Botox

Consultation – The first phase of your treatment starts with consultation with CIDK, designed to discuss the treatment goals, the areas of concern, and your medical history.

Treatment plan – After establishing the treatment plan and the number of required units, the area of concern is sterilized and marked with a skin-safe marker.

Administration – A tiny hollow insulin needle is used for Botox injections. The treatment may come with some discomfort, which is often described as a pinching or prickling sensation. Upon the completion of injections, you will be given an ice pack as a means to reduce the swelling if there is any.

Postcare – The Doctor will give you aftercare instructions that should be followed in order to ensure that Botox settles properly without any side effects.

The overall duration of your appointment is expected to be around 30 minutes, out of which 10 – 20 minutes is the treatment time, depending on the size of the injection site and the number of units administered.

The reason behind such popularity of Botox is its transformative effect and minimally invasive nature. In fact, there are many aesthetic benefits to Botox. Add to that the fact that Botox is approved by DHA & FDA to treat several medical conditions. Another contributing factor to the high demand of Botox is that its results are not permanent, which is a deal maker for many, and especially for the first time patients.

Anybody who wants to prevent or eliminate fine lines and facial wrinkles, slim the jawline, reduce the severity of gummy smile, or improve the dimpling in their chin can be considered as an ideal candidate for Botox.

Besides, people with medical conditions including TMJ, hyperhidrosis, chronic migraines, and many other conditions listed below can also benefit from Botox.

There are very few cases where Botox is best to be avoided, including the ones below:

• Pregnancy
• Active skin infection;
• Diseases that affect the muscles, such as myasthenia gravis;
• Hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin ingredients.

Botox can be useful for a number of different treatment areas. All of the injections are  performed at the CIDK, located on Downtown Dubai:

• Forehead lines, worry lines, or horizontal lines
  • The frontalis muscle is the primary muscle in the forehead. Horizontal forehead lines begin to form when we make worried expressions or raise eyebrows. These lines can be eliminated, reduced, and prevented with the injection of Botulinum toxin into the frontalis muscle. 
• Glabella lines or 11s
  • When the corrugator muscle is contracted the deep vertical line between the eyebrows, which is also known as the 11s line or severe frown line can be formed. These lines are among the most common areas of concern that are addressed by Botox injections. As a result the facial expression of the patient is softened and they appear less angry. 
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
  • Botox can also be used to numb the lines around our eyes which are formed when we squint or smile.
• Neck lines or platysmal bands
  • Botulinum toxin can serve the purpose of reducing the appearance of both horizontal neck lines and vertical protruding bands around the neck. This particular injection technique during which Botox is injected into the cords of platysmal bands to slow down the progression of turkey neck, or loose skin as we age, is known as the “Nefertiti lift”.
• Around the mouth
  • Excessive lip pouting and actual smoking contribute to the formation of smoker’s lines, the appearance of which can be diminished by Botox injections which relax the tension in the orbicularis oris muscle.
  • Botox can also be used to mildly lift mouth corners addressing the downward, depressed appearing smiles.
• Gummy smile
  • When teeth and gums are disproportionately exposed while smiling an aesthetically unpleasing look is created which is known as the gummy smile. Botox injections in the areas of zygomaticus major and minor, levator labii superioris, and levator anguli oris muscles can help reduce that appearance. 
  • The technique with which the above mentioned appearance is improved is called  Lip flip.
  • A lip flip is performed via 4 to 10 units of Botox injected in the superior orbicularis oris muscle to release the puckering of the upper lip. As a result, the top lip “flips” upward, creating a fuller look. For a more drastic change one should consider lip filler injections.
• Pau d’orange of the chin
  • A dimpled chin appearance can also be addressed by Botox when the latter injected in tense mentalis muscle. Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscle, improving its texture and softening the chin dimpling.
• Brow lift
  •  An eyebrow lift effect can be achieved with targeted Botox placement into the forehead lines. This opens the eyes and brightens the face, giving it a more “awake” look.
• Botox Masseter Reduction for Facial Slimming
  • In order to slim the face non-surgically and make the jaw appear less square or bulky, Botox is injected into the masseters. This procedure also serves medical purposes, relaxing the masseter muscle, relieving TMJ pressure and teeth grinding.

Botox is approved by DHA & FDA as a treatment the for the following medical conditions:

• TMJ
  • Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) occur frequently and often cause tightness in the jaw, clenching, grinding teeth, and headaches. Once Botox is injected into the masseter muscle it relieves these symptoms partially disabling the masseter.
• Migraine headaches
  • FDA has approved Botulinum toxin as a migraine treatment.
• Excessive Sweating
  • Botox can also be used to address sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the underarms, hands, and feet due to the fact that it incapacitates the activity of sweat glands.
• Depression
  • As Botox limits negative facial expressions it successfully decreases the symptoms of depression when injected in the face, thus making many patients feel happier.
• Cervical Dystonia
  • There is a neurological muscle disorder called Cervical Dystonia. It  causes neck pain and muscle spasms in the head and neck.  Botox injections are well able to treat this disorder as well.
• Overactive bladder or Urinary Incontinence
  • Botox is applied to treat adults who suffer from urinary urgency and urinary incontinence.
• Blepharospasm
  • Botox is a means to treat Blepharospasm, which brings forth involuntary eyelid twitching and small muscle spasms around the eyes.
• Strabismus
  • Strabismus is a condition where both eyes are not able to get aligned in the same direction. And Botox injections are used to treat this.
• Contractures in patients with cerebral palsy (CP)
  • Cerebral palsy patients within the age range of 2 to 17 years often experience muscular contractures and spasticity of the arms and legs, which can be diminished by means of Botox injections.

Botox is approved by DHA & FDA and comes with only a few possible risks, side effects, and complications which are listed below. Most of these side effects are temporary and are subject to specific treatment parameters and the skill set of the injector. In the event of any concerns that arise after your Botox treatment, make sure to contact your physician and confirm that everything is healing as planned.

The more frequently observed side effects that come with Botox injections are of minimal nature. However, you need to be aware of the possible risks before scheduling your Botox appointment. Please find them below:

Minimal to Mild:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Redness
• Tightness
• Irritation

Moderate to Severe:

• Non-target diffusion (droopy eyelids, asymmetry, frozen forehead, limited facial movement)
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness
• Allergic reaction

Bruising should be treated by means of icing during the first day and a warm compress alongside arnica gel on the following days until the bruising subsides.

On the first day of botox injections mild headaches have been observed among a small percentage of patients. The pain tends to go away within 24 hours.

As the treatment paralyzes the muscles, a certain degree of muscle weakness and numbness can be expected after the injections. This is something you will get used to as the treatment settles in your muscles.

After Botox injections the treated area may be mildly swollen, red, itchy, or tight. Application of an ice pack will minimize these unpleasant sensations. As for bruises, a warm compress and arnica gel on the day following the treatment is of great help.

After your treatment you should avoid:

• Exercising during the first 24 hours;
• Rubbing or massaging the treatment area for 24 hours;
• Applying heat on the injected area during the first 24 hours;
• Applying makeup to the treated area during the first 15 – 30 minutes.

After your treatment you should make sure:

• To apply an ice pack if swelling occurs;
• To apply a warm compress after 24 hours in the event of bruising.

It is best to avoid using blood thinning medications such as aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), or plavix for 5 days preceding the procedure, in order to limit the chance of bleeding and bruising.

It is highly advisable to limit alcohol consumption for 24 hours prior to the treatment meant to diminish the bleeding and additional bruising.

To alleviate any possible discomfort patients are recommended to take two Tylenols before their Botox appointment and to have a small meal before the procedure to prevent fainting or dizziness.

When it comes to painful sensations, they can be lessened with the help of a numbing cream applied to the site of injections a few minutes before the treatment.

Botox treatment is carried out by means of injections which are delivered through a small size needle; this makes the treatment tolerable with no anesthesia for most patients. Although pinching or poking sensations have been reported during Botox injections, they last only as long as the injection itself, which makes the overall process tolerable.

In the event of low pain tolerance a topical numbing cream may be applied 15 minutes prior to the procedure or an ice pack can be used during the procedure.

It is frequently asked whether alcohol consumption is allowed before and after botox injections. It is advisable to avoid the use of alcohol before getting the treatment, as alcohol has blood thinning properties which may cause additional and unnecessary bleeding and bruising.

As for post-treatment consumption of alcohol, if used immediately after the injections the efficacy of the treatment may be hindered. And although cases like that have not been commonly reported, it is better to be on the safe side and save drinking for the day after your treatment.

Generally, 3 – 5 days are required to start seeing the initial botox results and 10 days to see the final results. Botox carries the function of a neuromuscular junction inhibitor and blocks the release of acetylcholine from presynaptic motor neurons. Thus, it takes several days for the nerve signals to stop spreading.

The usual duration of Botox results is three to four months. Most patients tend to get a touch up therapy before the effects fade away thus remaining wrinkle free.

The longevity of Botox results varies depending on a number of factors including:

• The number of injected units: the more units are administered the longer the results stay;
• The strength of the patient’s facial muscles: if the natural facial musculature is weak, then Botox results are likely to last longer;
• The intervals in between Botox sessions: regular touch-ups will contribute to longer maintenance of the results.
• The metabolic response of the body to the treatment: some patients tend to metabolize Botox quicker than others. For example, if intense workouts are part of your lifestyle, the results will fade away sooner compared to someone who doesn’t exercise.

The results achieved by Botox injections are temporary, lasting on average  3 – 4 months. The duration of the effects is individual, for some people they last full 4 months,  while for others they may only stay for 2 – 3 months.

Botox price is usually set either by unit or by area.

horizontal forehead wrinkles – 20-25 units of Botox or Xeomin (40-50 units of Dysport);

wrinkles between the eyebrows – 10-20 units of Botox or Xeomin (30-45 units of Dysport);

“crow’s feet” – 10-20 units of Botox or Xeomin (40-60 units of Dysport);

wrinkles above the upper lip – 4 units of Botox or Xeomin (4-6 units of Dysport);

skin area – 10-15 units of Botox or Xeomin (30-45 units of Despot);

Low risk for side effects and complications is one of the hallmarks of Botox procedures, and one of the main reasons it is so popular. And yet, you should be aware that bruising, swelling, and even more serious complications, such as an infection are possible if done by poorly trained healthcare personnel.

It is highly recommended to conduct a thorough research on your provider before scheduling your appointment. This is means to confirm that the person performing the procedure is a board certified physician with experience and extensive medical knowledge and to avoid unnecessary risks and side effects. In case Botox is poorly placed, you may end up with unplanned, unsatisfactory and temporarily irreversible results that may take months to wear off and leave thoroughly dissatisfied.

Botox is a minimally invasive procedure designed to address both cosmetic and medical concerns. It is mostly famous for its properties that eliminate, reduce, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. However, it can also be used to slim or improve certain areas of the face. TMJ, hyperhidrosis, and chronic migraines are among the common medical conditions treated with the neurotoxin. Before moving forward with the treatment, make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic surgeon and confirm that it is the most optimal therapy for you and for your desired outcome. This is a good way to ensure that you get the best results.

Alan Scott, a dermatologist,  invented Botox in 1989 and in 1991 he sold the rights of it to a pharmaceutical company called Allergan. Nowadays, botox is extremely popular. This popular neurotoxin is in high demand and dominates the market. It is the “go to” cosmetic procedure for youth maintenance not only for celebrities, but also for everyone from your mother to your neighbor.

The manufacturer of Botox is the pharmaceutical company Allergan which distributes the product to botox clinics, e.g. CIDK, who is renowned as one of the best botox and dermal filler injectors in Dubai, carries out the botox injections himself. It is true that botox is the most popular neurotoxin, however, there are other neurotoxins that can be used interchangeably with it, such as Dysport, Xeomin, which are slightly different from Botox with their chemical compositions.

Botulinum toxin originates from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum and is deadly in its pure form. For reference, 100 units of Botox (onabotulinum toxin A) contain only 0.73 nanograms of toxin. Thus, it is highly diluted in comparison with pure botulinum toxin.

Your botox aesthetic treatment will leave you with a more youthful looking skin. Many people are concerned that their friends and colleagues will see and know they got the treatment. However, if the injections are administered in a skilful manner they bring out your natural beauty, without giving away the fact that you have undergone any cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery.

The area of injection, the activeness of muscles, the date of your most recent treatment, as well as your desired results determine the number of units that you will need. Doctors in CIDK will pay close attention to these details during your cosmetic consultation and will establish the perfect amount of botox units suiting your unique goals.

If you can still see lines after the treatment is settled and the muscles are frozen, that means that your skin has lost its ability to recover and replace lost collagen. Botox will prevent further wrinkling, however you will need a dermal filler or collagen stimulating therapies to improve the appearance of wrinkly areas.

Immunity to Botox injections is also possible. However, that is very rare. These are the cases when your body does not respond to the treatment at all. If anything like that is observed, your physician may go for a different neuromodulator, e.g. Dysport, Xeomin.

Botox creates a chance for superficial wrinkles to recover and fill with your body’s own collagen.  RF Microneedling and  laser are among complementary procedures that can enhance the body’s collagen production, hence improving the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles. These therapies work by means of controlled thermal damage done to the skin, which induces the skin to produce more collagen and elastin during the repair process. As a result you are left with a more rejuvenated skin. Pairing neurotoxin injections with collagen stimulating devices makes the best skin care possible.

The aesthetic purpose of Botox is to freeze the muscles at the site of injection while dermal fillers are designed to enhance and replenish the lost volume. Botox is necessary to take fine lines and facial wrinkles under control by means of restricting muscle activity in the area and hence halting the process of wrinkle formation.

Dermal fillers save the situation when the body’s natural collagen regeneration has been exhausted. These Hyaluronic acid based biological implants momentarily volumize targeted areas resulting in a fresh and rested look.

There is a widespread opinion that botox eliminates circles under the eyes. The reason behind the dark circles in the under eye area is volume loss which means that the cure for that is under eye fillers. In fact, Botox and fillers are complementary therapies, and yet they are very distinct from each other and serve different purposes.

It is best to wait for a week after receiving your botox injections and only then get a microneedling treatment. This timeframe will allow Botox to properly settle. It is not advisable to rub or touch the treatment area after getting botox injections as the substance can be displaced, causing asymmetry and in the worst case scenario eyelid ptosis.

Another treatment you could get is the Aquagold treatment, which also contains the neurotoxin, or the hydrafacial, which is meant to enhance skin hydration.

Natural outcomes are produced by physicians who possess a critical and artistic eye. For naturally appearing botox injections it is compulsory for the doctor to have complete understanding of your individual anatomical structure and functional anatomy.

It is necessary to educate new patients about botox in order to avoid unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction with the service. This is why credentials and best experience of your provider are of high importance.