Botulinum toxin (botox and dysport) is produced by the microorganism Cl. botulinum.

Botox, by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, interrupts the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles and causes relaxation and a decrease in their mobility.

On the face, the action of botox is to temporarily and locally inactivate the facial muscles. It reduces movement in the small muscles, that is, the muscles responsible for expressions such as anger, sadness, surprise, bewilderment, etc. These muscles contract and create wrinkles, and that is exactly where botox is aimed. For example, the sphincter of the eyelids contracts to close the eyelid. At the same time, however, it creates radial wrinkles around the eyes, which are commonly known as “crow’s feet”. The occipital muscle is also responsible for “frown.” Inactivating this muscle gives the face a more peaceful expression. With botox, in the right dose and right place, these wrinkles are smoothed out, without losing our expressiveness.

Botox is applied to the area needed with small intramuscular injections into the muscles we want to inactivate. It is an easy, quick and painless procedure after which the patient can immediately return to their daily activities. The duration of the session is from 10 to 30 minutes. The result begins to be visible from the third day, gradually improves up to 2 weeks and lasts from 4 to 6 months. After this period, a repeat treatment is required to maintain the result.

Because botox only enters the muscles where it is injected, it has no systemic side effects.

Even today, botox treatment is taboo for many women and men. There are many myths about botox that need to be dispelled.

It is a myth that after many applications, botox lasts less and “doesn’t work”. On the contrary, when botox is used regularly, its effect increases and wrinkles remain smooth for a longer period of time.

It is a myth that botox freezes and makes the face look rough. When done correctly, it highlights the beautiful features of the face without reducing our expressiveness.

It is a myth that if someone starts botox early, they will not have the same effect later and their skin will relax. Botox should be started as soon as the first wrinkles become visible in order to avoid their permanent formation.

It is a myth that botox is harmful to health. The use of botox for over 25 years in medicine and in much higher doses in newborns with spastic paralysis has shown that it has never harmed the health of these patients.

• It is a fact that botox is an expensive drug. Therefore, one should not look for cheap solutions or “offers” as in these cases the quality and origin of botox is questionable, the dilution is obviously not correct and the result will definitely be poor.
• The effect of botox lasts 4-6 months, depending on the expressiveness and hyperactivity of our face. At ages over 50 the duration of botox may be reduced.
• There are two approved substances used in Greece. Botox Allergan and Dysport Ipsen.

• Remain upright for 3 hours after applying botox to the face.
• Do not lie down for 3 hours after botox.
• Do not rub the botox application area immediately after and for 3 days.
• Do not overheat the area where the botox injections were made for 3 days. Therefore, after botox, it is not recommended to use very hot water or hairdressing techniques that heat the forehead.
• Avoid intense physical exercise for 3 days after botox.
• Avoid the use of alcohol and aspirin for 3 days after botox.