Over the years, each person gradually ages, and against the background of this, his skin begins to deform. Fine and deep wrinkles appear, elasticity and firmness decrease. The neck, like the condition of the hands, as is known, immediately reveals a woman’s age. Over the years, hypertonicity of muscle fibers can develop in the décolleté, neck and face area, leading to the formation of creases that visually add several extra years to their bearer. How to deal with this?
Modern cosmetology offers a wide range of anti-aging procedures that help slow down or remove signs of such age-related changes and other aesthetic defects on the skin. Botox has been particularly popular for many years, used in particular to improve the appearance of the neck.
Action of Botox
Botox is an American drug containing a weakened, pre-purified complex neurotoxin botulinum toxin, type A.
The unusual properties of this substance were discovered by American scientists back in 1982 during clinical trials to develop a drug for the treatment of eye diseases. As a side effect of the use of this medication, doctors noted the smoothing of transverse wrinkles in the forehead.
Botulinum toxin is a strong toxic substance with a high level of toxicity. It can have a negative impact on human health, but its use in minimal quantities gives an unsurpassed cosmetic effect.
When Botox is injected into the neck or décolleté, it penetrates the structure of the muscle tissue, has a paralyzing effect on them and smoothes out all the folds and wrinkles that appear on the skin. The toxin is removed from the human body after 6-8 months.
Anti-aging procedures using Botox have been carried out for many years, which directly proves its high level of effectiveness. Previously, this substance was used to treat muscle pathologies and treat cerebral palsy in children. Nowadays, botulinum toxin is more often used by cosmetologists to correct age-related changes in the skin.
The principle of action of the drug
Botox is a drug based on the strongest poison of protein origin - botulinum toxin. In other words, it is a purified version of a toxic substance that has found medical use due to its ability to block the transmission of nerve impulses.
Once in the body, the molecules of the substance break the connection between the nerve endings and the motor muscles associated with them, blocking the production of acetylcholine. The nerve endings are not damaged, but are temporarily paralyzed. The muscles to which the impulse ceases to flow remain relaxed until the nerve endings acquire new branches that can resume the interrupted neuromuscular connection. About six months later, after Botox is injected into the neck, this connection will be restored and a repeat procedure will be required.
Paralysis of nerve endings without disrupting the blood supply in the area of drug administration helps to quickly eliminate platysma bands and reduce pronounced horizontal wrinkles around the neck. The result is visible within three days, and the maximum effect of the procedure can be assessed after a week.
In addition, Botox injections are sometimes used as a preventive measure against jowls: the muscle deprived of motor activity stops pulling the cheeks down.
Advantages of injections in the neck and décolleté area
The advantages of using Botox serum to eliminate age-related defects of the epidermis in the neck and décolleté area are as follows:
- The administration of the drug does not require preliminary anesthesia, as it is an absolutely painless procedure.
- After correcting problem areas, there are no bruises or bruises on the skin, thanks to the fact that injections are administered with special syringes with the finest needles.
- The effect of the active component of the serum begins from the first days after its administration, and the result of rejuvenation can be visually assessed already on days 9-11.
After 6-8 months, when the botox serum stops working, cosmetologists recommend repeating the procedure.
The procedure and its features
The procedure is simple and virtually painless, for which local anesthesia is sufficient. Botox is injected into the neck according to a pattern previously marked on the skin of the neck with a marker: 4-5 injections in a row along the muscle cord, taking into account the distance between the rows of approximately 2 cm. The optimal dose of the active substance is 2 units per injection.
After the procedure, the patient may feel numbness and stiffness in the treated area, which usually goes away after a couple of days.
There is also no need to be afraid of bruises and swelling caused by inserting a needle under the skin. After two weeks, you can evaluate the result: if asymmetry is noticeable, adjustment may be necessary.
Preparing for neck rejuvenation with Botox
Each person is individual and differs from everyone else in certain characteristics of their body. Therefore, the preparation process may be different in each case. After a preliminary examination, the specialist will explain in detail what and how to do before the procedure. However, there is a single list of rules that must be followed at the preparatory stage:
- completely eliminate the intake of alcohol, antibiotics, anticoagulants and hormone-containing drugs;
- do not burden yourself with household chores that require physical effort and bending over activities, such as cleaning, trying on shoes, or gardening work;
- do not attend acupuncture and massage sessions.
Morning exercises and other sports are also contraindicated.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of Botox injections in the chin, the following points are noted:
- quick effect with smoothing wrinkles in problem areas;
- long validity period (up to six months);
- prevention of aging;
- no serious side effects.
Disadvantages of Botox injections in the chin:
- possible development of allergic reactions;
- if the drug is administered incorrectly, its displacement is observed;
- sometimes the jaw becomes red and swollen.
How to lift wrinkles on the neck and décolleté
Wrinkle correction should only be performed by a plastic surgeon or cosmetologist with extensive experience and appropriate qualifications. The procedure for tightening the skin in the neck and décolleté area is carried out according to a time-developed scheme:
- At the first stage, the doctor examines the problem areas of his patient and identifies the presence of obvious contraindications. In a form accessible to the common man, he explains how to properly care for the skin before and after Botox injections and how to prepare for the procedure.
- On the appointed day, the patient comes to the doctor and signs consent to undergo cosmetic procedures.
- A qualified specialist determines those areas on the patient’s neck and décolleté where increased muscle tone is noticeable, and marks these areas with a marker.
- In each selected area, the doctor pinpoints the injection sites. Each point is surrounded by a circle, the diameter of which should not exceed 1.5 cm, this indicates the distribution zones of botulinum toxin around the injection site. Each circle must be in contact with the previous and subsequent ones.
- If the patient has an increased level of skin sensitivity, then each selected area is anesthetized with a special cream containing the component lidocaine.
- To relax the muscles as much as possible, it is recommended to inject in two rows, the distance between which should not exceed 2 cm. For one row, 5 injections with botulinum toxin are enough.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient’s skin, minor side effects may appear in the form of swelling, numbness, slight bruising, difficulty speaking and swallowing food. There is no need to do anything about this, since within 24 hours all symptoms will go away on their own.
In the next 2-3 days, there may be a feeling of tightness in the neck and décolleté area, which will indicate the effect of the drug aimed at smoothing out wrinkles. You can see in more detail how injections with botulinum toxin serum are administered in the following video:
What to do after Botox injections
After the procedure, women are not recommended to be nervous or worried. You need to wait for visible results while being in a calm state. They usually occur 9-11 days after the session. And to speed up the effect it is recommended:
- do not lie down for more than 5 hours;
- do not use cosmetics;
- Do not scratch or massage the injection areas.
For two weeks after a Botox injection, it is contraindicated to take analgesics, antibiotics, drink alcohol, use peelings, sunbathe and engage in sports activities.
What to do after Botox injections?
To speed up the appearance of the effect and avoid negative consequences after Botox on the décolleté and neck, you must follow some rules. After finishing the injection, do not remain in a horizontal position for five hours. Do not massage the injection area and avoid using cosmetics. Within 14 days after the procedure, the following are contraindicated: drinking alcohol, taking antibiotics, analgesics, and drugs that weaken muscle function. It is also not recommended to exfoliate, sunbathe or play sports.
The effectiveness of injections
Botox injections into the neck and décolleté area allow you to achieve the desired results in a short period of time. Compared to other anti-aging procedures, injections with botulinum toxin serum have the following advantages:
- provide pronounced efficiency;
- absolutely painless;
- practically do not cause adverse reactions.
Moreover, the guaranteed visible result of Botox is quite durable. This is also due to the fact that the cervical muscle structures are less active than, for example, the muscles in the face, so the effect remains for 6-8, or even 10 months.
Botox quickly removes unsightly bands on the neck
The photo below is a clear example of neck skin rejuvenation. You can see the difference within a week after the procedure!
Botox can really work a real miracle! Just one 10-minute procedure gives a truly magical result! True, it will be possible to see it only after 5-7 days, when the drug begins to act fully. By relaxing the subcutaneous platysma muscle, botulinum toxin removes cords on the neck.
“How fast and inexpensive! We can limit ourselves to this!” think many patients who have had a Botox injection. The effect is really very noticeable, but Botox alone is still not enough! Having removed the cords on the neck, you need to take care of restoring the elasticity and density of the skin and removing ptosis, unless, of course, characteristic “sagging” has already appeared on the neck.
Contraindications and possible complications
The administration of botulinum toxin is not recommended if the following contraindications exist:
- severe intolerance to the component;
- period of pregnancy and pregnancy;
- myasthenia gravis;
- myopia;
- persons under 18 years of age;
- presence of menstruation;
- acute infectious diseases;
- development of the inflammatory process.
In the entire history of the use of Botox, not a single serious complication that poses a threat to life has been recorded. But due to the fault of the doctor, swelling in the injection area, bruising and bruising may appear, which will go away on their own in a few days. Therefore, it is very important to take a responsible approach to choosing a professional.
Reviews from real people
Natalya, 35 years old, Ulyanovsk:
I couldn’t decide on this procedure for a long time, but after it was done I don’t regret anything. It is absolutely painless and the entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. The wrinkles were all gone on the 5th day, the décolleté area became like when I was 20 years old.
Anna, 29 years old, Moscow:
I started doing my first Botox injections at the age of 25, as wrinkles began to appear already at that time. For the past 4 years I have been periodically repeating botulinum toxin injection sessions and never cease to admire my skin.
Irina, 39 years old, Voronezh:
For a very long time I tried to tighten my neck with expensive creams, but to no avail. I decided to get Botox injections. And here it is a miracle! The procedure was quick and painless. I needed 30 units of Botox, so the price wasn't that high. The result was already visible on the 4th day, and after another 10 days my neck became noticeably prettier, the skin became firm and elastic.
Contraindications
Although Botox is a safe and highly effective drug in terms of correcting age-related changes, before carrying out the procedure it is worth knowing for whom this procedure is contraindicated: people suffering from skin and neurological diseases, hemophilia, myasthenia, as well as pregnant and lactating women.
You should avoid Botox injections if your chronic diseases have worsened or you have an allergic reaction to the protein albumin.
Appearance of the neck before and after Botox injections
Answers on questions
How often can the procedure be repeated?
As soon as the effect of botulinum toxin wears off.
Is it absolutely harmless?
If there are no contraindications or individual intolerance to the active component of the drug, Botox does not have any negative effect on the body.
How much does the procedure cost and how much drug will be needed to lift the neck and décolleté?
The cost of one unit of Botox is 300-350 rubles.
To correct the skin in the neck and décolleté area, you may need from 20 to 55 units of serum with botulinum toxin.
Why are botulinum injections given in the jaw?
This procedure using botulinum toxins is performed to solve specific problems on the chin caused by muscle hypertonicity.
Wrinkles under the lower lip
The muscles of the jaw control the movement of the lower lip, ensuring a tight seal with the upper part of the mouth. Over time, constant tension in this area forms folds that form due to skin tightening and existing facial features. This wrinkle separates the chin in a semicircle and appears with age. Botox injections effectively help solve the problem.
"Stone Chin"
Some women have specific facial expressions. When the mental muscle is tense, including the smile, bumps, unevenness and other imperfections are observed on the skin. The main cause of a “rock” or “cobblestone” type chin is excessive activity of the jaw muscle. In this case, botulinum injections will also help.
Progress of the procedure
The basic part of the manipulation takes 10–30 minutes. The effect begins by preparing the skin. Cleaning and disinfection are carried out.
Clean skin is carefully examined to identify areas of increased muscle stiffness that affect the appearance of wrinkles. The doctor marks the areas with a felt-tip pen, separately drawing dots on the sites of upcoming punctures.
Before administering the drug, the cosmetologist performs cooling (ice) or local anesthesia with medications. When inserting the needle of a syringe with a toxin, the doctor slightly stretches the skin, and when removing it, it squeezes. This helps prevent local bleeding (bruising).
In the area of the chin, cheeks, and cheekbones, the doctor’s actions are symmetrical. The designated points should be equidistant and correspond to the location of the muscles. To correct the area, the doctor only needs to inject 4-6 units of the drug on each side. Half an hour after the procedure, the cosmetologist carefully monitors the developing reaction of the body. Then, the doctor describes in detail the scheme of further behavior.
Requirements for a specialist
Features of the chin include the presence of small muscles that are located very close to each other. They are responsible for articulation and clarity of speech. At this point, there is a high risk of migration of the introduced composition beyond the required limits, with further disruption of the work of neighboring muscles. Until recently, many professionals considered the injection of botulinum preparations into the lower jaw to be very risky.
A Botox injection must be administered by a master who has thoroughly studied the structure of the facial muscles, has the appropriate practice and has been certified. When administering injections, dosage calculations with maximum accuracy are required.
Questions and answers
How necessary is it to inject Botox into the chin?
Why and when to do such an operation is up to everyone to decide for themselves. If you want to look beautiful and young, no cream will give such an effect, even if it lasts for several months. Then the procedure can be repeated.
Do injection marks remain?
No. The needle is so thin that the injection site is almost impossible to see even immediately after administering the drug, if all the rules and recommendations are followed.
Is Botox injection into the chin painful?
There are unpleasant sensations, but they are not comparable to the introduction of hyaluronic acid into the lips. Basically, it's just a mosquito bite. As a rule, the operation is performed without anesthesia and lasts no more than 15 minutes.
What is the shelf life of the drug?
Botox belongs to the class of substances that are unstable in storage. Experts recommend giving the injection immediately after diluting the powder with saline; the maximum exposure period is no more than three days.
Botox removal
The drug has a limited duration of action. After 2–3 months, the muscle fixation will weaken. After 3–6 months, there is usually a complete return to the original state. For those who are disappointed with the results of the toxin, it is possible to speed up the elimination of the consequences. For this use:
- face massage;
- physiotherapy;
- drug treatment.
Treatment is prescribed by a doctor. The cosmetologist assesses the current condition and selects appropriate actions. A popular folk method is frequent steaming (hot bath, shower, sauna). Subsequent procedures for massaging problem areas will accelerate the effect of heat; the process of removing the drug will take about a month. Taking B vitamins also speeds up the return to baseline. The main thing is not to start fighting the consequences prematurely. Actions can aggravate the current situation.
