What is Botox? Is Botox injection good? What should you know before getting it?
When it comes to achieving a slimmer facial shape, Botox is a popular choice. Besides the numerous positive reviews confirming its effectiveness and high safety standards, it's widely used.
Table of Contents
What is Botox?
Botox is a popular treatment for reducing wrinkles, lifting and firming the face and neck, and reducing muscle size in various areas. Botox, medically known as "Botulinum Toxin A," is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium. It works by interfering with the nervous system (neurotoxin). Therefore, Botox injections are an effective way to reduce wrinkles and reshape the face, and importantly, the procedure doesn't take long.
What are the benefits of Botox?
Botox can be injected into muscles at various points, but the most popular area for injection is the face. It's used to reduce wrinkles, reduce jaw size, reshape the face, and importantly, it can also reduce body odor. For those wondering where Botox can be injected, we've compiled a list of popular areas below.
Reduce the size of the muscles.
-
- Reduce the size of your jawline to make your face look slimmer.
-
- Reduce the size of your calves for long, slender legs.
-
- Reduce the size of the nostrils to make the nasal bridge more defined. (Botox injections in the nostrils are very effective in correcting wide or large nostrils.)
Relax the contracted muscles, making them smoother.
-
- Wrinkles on the forehead, crow's feet, around the eyes, between the eyebrows.
-
- Wrinkled skin on the neck and hands can be smoothed out with Botox, giving the face a more youthful appearance.
Face lifting
-
- Lift and firm the face, preventing sagging.
-
- Helps to make the facial features more defined.
Injected under the armpit.
-
- It helps reduce the activity of the sweat glands, resulting in less sweating.
-
- Botox injections can reduce sweating and help control body odor.
-
- Treating chronic migraines.
-
- To reduce the pain.
-
- It relaxes the muscles.
Botox injections to reduce pores.
-
- It tightens the skin, reduces oiliness, and makes pores appear smaller.
Treating eye twitching.
-
- It temporarily stops the muscles from working, which can help reduce eyelid twitching.
How Botox works.
ผลลัพธ์ขึเ
The mechanism of action of Botox, when injected into the muscle, involves two parts:
1. The portion that is absorbed and stored in nerve cells.
This is the active ingredient, and if its concentration is high, the Botox will last longer. Botox works by interfering with the nervous system, temporarily reducing muscle contraction, resulting in tighter skin and preventing wrinkles.
2. The portion that is not absorbed.
This part will be absorbed into the bloodstream within 1 hour after injection and will be eliminated without affecting other cells in the body.
After that, the Botox will gradually take effect on the muscles until a noticeable effect is seen, and then it will break down on its own without leaving any residue. The duration of effect varies depending on the brand of Botox, which differs from country to country. Some popular brands of Botox in Thailand include:
Korean Botox
-
- Nabota
-
- Aestox
American Botox
-
- Allergan
English Botox
-
- sport
German Botox
-
- Xeomin
The duration of effects of Botox varies depending on the brand and type, depending on its properties, the purification process, the type of protein complex, and the size of the molecule complex. The factor that has the most significant impact on Botox effectiveness is the size of the molecule complex.
Because the size of the molecule affects the distribution of the drug, a narrow distribution design results in more precise and targeted injections. A wider distribution design is suitable for those who want quick results and for injecting Botox into larger areas such as the calves.
Who is Botox suitable for?
-
- ผลลัพธ์ขึเ
-
- ผลลัพธ์ขึเ
Currently, there are many brands of Botox from various countries that have received Thai FDA approval. In total, there are 8 Botox brands approved by the Thai FDA. Each brand has a different manufacturing process, resulting in different properties and unique selling points. The most popular brands are as follows:
Nabota
Nabota Botox from South Korea is FDA-approved in the United States and has a purity level of 98.7%. It's a Korean brand that delivers fast results, quickly reducing jawline fat and wrinkles, making it ideal for urgent situations.
Aestox
Aestox Botox is another Botox brand from South Korea. Its key feature is that the results look more natural compared to other Korean Botox brands. It's suitable for facial contouring and wrinkle reduction.
Allergan
Allergan Botox, from the United States, was the first brand to receive approval from both the US FDA and the Thai FDA. Its highly purified formula is known for its precise action and long-lasting effects. It's suitable for treating facial wrinkles, reducing jawline size for a slimmer face, and creating a more defined facial contour.
sport
Dysport is a Botox product from the UK with its own specific unit formulation. Its key feature is its wide distribution of the drug, rather than concentration in a narrow area. This makes it suitable for injections to reduce sweating, body odor, jawline reduction, upper arm and calf reduction, and skin tightening.
Xeomin
Xeomin stands out as a pure Botox brand because it is free from complexing protein contamination (pure toxin), leaving only 100% pure Botulinum Toxin A. This results in a natural-looking outcome, making it suitable for wrinkle reduction, facial contouring, and even for cases of drug resistance where injections have been discontinued for 2-3 years.
Popular areas for Botox injections.
Botox can be injected to correct problems in the following areas. The popular injection areas and the number of units used will be adjusted according to each patient's specific problem. This must be assessed by a qualified physician beforehand. However, the typical amount of Botox used per point is as follows:
-
- jaw Botox Use approximately 25-30 units per side.
-
- Botox for the forehead usually uses 15-20 units.
-
- Botox for the area between the eyebrows typically uses 6-15 units.
-
- Botox for crow's feet usually uses 15-20 units.
-
- Approximately 4-6 units of Botox are used for the nasal bridge.
-
- Botox for the nasal wings usually uses 15-20 units.
-
- Botox face lift Use approximately 30-50 units.
-
- Botox for chin lifting uses approximately 30-50 units.
-
- Botox for neck lifting uses approximately 30-50 units.
-
- Botox for pore tightening Use approximately 25-30 units.
-
- Approximately 80-100 units of Botox are used for the underarms.
-
- Botox for the calves uses approximately 100-200 units.
How do different brands of Botox differ?
Each brand of Botox has different strengths, and its shelf life depends on the purification process, as follows:
American Botox (Allergan)
Allergan Botox from the United States is considered the original Botox. The advantages of this brand include its high purity of 99.5%, which reduces the risk of resistance. It also has a narrow distribution, allowing expert physicians to accurately predict its effects. Furthermore, it lasts approximately 20% longer than typical Korean Botox.
Botox (Dysport)
Dysport is a British Botox brand popular among those seeking to reduce wrinkles and improve facial contours. The advantage of this brand is that its molecules are smaller than American and Korean Botox, resulting in better diffusion.
Korean Botox (Nabota/Botulax)
Korean Botox is considered the most popular brand in Thailand. Neuronox, Botulax, Aestox, and Nabota from Korea are all affordable and act quickly, but their effects last shorter than American-made Botox, averaging 4-6 months (depending on individual aftercare).
German Botox (Xeomin)
Xeomin from Germany is a 100% pure Botox, possessing the smallest molecular size for excellent dispersion. Furthermore, it provides longer-lasting wrinkle reduction and can be injected repeatedly over a long period without developing Botox resistance in the future.
Is Botox dangerous? Does it have any side effects?
Based on a large number of patients who have received Botox injections, both in Thailand and abroad, it has been found that there are no life-threatening dangers. However, the most common side effects are drooping eyelids, facial asymmetry, or bruising at the injection site, which can occur even in the hands of experts. Therefore, doctors and practitioners should discuss the procedure thoroughly before every injection.
Is getting Botox injections a good idea?
For those wondering which Botox brand to choose, we highly recommend this one! It's especially great for those looking to reduce wrinkles, slim down their jawline, and achieve a more defined facial shape, because Botox injections are a targeted treatment with quick results and are also affordable.
Where is a good place to get Botox injections?
If you're wondering whether Botox is a good choice, and which type of Botox is right for you – Western or Korean – here's how to choose: **Principles of choosing Botox:** If you want long-term Botox results and don't want to develop resistance in the future, the first choice should be Xeomin, which can be used indefinitely for many years. However, if you want a more affordable yet safe option for wrinkle reduction, you might consider Nabota, the purest Korean Botox brand. Remember, each Botox brand has different properties, but always choose genuine products.
Therefore, be sure to carefully check whether the Botox you receive is genuine, because any brand is better than counterfeit Botox disguised as smuggled goods. In addition, choose a clinic with high standards, personalized consultations, and treatment provided only by expert doctors. At Romrawin Clinic, we are a leading cosmetic and dermatology clinic in the country.
Is Botox expensive?
The price of Botox varies depending on the amount injected per area (in units). It's typically used for smaller areas such as frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, nasal wings, and facial lifting. It's a targeted injection, and the price of Botox depends on the brand, the number of units, and the injection site.
Things to know before getting Botox injections.
Precautions to take when getting Botox injections: For those considering Botox injections for the first time, here's how to prepare beforehand.
Before getting Botox injections.
-
- Stop using vitamin A acid, AHA, facial scrubs, or exfoliants for 1-2 days before Botox injection.
-
- Stop using NSAID pain relievers such as Brufen, Naproxen, and Motrin, as well as vitamin E, fish oil, and ginkgo, for one week to reduce bruising.
-
- Refrain from consuming alcohol 24 hours prior to treatment.
-
- If you have a history of herpes simplex virus on your lips, you should inform your doctor before receiving treatment.
The Botox injection procedure.
The Botox injection procedure is not complicated at all. Just a few steps will make you look perfect from every angle.
-
- Consult a doctor to assess your facial features, skin condition, and concerns.
-
- Choose the brand of Botox to use that best suits the problem and the injection site.
-
- The assistant doctor will clean the face or injection area to allow the doctor to check the skin's readiness again, and recommend the product to be injected.
-
- The doctor will apply a local anesthetic to the injection site to prevent pain during the injection.
Once the local anesthetic takes effect, the doctor will begin injecting the Botox in the appropriate amount for the area. The injection process takes approximately 10-20 minutes.
Post-Botox Injection Care Instructions
To ensure the best possible results after Botox injection, please follow these steps:
-
- Do not massage or apply pressure to the treatment area, such as by wearing a hat, helmet, or massaging the face.
-
- Do not lie flat or bend your head down for 4 hours.
-
- Avoid being in hot places such as saunas or cooking in front of a hot stove for 4 hours.
-
- The raised bump from the injection will disappear on its own within 2-3 hours.
-
- Avoid strenuous exercise or yoga for 4 hours after treatment.
-
- Avoid applying any irritating medications or cosmetics, such as vitamin A acid, AHA, or vitamin C, for 24 hours after treatment.
-
- Try to move the muscles at the injection site for 1-2 hours to help the medication spread more effectively into the muscles.
-
- Ice packs can be used in cases of swelling, redness, or bruising.
-
- Cosmetics can be used after treatment, but apply gently and avoid rubbing or pressing.
-
- Patients will begin to see results from the treatment in 2-7 days and will see maximum results in 2 weeks.
-
- Return to see your doctor if you have any concerns or notice anything unusual.
It is recommended to consult a doctor for a treatment evaluation, and importantly, choose a reputable clinic or hospital and receive treatment only from experts. Romrawin Clinic offers treatments for premature facial wrinkles, restoring firmness to the skin.
Botox treatment review.
As an actress, Mew's career relies heavily on her appearance, and she's prone to wrinkles—even just from frowning or smiling—she decided to consult a doctor at Romrawin Clinic to say goodbye to these wrinkles and restore her youthful radiance.
Honestly, the Botox treatment at Romrawin Clinic made me very happy because the doctor was so gentle. After the treatment, I felt my skin was smoother, pores were tighter, wrinkles were reduced, and my jawline was more defined and lifted. It's absolutely amazing! For any ladies who have similar problems to mine, you can definitely consult with the doctor at Romrawin Clinic.
How to spot genuine Botox and avoid cheap counterfeits.
Although the effectiveness and duration of effects vary between brands of Botox, counterfeit Botox, while cheaper, degrades more quickly because it leaves residue in the body. You can perform a basic self-check of any Botox brand as follows:
-
- The box was still securely sealed and had a plastic seal preventing it from opening.
-
- Check that the product's unit quantity matches what is stated on the manufacturer's website. For example, Allergan Botox is only available in quantities of 100 units per vial.
Patients should be cautious of clinics that offer injections of no more than 50 or 100 units, as they will not see the box being opened and therefore cannot verify authenticity. Check that the production lot number on the box and the vial match.
Frequently asked questions about Botox injections.
Here are all the questions you might have about Botox injections that you should know before deciding to get them.
1. When will I see results from Botox injections? How many days will it take to see results?
Typically, after Botox injection, wrinkles will begin to tighten within 3-4 days, and full tightening will occur after 14 days.
Botox injections for the jawline will take about 1 week to show results. You'll start to feel less lumpy when you clench your teeth. After 2 weeks, your jaw will still feel soft and not lumpy when you clench your teeth. The jawline will fully shrink in 2-3 months.
2. Is Botox injection really effective for facial slimming?
That's true. Botox can help reduce the size of the jawline. It works by relaxing the muscles in that area, resulting in smaller jaw muscles and a slimmer-looking face.
3. Does getting Botox injections hurt?
Botox injections are not painful because they use small needles to inject into shallow layers of the skin. Patients report that it's less painful than squeezing pimples. A numbing cream is applied before the injection, and ice packs are used during the procedure to reduce needle-related discomfort. So, there's no need to worry.
4. At what age should one consider getting Botox injections?
In fact, Botox injections can be started as early as the age of 20. Teenagers often get them to reduce jaw size and reshape their face, but Botox for wrinkle reduction is more commonly started in people aged 30 and above.
5. Do I need to get Botox injections again? How long do the effects last?
Continuous Botox injections can help the effects of subsequent injections last longer. This is because muscles that aren't used continuously for extended periods shrink over time and become more difficult to function again, thus allowing the Botox to last longer.
6. My face swelled after getting Botox injections. What causes this?
If, 2-3 days after a Botox injection, you still experience pain, tenderness to the touch at the injection site, or unusually increased inflammation and swelling, you should return to see your doctor immediately for evaluation and treatment. This is often due to patients choosing a clinic that is not up to standard, or using equipment that is not sufficiently clean, or lacking proper sterilization practices.
7. What should I do if I get lumps after a Botox injection?
If you feel hard lumps or nodules after a Botox injection, see a doctor immediately. This could be due to an allergic reaction to Botox, a blood clotting disorder, or the use of counterfeit, substandard, or unapproved Botox. The injected substance may remain in the body and pose a health risk.
Botox promotion at Romrawin.
Special promotion: Botox injections to reduce pores with the Bo-Ac Clear Skin program. This all-inclusive package clears acne, manages dark spots, and controls oil for only 2,900 THB!! Minimally painful, fast results. After treatment with the Bo-Ac Clear Skin program, you'll start to notice changes in your skin: firmer skin, smaller pores, and reduced oiliness. Full results may be seen about 1 week after treatment, and the effects will last approximately 4-6 months.