months.

After the termination of Botox treatments, the physical activity of mimic muscles is restored. However, during the time when the muscles were artificially relaxed, the individual was weaned from the facial habits that originally contributed to the formation of the target wrinkles. Therefore, the wrinkles that appeared due to these habits may not be restored, even if Botox injections are permanently discontinued.

Botox should be injected by a specialist who has been trained to work with this type of medication. The key to success is correctly chosen dosage and injection points.

Prior to the procedure, skin is thoroughly cleansed. The specialist then marks the site of future injections with a special marker and applies an anesthetic cream. The Botox is then injected through a small insulin syringe with a thin needle. Despite topical freezing, injections may be somewhat painful; particularly in sensitive areas around the eyes and near the lips.

During the procedure, you may be asked to frown, raise your eyebrows, or otherwise strain the target facial muscles, so that it is easier for the specialist to get to them. When all the planned areas are injected, the skin is wiped off with an antiseptic, and a cold compress is then applied to injection sites, in order to reduce the inevitable swelling and bruising.

Immediately following the completion of the procedure, you can go back to your normal routines, with minor restrictions. During the first few hours, it will be necessary to keep the head in a vertical position, and to strain the facial muscles so that the treatment is distributed as best as possible within the tissues. For the first few days post-treatment, the site should not be scrubbed or exposed to ultraviolet light, cosmetics, or skin treatment aids. In addition, you must refrain from visiting a sauna, swimming pool or gym, and to restrict consumption of alcohol (and other substances with a diuretic effect).

If the results seem to be insufficient or not completely successful (for example, there may be a slight asymmetry, which is normal and is not considered as a complication), an additional corrective session with a small dose of the drug is applied. The final effect of Botox lasts for 4-6 months, while the nerve and muscle fibers are gradually restoring their performance.

After this period, the procedure can be repeated in a full range. Occasionally, the patient may develop tolerance after several courses of botulin therapy, so in order to achieve the same result, a higher dosage is required (and its duration is reduced by 1.5-2 times). The opinions of experts on the mechanism of this phenomenon vary, as some believe that the body “gets used to” the toxin and stops responding to it properly – while others suspect the nerve signals to the target muscles find alternative peripheral ways that are activated, due to blockage of the main ones. It is thought that in most cases, this happens due to regular Botox injection more than 1 time in 4 months, or frequent repetitions of the procedure with small doses, which forms a “vaccination effect”. In order to restore the sensitivity of the body to the drug at the original level, it is necessary to make a long (1 year or more) break from treatment.

The use of botulinum toxin together with hyaluronic acid preparations can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic effect of both procedures. Normally, facial wrinkles are first eliminated, and after assessing the result, the remaining unevenness of the face is corrected by fillers. A more experienced practitioner can perform this procedure within the same session. During the month before and after Botox injections, it is better to exclude any aggressive skin procedures (chemical, mechanical and laser peels, plastic surgery, etc.). In order to preserve the desired effect after botulinum therapy, machine treatment is not recommended, which directly or indirectly restore the connections of nerve endings with muscle fibers. These include, in particular, magnetotherapy, micro-current treatment, galvanotherapy, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy.

The main factors disabling injection procedures with Botox are:

• Individual intolerance of the selected drug or its individual components
• Inflammatory processes
• Skin damage at the injection site
• Pregnancy and lactation period
• Adverse neuromuscular effect
• High degree myopia
• Drugs use (In particular antibiotics and antiaggregant)
• Any disease or acute illness (Autoimmune disease; clotting disorders, chronic lung abnormalities; diabetes)
• Age preceding 18 years (in general, the use of the drug is possible from 2 years, but only for medical reasons)

Despite the fact that botulinum toxin in its pure form is an extremely dangerous poison, related cosmetic doses and procedures are considered extremely safe - with a predictable result. Nevertheless, unwanted effects are quite possible, especially when the injection technique and dosage are flawed. Although most of these do not present a serious risk to one’s health, they may be traumatic to the patient.

Expressed facial asymmetry (ptosis of the upper eyelid, drooping of the edges of the lips or eyes, heterotrophy, etc.) may appear after excessive or inaccurate administration. Severe bruising, pain and swelling at injected sites may also result from poorly administered treatment, as well as unwanted raising of the skin, when the treatment fails to distribute properly. Additionally, unnatural facial expressions may result (when the face looks like a mask). The appearance of “compensatory” wrinkles, may also develop, due to the additional work of muscles located adjacent to the paralyzed area.

Smoothing wrinkles and simultaneous preserving the activity of facial muscles can be achieved by special technique of popular botulinum toxin injection, adopted from mesotherapy.

You will be able to return to your general life routines immediately after the procedure (therefore, the Botox injections is often referred to a “cosmetology of the lunch break”). However, following the injection of botulinum toxin, its distribution in the tissues may take several hours. This process may take more than one day, post-injection.   In order for optimal distribution to take place, the following restrictions are recommended:

• Do not sleep or lie down (3-4 hours)
• Refrain from taking medications that affect blood clotting
• Avoid use of alcohol (1 day)
• Do not to touch the skin where the injection was performed (2 days)
• Do not tilt your head down for a long period of time - for example, to clean floors (2 days)
• Do not exercise (2 days)
• Avoid direct or sustained heat, such as a hot bath, sauna, direct hot air from a hair dryer (10 days)

refrain from taking medications that affect blood clotting, use of alcohol – 1 day; do not to touch the skin where the injection was performed – 2 days; don’t tilt your head down for a long time: for example, to clean floors – 2 days; do not exercise or fitness – 2 days; avoid overheating: do not go to the bath, the sauna, do not soak, do not direct hot air from a hair dryer over your face for 10 days. Click here to Download Consent Form Eliminate wrinkles and achieve a youthful looking appearance. Our beauty clinic is located on the border of Toronto and Thornhill (a part of the City of Vaughan) and is a comfortable distance from downtown. Contact us for a free consultation about Botox.