Powder Brows and Botox injections
If one wants both - Botox and Powder Brows
The most common use of Botox injections is to relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes. So, Botox injections are most often used for softening the lines on the forehead, the area where Powder Brows or other permanent eyebrow treatments are done. Let us explore how those treatments affect each other potentially and what should be kept in mind when the same person wishes to get both.
“It is a cause for concern if a pigmentation artist suggests performing a procedure less than two weeks after a Botox treatment, or if a provider of injection treatments is insistent on administering Botox prior to Powder Brows. In both situations, the motivation might stem from either a lack of proper understanding or an overriding desire for profit. Both scenarios are potentially detrimental and can compromise the client’s outcomes.”
What is Botox and how does it affect the skin?
Botox is a brand name for a neurotoxic protein called botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In cosmetic procedures, Botox is often used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing underlying muscles. Let's examine this process in detail.
How does Botox work?
Botulinum toxin is a neuromuscular blocking agent. When injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve signals that instruct the muscle to contract, so that the muscle becomes "cut off" from such s. This is done by inhibiting the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals from nerve cells to muscles. When Botox is injected, it binds to nerve endings at the point where the nerves join muscles, preventing the nerves from releasing acetylcholine. Without this neurotransmitter, muscles become paralyzed, or at least their movements become reduced. Thus in its essence, Botox paralyzes the muscles to reduce their movement and thus causes fewer wrinkles and lines within the skin that are caused by such movement.
Anatomical effect of Botox
The result of this neuromuscular blockade is a temporary and localized paralysis that softens and relaxes wrinkles and fine lines. The skin above these relaxed muscles appears smoother and less wrinkled. Common areas where Botox is used include horizontal forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines. However, the effects of Botox are not permanent and generally last up to six months. As the nerve endings gradually regrow, acetylcholine is once again released, causing the muscles to contract and wrinkles to reappear.
Thus Botox injections serve as a temporary solution to wrinkles and lines. As its effects wear off over time, repeated injections are necessary to maintain the smooth appearance of the skin. Botox can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement, it's not effective against wrinkles caused by sun damage or gravity.
Botox and Power Brows procedure
What should be kept in mind first and foremost is that getting Botox only affects the Powder Brows procedure if it is done close to the brow area or to treat forehead anger lines. If Botox is done elsewhere there are no overlapping effects and thus also no problem.
When the treatment areas overlap
As discussed, Botox acts on the muscles beneath the skin to temporarily reduce or eliminate lines and wrinkles, while Powder Brows is a form of permanent makeup that enhances the shape, color, and density of eyebrows. Considering their distinct mechanisms, there are potential implications when these procedures are done concurrently or in close succession.
Effect on treatment planning
Botox injections can change the positioning and movement of the facial muscles. As it affects the position and arch of the eyebrows, this can alter the shape and appearance of the brows. For a Powder Brows artist planning the shape and design of Powder Brows, recent Botox treatments might affect their ability to accurately gauge the natural position and movement of the eyebrows.
Theoretical effect on healing
Both procedures involve some level of skin trauma - Botox through injections, and Powder Brows through the application of pigment into the skin using a PMU needle. As such, having both procedures too close together might pose a higher burden on the body's healing processes. Also, both Botox and Powder Brows procedures carry a really small risk of infection. Doing them in close succession may increase this risk, especially if proper hygiene and aftercare measures are not diligently followed.
Which procedure should be done first?
All things considered, there is not even any question that it is to be recommended to have the Powder Brows procedure done first, then wait for at least two weeks for initial healing before getting a Botox treatment. This order also allows the Botox practitioner to consider the new brow shape and position when planning the Botox injection sites. This ensures that the Botox application complements rather than conflicts with the freshly applied brow shape.
Conversely, if you already have undergone the Botox treatment and then wish to get Powder Brows, it's advisable to wait until the full effects of Botox have become visible, which can take up to two weeks. This allows the brow artist to take into account any changes in your brow position or facial muscle movement when designing your new brows.