Botox
Have you long been bothered by that one wrinkle that you can't do anything about with creams and the like? Then you may have already thought about trying a minimally invasive injection, such as botulinum toxin.
What is it exactly?
A neurotoxin that is injected under the skin with a fine needle. It blocks the signals sent by the nerves to the muscles. After the injection, muscle contraction is significantly weaker or stops altogether. Botox contains traces of a toxin derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, so little that it is measured in nanograms. The active ingredient has been used in the USA since the 1980s - originally to treat eye muscle twitching.
What can it do?
The so-called "frown lines" between the eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, crow's feet and nasolabial folds can be temporarily softened with Botox. The tip of the nose can also be lifted by injecting the neurotoxin into the muscle that pulls it downwards, thus relaxing it. Botox can also help with night-time teeth grinding by injecting it into the jaw area.
What are the risks?
Drooping eyelids can be an unwelcome side effect if the doctor injects the product too close to the muscle responsible for eyelid movement. Experienced doctors know where and where not to inject. The problem should resolve itself after a few weeks. Too much Botox can cause the eyebrow to droop. Even then, you have to wait until the neurotoxin has broken down in the body. The effect lasts for around three to six months, after which you will need to have another injection.
What does it cost?
From around 250 euros per session. It depends on the number of injections and frequency. Ask an expert for advice.
Filler
If it's not just about optimizing wrinkles, but also about rebuilding volume, especially in the face, more and more people are turning to so-called filler injections.
What exactly is it?
Today, hyaluronic acid is used, a sugar molecule that is naturally part of the skin. Depending on requirements, the acid is processed in different consistencies: thin for superficial wrinkles, viscous for deeper wrinkles. Collagen as a filler, as it used to be popular, is no longer often used due to its side effects (allergic reactions).
What can it do?
In addition to smoothing wrinkles, hyaluronic fillers can also be used to restore age-related volume loss (face, neck, hands, décolleté), to reduce bags under the eyes and also for lip corrections. Special products also improve the quality of the skin over large areas. The focus here is on maintaining individual facial features and a youthful, natural appearance. The filler effect lasts for four to ten months.
What are the risks?
Improper treatment, for example by alternative practitioners or beauticians, can lead to inflammation, encapsulation and (extremely rarely) even blindness in the eye area. It is therefore essential to see a dermatologist who works with branded products.
What does it cost?
From approx. 450 euros per session.