What is BTX treatment?
BTX treatment uses a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. The botulinum toxin is used to treat a number of health and cosmetic problems, including treating muscle spasticity, migraines, chronic pain and frown lines.
BTX treatment works by injecting the drug into the area to be treated. The injection then weakens or paralyses certain muscles in the area and these effects last for a period of several months to a year, depending on the problem being treated.
BTX treatments are popular in Singapore for being a minimally-invasive and quick procedure to achieve youthful-looking skin and a more rejuvenated appearance. A keen eye for detail and a pair of skilful hands are important in helping patients achieve their desired results.
Keep reading to find out more about BTX treatments in Singapore.
What is BTX treatment used for in Thomson Specialist Skin Centre?
At Thomson Specialist Skin Centre, BTX treatments are primarily used for cosmetic purposes. It is most commonly known for reducing facial wrinkles and frown lines, especially around the forehead and eyelids. Getting BTX treatment done around the lips also reduces laugh lines around the area. A BTX treatment works by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscles surrounding the facial wrinkles, causing the relaxation of those muscles and smoothening of wrinkles and frown lines as a result. The changes before and after a BTX treatment are very visible. Improvement in facial wrinkles becomes more visible about three days after the BTX treatment and the effects last for approximately three to four months after the procedure.
Apart from using BTX treatments for cosmetic purposes, it can also be used to reduce excessive sweating in the underarm region.
What causes wrinkles and frown lines?
- Ageing: As we get older, our skin loses elasticity and becomes less able to bounce back from repetitive facial expressions, leading to the formation of lines and wrinkles.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is a major contributor to premature skin ageing. UV radiation damages collagen and elastin fibres in the skin.
- Repetitive Facial Expressions: Repetitive facial movements, such as frowning, squinting, or smiling, can cause lines to form over time. These expressions create creases in the skin, and with age, these creases may become more permanent.
- Smoking and Poor Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and certain lifestyle choices like excessive alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet can accelerate the ageing process. Smoking, in particular, reduces blood flow to the skin and depletes essential nutrients.
- Genetics and Skin Type: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to develop wrinkles earlier than others. Additionally, individuals with fair skin tend to be more susceptible to the effects of UV radiation, which can lead to premature ageing.
Is BTX treatment safe?
BTX treatments are considered safe, especially in clinical settings. There are some possible side effects such as partial paralysis of the facial muscles – which is generally the result of the toxin being injected into the wrong muscle group or spreading beyond the injection site. In some instances, temporary drooping eyelids may also occur.
Some of the most common side effects of BTX treatments are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site (due to the mode of application), but will usually resolve on their own within a few days. Should any of these side effects persist after your BTX treatment, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
You should practise caution when opting for BTX treatment and not undergo it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. BTX treatment on an area which has an infection must be avoided too. You should also not go through this procedure if you are allergic to the botulinum toxin. Before undergoing BTX treatment, refrain from taking cold or allergy medication, muscle relaxants and sleeping pills. Consult with your doctor and make sure you understand the risks before proceeding.
Is BTX treatment painless?
BTX treatment may cause pain similar to that of an acupuncture treatment. As the needles used during BTX treatment are small, the pain is usually minimal. Before injecting, the area to be treated is usually numbed with a topical anaesthetic or cold pack to minimise the pain.
How long does the effects of BTX treatment last?
It generally takes around 3 to 5 days for BTX treatment to take effect. After 10 to 14 days, you will notice the full and final results of the procedure. So why are the effects of the neurotoxins not immediate after BTX treatment? Well, this is because it takes time for the neurotoxins to block off the specific chemical signals from the nerve that causes your muscles to contract.
Naturally, one of the most pressing questions you would have is: how long will the effects of my BTX treatment last? While we all wish for it to last forever, the unfortunate news is that its effects are temporary. Eventually, the neurotoxin will wear off, and you will require further BTX treatments in Singapore to maintain your treatments’ efficacy.
The duration of the BTX treatment’s effects varies from person to person. Some patients may find that the results wear off after 2 months while there are patients who enjoy the benefits for as long as half a year! However, in general, the effects of BTX treatments last around 3 to 4 months. Some patients may even find that the results last longer after their second BTX treatment compared to their first.