Wrinkle Treatment with Botulinum Toxin

Doctor Fatma Yıldız | Ankara Life Polyclinic

Wrinkle treatment is one of the most preferred applications of aesthetic medicine today. Injections using botulinum toxin type A in particular stand out as an effective, reliable and reversible method in eliminating dynamic wrinkles. With botulinum toxin treatments that we have been successfully applying for years at Ankara Life Polyclinic, we aim to give our patients a natural, young and balanced facial expression.

What is Botulinum Toxin Type A and How Does It Work?

Botulinum toxin type A temporarily stops the contraction of facial muscles and eliminates wrinkles on the surface. Its mechanism of action occurs by preventing the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This prevents the muscles from contracting and thus reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. The effects after the injection usually start within 3-5 days and continue for approximately 4-6 months. This period may be extended with repeated treatments.

Causes of Wrinkles

The lines that appear on the face during the aging process are not only related to time. Factors such as daily facial expressions, stress, smoking, sun exposure, genetic predisposition and gravity accelerate the formation of wrinkles. Botulinum toxin applications offer a very effective solution in softening the dynamic wrinkles created by these effects.

Which Areas is it Applied to?

The wrinkle treatment areas we apply most frequently at Ankara Life Polyclinic are:

Glabellar lines (between the two eyebrows)
Forehead lines
Eye area (crow's feet)
Nose root lines
Lip area
Chin and neck wrinkles
Since the lines in these areas usually develop due to the intense movement of the facial muscles, successful results are obtained with botulinum toxin type A application.

Application Technique and Dosage Adjustment

In order to achieve successful results in wrinkle treatment, the right muscles must be targeted at the right points. For example, while the procerus and corrugator muscles are targeted with injections in glabellar lines, the frontal muscle is important in forehead lines. A dose of 20-30 units is usually applied to women and 25-50 units to men. The application is done with thin needles and the procedure takes an average of 10-15 minutes.

Effect Enhancement with Combination Treatments

Although botulinum toxin type A is effective on its own, more satisfactory results are obtained in some patients when combined with applications such as fillers, laser treatments, and chemical peeling. Applications supported by fillers are preferred especially for wrinkles in the lower face. Thanks to these combined approaches, both the visibility of wrinkles is reduced and the skin looks firmer and younger.

Is It a Safe Application?

Yes, wrinkle treatment with botulinum toxin type A is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive, and extremely safe procedure. Applications at Ankara Life Polyclinic are performed under sterile conditions by our experienced physician staff. The most common side effects include mild bruising, headache, and sensitivity at the injection site. All these side effects are usually temporary.

We Make a Difference with Our Clinical Experience

As Doctor Fatma Yıldız, we adopt an approach based on long-term planning, not just a single session, in wrinkle treatments. Before the treatment, the patient's facial structure is analyzed in detail, and if necessary, the treatment process is planned with digital images. At Ankara Life Polyclinic, personalized treatment plans are created by taking into account the facial aesthetics and expectations of each of our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is botulinum toxin permanent?

No, its effect is temporary and muscle function returns over time. It is effective for an average of 4-6 months.

2. Are repeated applications safe?

Yes, the effect period can be extended and the risk of complications is reduced with applications made at regular intervals.

3. Does botulinum toxin dull the facial expression?

With the right dose and the right application technique, a dull expression does not occur. On the contrary, a natural and dynamic appearance is achieved.

What are Dynamic Wrinkles?

Dynamic wrinkles, as the name suggests, are formed due to the movement of the facial muscles. Facial expressions such as frowning, smiling, and squinting leave marks on the skin over time. When botulinum toxin is applied to these muscles, muscle contraction is temporarily stopped and wrinkling of the skin above it is prevented. However, this method is only effective on dynamic lines that appear with movement; static wrinkles that become apparent when at rest should be combined with filler or skin renewal methods.

Injection Technique and Target Muscles

Since the muscle groups in the upper face are distinct and separate from each other, injection applications provide more controlled and effective results in these areas. Glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), forehead wrinkles, and crow's feet lines around the eyes can be successfully treated with botulinum toxin injection.

In the lower parts of the face, since the muscles are closer to each other, the application should be done more carefully and by experienced hands.

The treatment approach in the glabellar region includes injections to each corrugator muscle and procerus muscle. Women, especially patients between the ages of 18-25, usually need three injection points. However, injection areas can be increased in individuals with developed muscle structure. After the procerus injection, it is recommended to direct the toxin to the target muscle with a light massage towards the nasal bridge.

Application to the Forehead Area: Science and Art

Injections to the forehead area both reduce forehead lines and can affect the eyebrow position. Therefore, the person's eyebrow structure should be taken into consideration in injection planning. While the eyebrow arch is increased in individuals who want a more lifted and feminine eyebrow appearance, different injection schemes are applied for a flatter and more masculine appearance. Overdose injection and application very close to the eyebrows can cause eyebrow ptosis, i.e. drooping. Therefore, the correct technique is of great importance for patient safety.

Eye Area (Crow's Feet) Treatment

Wrinkles around the eyes, known as crow's feet, become especially noticeable during smiling. Botulinum toxin injections to this area temporarily eliminate the lines. However, since injections too medially (inward) may have undesirable effects, injection points should be carefully selected and certain anatomical boundaries should not be exceeded.

Botulinum Toxin Eyebrow Lift

This technique, also known as chemical eyebrow lift, provides a more lifted eyebrow appearance by injections to the glabellar area and the lateral depressor muscles of the eyebrow. This method, which is quite effective in changing the expression of the face in terms of aesthetics, can be applied as one of the combined aesthetic procedures with the right patient selection. Especially in young individuals who do not have drooping upper eyelids, very successful results are obtained.

Dosing, Pricing and Individual Adaptation

Each individual's muscle structure is different and injection doses should be personalized accordingly. The doses used in botulinum toxin treatment are usually determined on a unit basis. The amount of dose required for each area to be applied varies according to the person's muscle volume. As Ankara Life Polyclinic, we always provide transparent information to our patients and explain the pricing of the application accordingly.

Post-Application Considerations

It is recommended that patients remain in an upright position for 4 hours after the application, do not touch or rub the injection area, and do not do heavy exercise. The effect of the toxin begins within 3 to 5 days, and the best results are usually observed after the 7th day. In order to prevent the injection from spreading to non-target muscles, patients must fully comply with the instructions after the application.

Conclusion: Scientific Approach and Aesthetic Balance

Wrinkle treatment with botulinum toxin type A is one of the cornerstones of modern aesthetic medicine as it is controlled, effective, and reversible. As Doctor Fatma Yıldız, we aim not only to eliminate wrinkles with this method we apply at Ankara Life Polyclinic, but also to give our patients a younger, more natural, and more energetic facial expression. The application is a safe procedure, with fast results and high patient satisfaction.