Every wrinkle tells a story. But some don't look like you anymore.
Botox can precisely reduce muscle contractions the cause of facial wrinkles: forehead, eyebrow, eyelid, crow's feet. A light, well-dosed injection, performed by an aesthetic doctor, and your skin looks more rested, your features more harmonious, without ever freezing your smile.
From a botulinum toxin produced by a bacterium, this molecule, known to cause botulism, is now a recognized treatment in France. aesthetic medicine and therapeutic. It acts by blocking the protein involved in nerve signal transmission, inducing targeted, temporary muscle relaxation.
In just a few days, results become visible and last for several months. There are no known contraindications, and side effects are rare. And with a good practitioner, the risk of asymmetry or complications is virtually nil.
Still wondering about Botox? Find out here what you don't always hear in the office.
Behind the name Botox lies botulinum toxin type A, a natural 100% product produced by bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The same bacteria responsible for food botulism? Exactly! But rest assured: purified, dosed and controlled, this toxin becomes a precision medicine.
A fascinating technical detail: this molecule degrades under the effect of heat, but resists perfectly in an acidic environment. This is why laboratories can store and stabilize it for safe medical use.
The history of Botox is like a scientific thriller! Discovered in the 1940s, this toxin was initially of interest to the military as a biological weapon potential. Fortunately, science has gone in a completely different direction.
In the 1970s, doctors discovered its therapeutic potential to treat muscle spasms. It wasn't until the 1990s that aesthetic use revolutionized the world of anti-ageing medicine. The present day, more than 7 million injections are performed every year worldwide according to a study published on ISAPS.
Here's how Botox works its «scientific magic»: it attacks directly the neuromuscular junction, the meeting point between your nerve and your muscle.
Toxin blocks acetylcholine release, a neurotransmitter essential for muscle contraction. The result? The muscle relaxes completely for several months, without affecting the sensitivity of your skin.
This flaccid paralysis is totally reversible: your body naturally builds new nerve endings, and the effect gradually fades. This is why touch-ups are required every 4 to 6 months.
Contrary to popular belief, Botox doesn't turn you into a statue! This botulinum or botulinum toxin targets with surgical precision the areas where your lion wrinkles, forehead wrinkles and crow's feet appear.
Thetoxin action ? It temporarily blocks the’nerve impulse to the overactive muscles responsible for those unsightly creases. Just a few minutes at your doctor's, and the excessive movement that creases your features naturally subsides.
The result will surprise you: a natural, relaxed appearance, never static. Your eyes regain their radiance, your general appearance gains in freshness. It's the’toxin aesthetics at its best: smoothing without masking, relaxing without paralyzing.
Aesthetics aside, this toxin molecule reveals impressive therapeutic properties! Visit botulinum toxin injections are used to treat a whole range of pathologies:
Each pathology requires a specific approach, certain contraindications exist depending on your general condition. Your doctor will assess whether this part of medicine can help you, taking into account the costs and frequency of sessions required for these treatments.
The advantage? The procedure is painless, and the effects are limited in time, offering valuable respite from these functional problems.
All botox injection begins with a thorough consultation in an ophthalmology practice or with an ophthalmologist. qualified aesthetic physician. This preliminary appointment enables us to assess your overall medical load and history, and to detect any risk situations.
The main contraindications? Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active local infections or neuromuscular disorders pre-existing conditions. Your practitioner will also check whether you are taking any anticoagulants.
This step is never optional: it guarantees your safety and the natural expression of your nerve cells after the treatment.
The big day has arrived!
The intervention takes place directly at the, without hospitalization. Your specialist uses a micro-needle to precisely target areas of the upper face for action.
Allow 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the area to be covered. How does it feel? A few mild tingling, sometimes a small local hematoma which quickly disappears.
The advantage of this approach therapeutic or cosmetic ? You can resume your activities immediately, with just a few simple instructions to follow.
Be patient! First signs of improvement between day 3ᵉ and day 10ᵉ. This period corresponds to the time required for the botulinum toxin completely blocks the release of’acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions.
A relaxed appearance usually lasts 4 to 6 months, depending on your personal metabolism and the activity of your frontal muscle. Contrary to popular belief, this period can even be extended with regular sessions!
Why this variability? Each organism reacts differently according to its age, lifestyle and the emotional load it is subjected to on a daily basis.
Here's a fascinating phenomenon that few are aware of: the formation of neutralizing antibodies. Some organisms develop a« immunological memory »against botulinum toxin.
How does it work? With repeated sessions, your immune system can modify its response and produce specific defenses. The result: partial or total loss of effectiveness of the treatment.
Aggravating factors? Overdose, injections too close together or use of products of dubious quality. Fortunately, this phenomenon remains exceptional in aesthetic medicine, unlike certain neurological pathologies where it is better documented.
By adhering to the recommended intervals and choosing an experienced practitioner, you can drastically minimize this risk. And if this happens to you, there are always alternatives to restore the desired natural expression.
In a controlled medical setting, complications are exceptional! The most frequently observed effects include drooping eyelids (ptosis), slight asymmetry, or temporary headaches.
Although rare, these inconveniences are generally due to imprecise technique or inappropriate dosage. The good news? They disappear naturally within a few weeks, as the toxin wears off.
But beware: these minor side effects have nothing to do with the dramatic complications observed in illegal contexts!
Here's why choosing the right practitioner is crucial! L‘he ANSM reminds us that botulinum toxin injections are reserved for authorized healthcare professionals. Specialists in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, dermatology, face and neck surgery, maxillofacial surgery and ophthalmology.
These healthcare professionals master facial anatomy, know the precise dosages for each muscle and respect safety protocols. They only use certified products, purchased through official channels.
A recent alert from ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament) dramatically confirms this: between August and September 2024, eight serious pharmacovigilance cases linked to illegal injections of botulinum toxin have been reported. These patients developed severe botulism, with difficulty speaking or swallowing (false routes), difficulty walking, blurred or double vision, and breathing difficulties, requiring hospitalization in intensive care.
Unfortunately, illegal botulinum toxin injections are on the increase, often promoted on social networks by non-doctors.
Your safety is worth much more than a few euros saved! Always choose a licensed medical practice, check your practitioner's qualifications, and avoid overly tempting offers on the internet or social networks.
For secure, personalized treatment, make an appointment with the Docteur Djian, certified in aesthetic medicine.
Botox, considered one of the most powerful poisons, has become a safe, controlled treatment in expert hands. Used in low doses, it relaxes certain areas of the face in a targeted manner, for a natural look. While it does not alter features or halt aging, it does attenuate visible signs, leaving the face smoother, rested and harmonized. Its temporary effects vary according to skin type, age, area treated and, above all, the practitioner's expertise.
Looking for a fresh, harmonious face? Make an appointment today with Docteur Djian and discover all the benefits of Botox..
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The confusion arises from the fact that these two methods are often proposed to rejuvenate the face, but their logic is totally different. One blocks the transmission that causes targeted paralysis, while the other fills in lost volume with a moisturizing gel. In practice, they may be complementary, but they are not based on the same protein or the same method. To better understand the difference, read our dedicated article : What's the difference between botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid?
Prices generally start at around 250 euros and can exceed 500 euros when treating several zones at the same time. The price of Botox injections varies according to the area concerned, the quantity injected and the specialist performing the procedure. Each center sets its fees according to its expertise, the time spent and the certified products used. It's advisable to ask for a precise estimate during the initial consultation, as costs can also vary depending on the city, the reputation of the dermatologist and the complexity expected.
Dr. Djian charges a fixed price of 400 euros incl. VAT (including touch-ups) to treat forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow's feet in a single session.
Yes, both approaches are often complementary. The toxin limits excessive contraction of the muscles responsible for wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid restores missing volumes. Combining the two techniques in the same treatment plan optimizes facial harmonization: smoothing without stiffening, and restoring curves.
However, each combination must be considered on a case-by-case basis, with a personalized plan drawn up by an experienced dermatologist to avoid any undesirable interactions.
The “Baby Botox”corresponds to micro-dose injections in specific areas to prevent the appearance of fine lines. This gentle method doesn't seek to transform, but to preserve the freshness of a look or a smile. The gradual, subtle approach is particularly appealing to young customers.
Contraction of certain facial groups for 3 to 4 days after the injections promotes targeted diffusion of the molecule into the targeted areas, by saturating the receptors at the junction between the nerve and the targeted tissue. These brief contractions (a few seconds, 3 to 4 times a day) optimize molecule fixation, making the result more homogeneous and long-lasting.
Dr Jérémy Djian is a plastic surgeon based at 5 square Thiers, near the Victor Hugo roundabout, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
He trained in Paris and remains attached to the hospital in the prestigious department of Pr Laurent Lantieri.
