Personal experience: how Botox and hyaluronic acid rejuvenate the face

How to change your body and face for the better, not lose health and individuality in the pursuit of beauty, and prolong youth? The answers are in our new project “Changes for the Better,” dedicated to the possibilities of aesthetic medicine.

If you, like me, had doubts, and when you heard the word “Botox” you imagined a mummified mask instead of a happy face with a smile, then first, just consult with a cosmetologist. Looking in the mirror with a specialist will be more meaningful. They will definitely ask you what you don’t like most about your face, and they will evaluate the condition and type of your skin. The nasolabial folds just drove me crazy - they added age. It was they who announced the fight using hyaluronic acid injections.

Important! Hyaluronic acid is used in two ways: biorevitalization (primarily for deep hydration of the skin) and contouring (for filling wrinkles and replenishing volume). Botox is used to combat expression wrinkles (forehead area, between the eyebrows and around the eyes). This drug acts by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses - the muscle relaxes - as a result, wrinkles straighten out, as the skin gets time to recover.

Expert opinion. Igor Bely, Doctor of Medical Sciences, plastic surgeon, leading specialist at the Ottimo aesthetic surgery clinic:

— Hyaluronic acid and Botox cannot be compared. These drugs work differently and solve different problems. During your consultation, a cosmetologist will help you determine which drug is right for you. The full effect of Botox appears within 10 days. There is no exact duration of the procedure; it all depends on the individual reaction of the body.

Indications

Women sometimes want to get rid of problems that don't exist. Therefore, only a doctor can determine whether there is a need for injection procedures.

Botox is used in cases of the formation of facial wrinkles (and the woman’s age does not matter) or increased sweating.

There is a misconception in society that Botox is used to enlarge lips or change the shape of the face. Botox can only temporarily affect the muscles; it has no effect on the body as a whole.

But mesotherapy solves a number of problems. After all, the cocktail that is administered during this procedure can have a very different composition. As a rule, with its help they get rid of excessive dry skin, cellulite, wrinkles and even change facial features to one degree or another.

Botox and biorevitalization at the same time: why an integrated approach is beneficial

Botox and biorevitalization are a combination that gives an excellent effect. Benefits of using it:

• No damage to the skin.
• No need for plastic surgery.
• There are no age restrictions.
• Relatively low cost of sessions.

These procedures are also performed by specialists at the OB Clinic salon. In addition, they provide clients with consultations, answering all their questions, for example: “Is it possible to do biorevitalization after Botox?”, “How long after biorevitalization can Botox be done,” etc.

Botox or biorevitalization: which is better? Botox has a superficial effect, relaxing the muscles on the face. Thanks to this, the face becomes smoother. It has its pros and cons. The benefits of Botox include:

• The procedure is completed very quickly.
• Correction is possible in various areas of the face.
• The skin is not injured and therefore does not require a rehabilitation period.
• Botox injections are inexpensive.

At the same time, frequent procedures lead to negative consequences: their effect will be the opposite. Biorevitalization, in turn, is a drug that saturates the skin with hyaluronic acid, a substance produced by the skin itself. In youth there is no shortage of hyaluronic acid, but over time its “reserves” decrease. Injections of this substance help correct the situation.

What to expect

Injections with botulinum toxin A have a finite period of validity, a maximum of six months. After this period, the procedure must be repeated. The main goal of mesotherapy is to stimulate the functioning of skin cells.

Mesotherapy is designed to stimulate skin cells to actively renew themselves. Therefore, the result after such a procedure is quite long-lasting. Within six months from the moment of the first injection, elastin and collagen are produced, which gives a positive effect.

Thanks to this, the appearance and internal condition of the skin improves so much that the rejuvenating effect becomes visible to the naked eye. The effectiveness of the course of injections lasts for a year, and if you properly care for your skin, then even further.

Biorevitalization and Botox: sequence

Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin and makes it more elastic. If Botox is injected into the muscles, then hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin. To increase the effectiveness of the action, Botox can be injected after biorevitalization. For those who are interested in whether biorevitalization can be done after Botox, OB clinic specialists will also answer in the affirmative, but with a caveat - in any case, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is required. The doctor will also tell the patient whether Botox and biorevitalization can be done at the same time.

Botox and biorevitalization are performed in a day by experienced specialists who do everything quickly and efficiently. Regarding the sequence of procedures, as mentioned above, it is determined by the doctor after assessing the characteristics of the client’s skin. Botox first, and biorevitalization later, or vice versa: OB clinic specialists will select the best option for each client.

Number of procedures

Contrary to popular belief, getting rid of facial wrinkles does not require a huge number of procedures; a couple of sessions are enough. This applies to Botox. It is advisable to conduct mesotherapy sessions over several weeks; this is the only way to achieve specific goals. In some cases, for example, when it is necessary to get rid of cellulite or deep folds, the course will take a long time.

Before making a choice between these difficult procedures and answering the question “mesotherapy or Botox - which is better?”, try to study the purpose of both procedures as deeply as possible. This cannot be done without professional advice.

Features of the action of dysport preparations, hyaluronic acid

A radical remedy based on botulinum toxin allows you to bring your appearance into an aesthetically pleasing appearance, smoothing out facial wrinkles with an effect of up to 6-9 months. When Dysport or analogues are injected into problem areas, a temporary blocking of nerve impulses entering the facial muscles occurs. After this, the muscles do not contract, and the skin straightens, eliminating wrinkles.

No less effective procedures include biorevitalization, which revitalizes the skin. The introduction of hyaluron promotes deep hydration and saturation of cells with moisture. As a result, signs of aging disappear and a rejuvenation effect is achieved.

Special offer

Plasma lifting as a gift!

Treatment of hyperhidrosis - botulinum therapy plasma lifting as a gift!

Botox 6 units as a gift!

When injecting Botox into the forehead, you receive 6 units of the drug as a gift! *Gift units can be used for the eye area and between the eyebrows!

Comparison of action and other parameters

Each procedure has its own special effect on the skin and has a whole list of advantages and disadvantages. The difference in effectiveness of each method is detailed in the tables.

Preparing for Botox injections on the face - recommendations from cosmetologists

During the first consultation before injections, the doctor will ask questions regarding the characteristics of the body. The cosmetologist will definitely ask:

• what medications the patient took;
• whether there is drug intolerance;
• what chronic diseases do you have?
• how many times has Botox been performed;
• whether the woman is expecting the birth of a child.

What not to do before the procedure - how to prepare properly

The drug has some features and requires proper preparation for administration. Before carrying out the manipulation, it is strictly prohibited:

• take antibiotics and other medications that have a negative effect on botulinum toxin;
• intensely engage in any physical activity, because this will cause increased blood supply;
• drink plenty of fluids to avoid swelling;
• Mechanical and chemical peelings are contraindicated.

How long should you drink alcohol?

Doctors have different points of view on this issue. Some argue that drinking alcohol is acceptable. Others insist on completely abstaining from alcohol 2-3 days before the procedure. The majority opinion is that you should not drink alcohol for several days before Botox, otherwise it can lead to serious side effects.

It could be:

• poor result and short-lived effect. This occurs due to the leaching of toxin from muscle tissue;
• weakly passing hematomas;
• signs of botulinum toxin poisoning. This includes fever, weakness, and breathing problems.
• symptoms of damage to neighboring tissues: muscle spasms, numbness of the skin, drooping eyebrows;
• allergic manifestations.

To achieve the desired result, as well as to avoid negative consequences, it is better to stop drinking alcoholic beverages.

Taking antibiotics and blood thinners

Cosmetologists strongly advise patients not to use blood thinners and antibiotics before the procedure. The former interfere with the work of botulinum toxin and cause bruising on the face. This not only causes an unpleasant cosmetic effect, but also causes inflammation and irritation. As for the effects of Botox and antibiotics, it is quite difficult to predict the consequences. Some may cause an increase in the effect, others will significantly worsen the result, and others will increase paralysis by botulinum toxin.

Decorative cosmetics

Before the procedure, you need to thoroughly cleanse the skin of decorative cosmetics. There should not be even a small amount of eye shadow, powder, foundation or lipstick left on your face. This can be a serious obstacle to the doctor’s work, and can also cause the development of an infectious process. The doctor must treat the face with an antiseptic, so nothing should prevent the specialist from carrying out the procedure according to all the rules. When a woman comes for injections with makeup, she forces the doctor to waste a lot of time removing it. For this reason, it is better to wash your face with special makeup removers in advance. Is it possible to do Botox during menstruation? You can find out here.

Peeling and facial cleansing

Any cosmetic procedures that affect the facial muscles are also strictly prohibited. This includes cleaning, peeling, because... they can significantly weaken the achieved effect. The doctor may suggest cleaning 2-3 days after botulinum toxin injection. After a short period of time, this is done to enhance the result.

Exercise

It is better to avoid any physical activity before the procedure. The combination of sports and Botox is no exception. Visiting the gym, swimming pool or riding a bike will stimulate blood supply to the facial area, because... At this moment, muscle shaking occurs. This will lead to the fact that after administration of the drug it will spread to neighboring tissues. This phenomenon will not bring the desired effect, and what is most unpleasant is that it can cause unwanted complications.

Filler

In this case, it all depends on what problem needs to be solved. If we are talking about improving the general condition of the skin, then mesotherapy is used. If you need to fill wrinkles and quickly rejuvenate your face, then filler.

Brief Definition

Fillers are used in cosmetology to fill deep folds and wrinkles. Depending on which facial wrinkle needs to be corrected, filler can be injected to different depths.

Fillers are used to increase the volume of lips, cheekbones, and correct hollows under the eyes.

We invite you to watch a video about what fillers are:

Comparison

It is impossible to compare these drugs, since the principle of action of mesotherapy and fillers is completely different .
The first drug is aimed at improving the epidermis of the skin and improving its turgor.

The second simply fills the face with powerful energy, while one procedure is enough for a pronounced rejuvenation effect.

Is it possible to do one after the other?

Mesotherapy is carried out before applying filler , the effect after using the latter becomes more pronounced and lasting.

The cost of contour plastic surgery with fillers in Moscow is 7,550 rubles. In St. Petersburg – 8700 rub. This is the price for processing 1 zone.

Ozone therapy

It all depends on the result you want to get.

What does it mean?

Ozone therapy is a physiotherapeutic treatment in cosmetology, which involves the use of ozone (O3) generated by special devices - ozonizers. This method of treatment can heal the body from the inside.

We invite you to watch a video about the use of ozone therapy in cosmetology:

Positive and negative characteristics

Ozone therapy has positive characteristics:

1. Painless procedure.
2. It can be used at any age – patients tolerate it perfectly.
3. It has fewer contraindications for use than mesotherapy.
4. Has virtually no side effects.
5. A therapeutic technique that treats not only the skin, but the entire body. This cannot be said about mesotherapy, the effect of which is superficial.

Even though it is a medical procedure, it does have disadvantages.:

• high price;
• dependence of the final result on the condition of the patient’s epidermis;
• the need to regularly repeat the procedure to maintain the positive effect;
• harmful to the body in large doses;
• immobilization of muscles.

Contraindications to the use of ozone therapy are:

• predisposition to heart attack;
• poor blood clotting;
• allergy to ozone;
• thyroid diseases;
• pancreatitis during exacerbation;
• increased sugar levels;
• lack of calcium in the blood;
• low platelet count.

The cost of one session in Moscow is from 500 rubles per session. Full course from 18,000 rub. In St. Petersburg, from 450 rubles per session, the cost of the full course will depend on the condition of the skin.

Common features

Botox was originally developed for medicinal purposes. With its help, patients get rid of strabismus, torticollis, spasms, and excessive sweating. It helps well with migraines, cerebral palsy, diseases of the spinal cord and brain.

Mesotherapy is a method of treating varicose veins, the immune system, and atherosclerosis. Injections dull acute and chronic pain, extinguish inflammatory processes.

General points include the low invasiveness of the techniques. In both cases, injections are made with a syringe with a thin needle, which does not leave scars even on the delicate skin around the eyes.

Women do not need to follow strict rules of the preparatory stage; they do not require anesthesia or anesthesia. Clients return home the day of the procedure and experience only moderate pain and discomfort.

Contraindications to the methods are also the same. They are prohibited when:

• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• mental disorders;
• blood clotting disorders;
• oncology, diabetes.

The course of injections is not carried out during menstrual periods, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It is postponed until recovery from flu, colds, and other viral diseases.

Why girls are looking for a replacement for Botox

Botulinum toxin as a drug has been well studied, as has its ability to block muscle contraction. Although the injection does an excellent job of smoothing the skin, this group of drugs is classified as neuro-poisons, which already reduces the number of fans of the procedure.

Those who have used the rejuvenation technique more than once are forced to find a replacement, as it causes nerve fibers to become accustomed to the toxic effects. This weakens the effect, and wrinkles are not smoothed out the first time. The drug is replaced for preventive purposes of irreversible changes. Thus, the muscles will restore conductivity with contractility.

What is mesotherapy in Moscow?

A fashionable procedure involves injecting cocktails of homeopathic substances into the mesoderm. Moscow cosmetology clinics conduct a rejuvenating course using mixtures based on hyaluronic or polylactic acid.

Facial mesotherapy is a rejuvenation that is safe for health. Microinjections with biologically active substances will help:

• increase the firmness and elasticity of the dermis and epidermis;
• improve nutrition, color, tone, texture of the skin;
• restore water balance;
• accelerate collagen production;
• reduce the number of fine lines and wrinkles.

Mesotherapy in Moscow is also used:

• to eliminate double chin, scars, scars;
• to improve the contour of the face, abdomen, hips, buttocks;
• to fight cellulite.

Vitamin-mineral complexes contribute to:

• accelerating the movement of blood and lymph in the dermis of problem areas;
• dissolving fat and removing it from the body;
• reducing swelling in the legs;
• reducing the risk of varicose veins.

The session lasts about 15-60 minutes. The number of microinjections depends on the affected area. Rejuvenation procedures in Moscow are carried out weekly for one to two months. You will see the effect after the third or fourth treatment of the skin. After mesotherapy it is possible:

• redness and swelling of the skin;
• small hematomas in the treated area;
• allergic reaction.

Facial mesotherapy is not recommended for patients:

• taking aspirin and anticoagulants to thin the blood;
• those expecting the birth of a baby and nursing mothers;
• those suffering from allergies to drugs and anesthesia;
• with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• with immune diseases;
• with diabetes and epilepsy.

Contraindications to procedures replacing Botox, possible consequences

The above procedures can replace Botox, and they can also be performed simultaneously, but they also have contraindications:

1. Allergy or personal intolerance to the constituent drugs.
2. Inflammatory or infectious reactions.
3. Muscle weakness or myopia.
4. Bad habits: drinking alcohol, nicotine.
5. Pregnancy and lactation period.

Before undergoing any type of injection procedure, you need to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist. The development of wrinkles and premature deterioration of the skin condition can occur due to diseases, so additional examination will be required.

You can learn about the benefits and harms of ozone therapy in this article.