Botox injections can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines on the face. But did you know that it can also be used to contour the body?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how Botox for body contouring works, what areas of the body it can treat, and what results you can expect. We will also share about its safety and other body contouring methods available in Singapore.
Botox works by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine sends signals from the brain to the muscles, telling them to contract. When Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, muscle contraction is restricted. This restriction temporarily reduces the size and appearance of the muscles.
To slim the face or contour the body, Botox is injected into the muscles to trigger muscle relaxation and reduce hypertrophy.
Botox injected strategically will effectively paralyse the underlying muscles responsible for specific movements and muscle contractions. This mechanism allows for precise sculpting and contouring of targeted regions.
Muscle hypertrophy is the enlargement or thickening of muscles due to repetitive use. Certain body areas, such as the calves, can develop excessive muscle bulk, creating an unbalanced or disproportionate appearance. When injected into these muscles, Botox reduces their size.
For facial slimming, Botox can be injected in the jaw to target the masseter, which can give the face a square or rounded jawline. Muscles in the masseter will relax and shrink in size, resulting in a slimmer jawline.
Also known by its more trendy term, TrapTox, Botox injections to the shoulder and neck area can help you achieve slender shoulders and a longer-looking neck. It is suitable for individuals with enlarged or athletic-looking shoulders that arise from an enlarged trapezius.
This treatment requires Botox to be injected into the trapezius muscles, which run along the back of the neck and shoulders.
Botox injections can be administered into the calf muscles to reduce their size and bulk. This technique is ideal if you have overdeveloped calf muscles but want a slimmer leg profile.
Botox can be injected into the gastrocnemius muscles, the large muscles in the back of the lower leg.
The results you can expect from Botox body contouring will depend on the specific areas being treated and your goals. Here are some possible outcomes.
You may notice a decrease in the size and appearance of treated muscles within four to six weeks of the injections. This effect usually lasts around six months.
You can expect a more proportionate body shape after Botox treatment. It should help balance areas where muscle bulk or asymmetry are a concern, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing physique.
Your body may have a more defined and sculpted profile as Botox reduces excessive muscle bulk.
The longevity of Botox depends on your genes, the amount of Botox used and the area of your body being treated. For example, facial Botox tends to last longer than Botox for the calf because calf musles are exerted a lot more on a daily basis than facial muscles.
In general, however, you can expect the results of Botox to last for three to six months,
Botox is generally considered safe when used appropriately and administered by a qualified doctor.
For body contouring purposes, Botox is typically administered in localised areas and at precise doses. When performed by a skilled doctor, the risk of adverse effects is minimised. However, you must practise due diligence by choosing a reputable clinic and ensuring that the injector is licensed to administer Botox for body contouring
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks and side effects associated with Botox injections. Possible side effects of Botox injections include:
To further minimise the risks associated with Botox injections, you must provide a complete medical history to your doctor, including any allergies, medications, or pre-existing medical conditions. You should also adhere to your doctor’s pre- and post-treatment instructions to ensure optimal results and recovery.
Yes! Botox is only effective if the area you wish to contour is bulky due to large muscles. There are other body contouring treatments that target areas of fats. Body contouring procedures. Our doctors can help you decide by providing advice based on your health profile.
Liposuction surgically removes excess fat from specific body areas. Consider this method if you want a significant and immediate fat reduction.
Small incisions are made during the procedure, and a suction device removes the fat cells. Liposuction can target areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and buttocks, making a noticeable reduction in fat deposits and improving your body contours.
However, it is invasive, requires anaesthesia, and has a longer recovery period.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive procedure used for body contouring. It uses low-intensity lasers to stimulate cells and reduce targeted fat. During the treatment, specific wavelengths of light penetrate the skin and reach the fat cells.
Affected cells are stimulated to release stored fat, which is then naturally eliminated by the body. The procedure is painless and does not require anaesthesia. However, multiple sessions may be needed to obtain your desired goals.
Low-level laser therapy can be used on fat belly, thighs, hips and arms. It’s most effective if you are near your ideal body weight but have stubborn fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise.
Ultrasonic lipolysis, also called ultrasound-assisted liposuction or ultrasonic cavitation, is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure for body contouring and fat reduction. It uses ultrasound waves to break down unwanted fat cells in specific areas.
During the treatment, a device emits high-frequency sound waves that reach the fat cells. These waves cause the fat cells to rupture and release their contents, which are then eliminated from the body naturally. The ultrasound device is applied to the targeted area, and a session can last 30 minutes to an hour.
Ultrasonic lipolysis can be used on the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and love handles. It’s suitable for people with stubborn bulges of fat that are hard to lose despite diet and exercise.
The benefits of ultrasonic lipolysis include being non-invasive, requiring minimal downtime, and carrying lower risks than traditional liposuction.
Autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or microlipoinjection, is an invasive procedure for body contouring. It involves taking fat from one part of your body and transferring it to another area that needs more volume or shape.
AFT offers several advantages. Since the fat comes from your own body, there is a lower risk of allergic reactions or rejection. The results are natural-looking and long-lasting because the transplanted fat integrates with your existing tissues.
AFT recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the treated areas. You may experience swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort following the procedure.
| How it works | Best for | |
| Botox | Paralyses the targeted muscle, reducing the size of the targeted area | the jaw, shoulders and calves |
| Liposuction | Surgically removes fat through a suction device | Treating obvious and significant fat reduction options |
| Low-level laser therapy | Laser energy to destroy fat cells | Painless, non-invasive, convenient option for removing small pockets of fat |
| Ultrasonic lipolysis | Ultrasound waves to break down fat cells | Painless, non-invasive, convenient option for those looking to removing small pockets of fat |
| Fat transfer | Transfer fat from one area of your body to the other | You are essentially reshaping your body in more than one area; low risk of rejection since fat is your own |
Here is a step-by-step guide to Botox treatment.
1. Consulting with our Doctor
Our doctor will discuss your desired results and ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. Our doctor will also answer any questions about the process.
2. Signing Consent Forms
Signing consent forms is standard procedure for any medical treatment. The consent forms will outline the risks and benefits of the procedure and your rights as a patient.
3. Preparing the Treatment Area
Our doctor will clean the area where the Botox injections will be made with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
4. Injecting the Botox
Botox is injected into the muscles that make up the unwanted bulk. The number of injections and the amount of Botox used will vary depending on the area being treated. The injections are usually brief and painless.
5. Observing the Treatment Area
Our doctor will observe the treatment area for any signs of bleeding or bruising. If you experience discomfort, our doctor will provide pain medication.
6. Post-procedure Instructions
Our doctor will instruct you on how to care for the treatment area and what to expect in the days following the procedure. You may also be advised to avoid vigorous activity to avoid excessive muscle movement.
If you are considering Botox injections for body contouring or exploring other body sculpting options in Singapore, we invite you to book a consultation with our expert team at SL Aesthetic Clinic. Our experienced professionals will assess your unique needs, discuss your goals, and develop a personalised Botox treatment plan to help you achieve the body contours you desire.
Contact us today.
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