Discover essential criteria and physician expertise to consider when choosing a trusted medical Botox center in the Halkalı Atakent area.
Halkalı is a district that values cosmetic care and shows strong demand for botox treatments. The branded housing projects delivered in recent years and its convenient transport network have made Halkalı and Başakşehir, and Küçükçekmece above all, a centre of attraction for domestic and international investors.
In this article we answer the questions "what is botox and what is it used for", and share what you need to know about the treatment process and choosing a physician.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a medicine prepared from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Physicians use it frequently to treat the following conditions in particular:
- Temporarily softening wrinkles and improving appearance
- Severe underarm sweating
- Cervical dystonia — a neurological disorder causing severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
- Blepharospasm — uncontrollable eyelid twitching
- Strabismus
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder
How Does Botox Work? What Needs Care?
Botox injections work by weakening or partially paralysing certain muscles, or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last approximately three to twelve months depending on the area treated, and the treatment needs to be repeated.
Although rare, side effects include pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site. Flu-like symptoms, headache and stomach upset may also occur. Injections to the face can cause temporary drooping of the eyelids.
You should not use botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and all of these treatments should be carried out by a qualified specialist physician.
Medical Uses of Botox
Botox treatment blocks certain chemical signals from the nerves, mostly those that cause muscles to contract. These injections aim to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. Botox is also used to treat the following conditions that affect the way the body works:
- Cervical dystonia: In this painful condition the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist or fall into an uncomfortable position.
- Lazy eye: The most common cause of lazy eye is an imbalance in the muscles responsible for positioning the eye.
- Muscle contractures: Some neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy can cause the limbs to pull towards the centre. In some cases these contracted muscles can be relaxed with botox injections.
- Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating occurs even when the temperature is not high and you are not exerting yourself.
- Chronic migraine: If you experience migraine on more than 15 days a month, botox injections may help reduce the frequency of your headaches.
- Bladder dysfunction: Botox injections can also help reduce urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder.
- Eye twitching: Botox can help relieve contracture or twitching of the muscles around the eye.
How Should You Prepare?
Tell your physician if you have had any botox injections in the last four months. Also mention if you are taking muscle relaxants, sleeping tablets or allergy medication. If you use blood thinners, you may need to stop these medicines a few days before your injection to reduce your risk of bleeding or bruising.
What if I Feel Nervous?
Most people do not feel much discomfort during the procedure. However, you may want your skin numbed beforehand, particularly if your palms or the soles of your feet sweat excessively. Your physician may use one or more methods such as local anaesthesia, ice and vibration anaesthesia to reduce your discomfort.
Is Botox a Painful Procedure?
The botox procedure is completed in no more than 10 minutes. It is safe when performed by an experienced physician in a hygienic environment. Possible side effects and complications include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Drooping eyelid or crooked brows
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Dry eye
Botox injections generally begin to take effect one to three days after treatment. Depending on the problem or the area, the effect can last three months or longer.
Physicians generally advise against using botox during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Botox should also not be used in people who are allergic to cow's milk protein.
Choose Your Physician Carefully
Botox should only be used under the supervision of a specialist physician with references, in a sterile environment. Precise placement and dosing of the injections are important in avoiding side effects. Botox treatment can be dangerous when applied incorrectly.
