What is Botox and how does it work?
Botox is a drug made by refining Botulinum Toxin, which works by temporarily paralyzing muscle contraction by inhibiting the secretion of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This is used to reduce the size of overdeveloped muscles or to alleviate dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement. While primarily used for cosmetic purposes, it can also be applied to treat various conditions such as muscle spasms and hyperhidrosis.
Wrinkle Botox: Principles of Dynamic Wrinkle Improvement
Wrinkle Botox is effective in improving dynamic wrinkles primarily caused by repetitive movements of facial expression muscles such as the forehead, glabella, and periorbital area. By inhibiting muscle movement, it prevents wrinkles from deepening and can alleviate existing wrinkles. Effects begin to appear within a few days after the procedure, reaching maximum effect after 1-2 weeks, and generally last for about 3-6 months. The duration of effect may vary depending on an individual's wrinkle condition and muscle development.
- Forehead Wrinkle Botox: Alleviates horizontal wrinkles caused by excessive use of the forehead muscles.
- Glabellar Wrinkle Botox: Improves 'frown lines' (shaped like the Chinese character '川') caused by muscle movement between the eyebrows.
- Crow's Feet Botox: Alleviates 'crow's feet' wrinkles that appear when smiling.
When undergoing wrinkle Botox treatment, it is important to improve wrinkles while maintaining natural facial expressions, so it is necessary to determine the appropriate dosage and areas through thorough consultation with medical professionals.
Masseter Botox: Creating a Slimmer Face Line
Masseter Botox is applied when the masseter muscles (chewing muscles) in the jaw area are overdeveloped, making the face appear wide or angular. Injecting Botox into the masseter muscles reduces muscle activity and shrinks the muscle size, thereby creating a slimmer jawline. Effects gradually begin to appear approximately 2-4 weeks after the procedure, reaching maximum effect after 1-2 months, and generally last for about 4-6 months. Periodic treatments may be necessary to maintain the effect.
- Candidates for Treatment: Square jaw due to developed jaw muscles, individuals with bruxism (teeth grinding) habits
- Expected Effects: Jawline reduction, softer facial contour, bruxism relief
If the jawbone itself is developed, Botox alone may not yield significant results, so it is important to consult with a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Trapezius Botox: Smooth Shoulder Line and Pain Relief
Trapezius Botox is used when the trapezius muscles connecting the shoulders and neck are overdeveloped, making the neck appear short or the shoulder line uneven. By injecting Botox into the trapezius muscles, muscle tension is relaxed and their size is reduced, which can make the neck appear longer and the shoulder line smoother. It can also help alleviate shoulder stiffness or pain caused by tense trapezius muscles. Treatment effects begin to appear approximately 2-4 weeks later, reaching maximum effect after 2-3 months, and can last for about 4-6 months.
- Candidates for Treatment: Thick neck due to developed trapezius muscles, concerns about shoulder line, shoulder stiffness
- Expected Effects: Effect of a longer-looking neck, smooth shoulder line, shoulder pain relief
After trapezius Botox treatment, it is advisable to avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in activities that strain the shoulders.
Hyperhidrosis Botox: Inhibition of Sweat Gland Activity
Hyperhidrosis Botox is used to suppress sweat secretion by injecting it into areas where sweat glands are overactive, such as the armpits, palms, and soles. Botox works by blocking the secretion of neurotransmitters that stimulate sweat glands, temporarily paralyzing their function. Effects begin to appear within a few days after the procedure and can last for about 6 months to 1 year. This treatment can be particularly effective for individuals experiencing discomfort due to excessive sweating, especially during the summer.
Precautions Before and After Botox Treatment
The effects and duration of all Botox treatments can vary depending on an individual's condition, and side effects such as bruising, swelling, or asymmetry may rarely occur. Before the procedure, it is essential to visit a specialized medical institution and consult thoroughly with a dermatologist, accurately discussing your health status and expected outcomes. After the procedure, it is important to follow the medical team's instructions carefully to achieve safe and satisfactory results.
This article provides general medical information and does not substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. Decisions regarding specific procedures or treatments must be made through consultation with a qualified medical professional.
Clinics with Registered Treatment Information
- Gangnam Laren Clinic (Gangnam-gu) — Registered Treatments: Masseter Botox, Trapezius Botox, Forehead Botox
- Mi&Mi Clinic Centum Branch (Haeundae-gu) — Registered Treatments: Masseter Botox, Trapezius Botox, Forehead Botox
- Hosu Clinic (Hanam-si) — Registered Treatments: Masseter Botox, Trapezius Botox, Forehead Botox
- Healing Clinic (Yongin Suji-gu) — Registered Treatments: Forehead Botox
This is an alphabetical guide and not a ranking or medical recommendation. Treatment information is based on content registered by each clinic. (Source: Keudeomjip)