Baby Botox refers to a lower dose of the neurotoxin Botox, which is injected into affected areas of the face to treat wrinkles. Whether it is just as effective as conventional Botox, what the risks are and what else you should know regarding it – STYLEBOOK asked the expert.
“Botulinum toxin, known as Botox or BTX for short, is a very strong neurotoxin. The bacterium Clostridum botulinum produces this protein as part of its metabolism,” explains Dr. Stefanie Derendorf, specialist in dermatology and venereology in Munich. “Its effect is that the venom paralyzes the muscle into which it is injected. It does this by preventing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This blocks the transmission of signals from the nerve to the muscle. As a result, the muscle can no longer tighten (contract) and remains limp.” So until the effect of the Botox wears off, the muscle can no longer trigger the wrinkling caused by movement.
Therefore will Botox mainly used to optically eliminate and prevent wrinkles. According to the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, up to 24.4 percent of German men and women have had at least one Botox injection to treat wrinkles.
Also interesting: The anti-wrinkle agent Notox can do this
By the way, Botox is also used as a medication for mostly neurological diseases. These include migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), an irritable bladder or teeth grinding.
Differences and advantages of baby botox to conventional botox
Lower dosage
“Baby Botox, also known as micro-Botox, is an introduction to the use of Botox and describes a new trend in injectable Botox procedures,” explains Dr. Derendorf. “The difference to conventional botox lies solely in the lower dosage, while the active ingredient itself is the same”.
More natural result
Like traditional botox, baby botox aims to add volume to the face and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Baby Botox specifically aims to change the face less drastically and not make it appear frozen, plastic or mask-like. As is well known, such an impression can arise with conventional Botox.
Lower costs
A Botox treatment is an aesthetic procedure without medical necessity. The health insurance does not cover any costs. Since fewer units, so-called micro-droplets, are required, Baby Botox is slightly cheaper than conventional Botox treatment.
Also interesting: The 7 best creams once morest wrinkles in comparison
Disadvantages of Baby Botox
While baby botox is less expensive than traditional botox, it also doesn’t last as long. In order to maintain the desired result, the treatment must be repeated in shorter cycles. While you need a follow-up appointment regarding every four to five months for conventional Botox, you should make an appointment every three months for Baby Botox.
Which parts of the face can be treated?
Baby Botox is typically used on those areas of the face that are prone to developing wrinkles and fine lines. The treatment has proven effective in minimizing crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles and frown lines.
Who is Baby Botox suitable for?
“The ideal patient has healthy skin, is a non-smoker, has no previous reaction to botulinum toxin, is in good health, and does not have high blood pressure or other bleeding disorders,” said Dr. Derendorf. “Botox treatments are a good preventive measure, which is why you can start injections as early as 35 years of age to achieve a youthful complexion in the long term.”
How does the treatment work?
Your face will be sterilized at the beginning with an alcohol swab. If desired, a light local anesthetic can also be applied to the injection site to minimize pain. The doctor then injects the agreed amount of Botox into the desired areas of the face. The treatment itself usually only takes a few minutes.
Also interesting: 5 alternatives to botox that help with wrinkles
Before undergoing Baby Botox treatment, be sure to share any concerns, expectations, and medical conditions with your doctor. You should also list any allergies or medications you are currently taking. You should also avoid taking blood thinners, aspirin, or ibuprofen in the two weeks before the injection. It is also advisable not to drink excessive alcohol two days before the injection date.
“We recommend our patients to come to their Botox appointment without make-up. This saves time because it is important that your face is free of any make-up before the procedure begins,” advises Dr. Derendorf. “This prevents unwanted foreign bodies from penetrating the skin.”
What should you consider following the procedure?
Immediately following the procedure, if you feel well, you can continue with your day as normal and pursue all planned activities. “During the first few days following the treatment, while the Botox is taking effect, you should avoid massaging or rubbing your face,” recommends Dr. Derendorf. “Also you should in the first few days following the treatment Refrain from strenuous physical activity such as sauna, sunbathing and solarium to avoid redistribution of the Botox cosmetic before it has taken hold.”
How many days following the procedure your muscles will respond to the Botox depends on which brand of botulinum toxin was used. The final results of Baby Botox are usually only visible following regarding a week.
Risks of Baby Botox
“Because of the lower dosage, baby botox is less risky than normal botox, which is already considered a lower-risk procedure. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there is a risk of undesirable side effects,” says Dr. Derendorf. For example, swelling or bruising at the injection site, an asymmetrical (lopsided) result, headache or flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness, drooping of the eyebrows may occur
Seeing a trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon for your procedure – which is highly recommended – greatly reduces the risk of side effects.
Sources
– With expert advice from Dr. Derendorf, specialist in dermatology and venereology, practice dermatology at St. Anna Square in Munich
– DGÄPC statisticswww.dgaepc.de