Botox Injections
Who needs Botox? What are the results of Botox? Are there any risks associated with its usage? And what is the substance used?
Botox is a substance derived from bacteria. It has no risks and has been used for 20 years, during this time no diseases or negative side effects have been reported, even with long-term use and cessation afterward. This substance derived from Botulinum Toxin, is typically injected into the forehead to provide some radiance and tighten the forehead area of the face. Botox is injected into the area between eyes and the hairline, it helps reduce wrinkles around the eyes which typically begin to appear after the age of 27 or 28. Therefore, we recommend people start using Botox before wrinkles appear.
We would like to emphasize that we prefer starting Botox injections before the onset of wrinkles in order to prevent their appearance. A person who consistently uses Botox for 10 years and reaches the age of 39 or 40 will appear 10 years younger due to the absence of wrinkles.
Botox is injected in the clinic, and the pain is minimal, as we take several measures to reduce the discomfort as much as possible. The Botox starts working on the muscles a week after injection and lasts for 4 to 6 months. In some cases, it can last up to 7 months, while in others, it may last only 3 months, as everybody reacts differently.
What happens is that the muscles of the forehead and around the eyes relax and stop working, while the muscles in the surrounding areas become more toned, giving the face a more youthful appearance. When the effects of Botox wear off after 4-6 months, the face returns to its previous state. It does not worsen, nor do any signs of muscle relaxation appear. With aging, muscle relaxation is inevitable. However, if we start Botox injections at the age of 30, this does not mean that muscle relaxation will never happen after a certain age, but Botox helps delay it.
• Botox is useful for several purposes beyond facial aesthetics. It is beneficial for individuals who suffer from excessive sweating, whether in the hands or underarms (arm pits). Botox is injected into these areas, and after a week, sweating stops, with the effects lasting for up to 6 months.
• Another use of Botox is for individuals who suffer from migraines. This condition is sometimes related to the menstrual cycle, and sometimes it is not. However, everyone benefits from Botox when it is injected into specific muscles in the head. The patient is examined to assess and determine the exact amount needed and which muscles in the head will receive the injection to alleviate migraine pain.
• A third use of Botox, outside of cosmetic purposes, is for individuals who suffer from teeth grinding during sleep. This is a common condition that does not necessarily indicate any disorder or disease. In this case, the jaw muscle is examined, and the amount of Botox required is assessed. After the injection, the jaw muscle relaxes for about 6 months, helping individuals sleep better.
Filler Injections
One of the injection procedures in the clinic is filler injections, also known in the past as collagen injections. Filler is made from a substance called Hyaluronic Acid, a natural material found in human skin. Although it is prepared in a laboratory, it is 100% natural. It is impossible for a person to be allergic to Hyaluronic Acid. However, people may experience inflammation due to the use of materials that are prohibited and not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These injections are usually inexpensive and rarely found in Jordan, but they are more common in neighboring countries. Many women suffer from these materials, whether they are permanent or non-permanent, as they are not authorized for injection.
However, the fillers that are prepared in clinics by most doctors in Jordan, whether dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons, are safe and do not cause any issues.
Where is filler applied and who is it for?
• Filler fills any cavity that needs to be filled:
• Filler can be applied to the area between the eyes and the hairline.
• Most people benefit from adding filler to the cheeks.
• Filler can be added to the smile lines.
We can enlarge the lips using various methods with filler.
• Additionally, the Texas Technique involves adding filler to the jawline to tighten the area under the cheek instead of a face lift. Of course, the age factor should be considered, as it is most effective for those in their early thirties. After the age of thirty-five or forty, it becomes difficult to restore the sagging under the cheeks with filler.
We often perform filler injections in the clinic, as many people benefit from them since it provides radiance and freshness to the individual and restores vitality to the face. Filler is a natural substance that lasts from one year to a year and a half, depending on the area where it is applied. There are different types that we use, but they are all derived from Hyaluronic Acid, which is 100% safe for the user. The most common areas where filler is added are the cheeks and lips.
PRP Injections (Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections)
Another injection prepared in the clinic is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). PRP is extracted from the person’s own blood, where blood is drawn and placed in a machine that separates the stem cells and plasma (Platelet-Rich Plasma). It is then separated from the blood and drawn into a syringe. This syringe is used for hair treatment so that it:
• It strengthens the hair for individuals suffering from hair loss or those who have started showing signs of baldness.
• For women who experience weak hair follicles, resulting in excessive hair shedding while combing.
• Many women who wear hijabs notice hair loss after wearing the hijab, and PRP injections are very beneficial for these cases.
Based on personal experience, we have not observed the long-lasting effects often attributed to PRP when applied to the face. Some doctors claim to notice the results lasting up to a year, but on a personal level, I noticed that adding PRP to the face gives a slight radiance and vitality to the skin for no more than two weeks to a month. We observed the same result with mesotherapy, but I prefer using mesotherapy for facial radiance more than PRP. PRP is used more for the scalp to strengthen hair follicles, and excellent results are seen from its use.
As mentioned earlier, blood is drawn and placed in a machine to separate the stem cells, which are then injected into the scalp. As for the treatment timeline, a session is scheduled every two weeks for five sessions. Between each session, it's important not to wash the hair during the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, normal activities can resume. Results start to appear after the third session for both men and women.
Mesotherapy Injections
Mesotherapy gives vitality and radiance to the skin, similar to PRP, but the difference is that it is not taken from the individual’s own body. Instead, it is manufactured in the laboratory. It is an injection that contains many vitamins, most notably Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid. Some types also contain small amounts of Human Growth Hormone, which helps strengthen collagen in the face, but only for a short and specific period.
Mesotherapy requires multiple sessions; it is typically recommended to undergo 3-4 sessions within a month, followed by two sessions every 3-6 months, and then every 6 months thereafter.
Mesotherapy provides excellent results, but the challenge is that the person needs to visit the clinic for sessions during the first month. In contrast, with Botox and fillers, the person receives one injection and can stay away from the clinic for 6 months to a year.
Conclusion:
Botox is suitable for wrinkles and other issues, with results lasting 4 to 6 months.
Filler adds volume and lasts from one year to a year and a half, making it ideal for treating various areas of the face.
Plasma injections are beneficial for hair loss and provide temporary rejuvenation to the face.
Mesotherapy enhances skin vitality, and regular sessions are essential to achieve the best results.
Dr. Tarek Copty emphasizes the importance of early intervention with Botox and recommends starting treatment before wrinkles appear. Each procedure has its unique benefits and applications, and individual results may vary. Regular follow-ups are essential to maintain the desired effects.
