Parchment-like skin after a botox procedure is a relatively rare side effect that can be minimized with proper care, choosing an experienced specialist, and following post-procedure recommendations. But what does it actually mean?
Side effects of botox
Botox is one of the most popular aesthetic medicine treatments, known for its effectiveness in smoothing wrinkles and enhancing facial contours. While most patients experience only positive results, some may encounter less desirable effects, such as allergic reactions, redness, or headaches. One of the rarest complications is the so-called parchment-like skin. What does this term mean?
What is parchment-like skin?
Parchment-like skin is a term used to describe a condition where the skin becomes thin, delicate, and more prone to mechanical damage. It resembles parchment paper, appearing translucent, with blood vessels underneath becoming more visible. This effect most commonly occurs in areas where botox has weakened muscular activity, impacting the skin's structure.
Why can parchment-like skin appear after botox?
Reduced muscle activity – botox works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. Prolonged weakening of the muscles can lead to a decrease in their volume, which in turn affects the tension and appearance of the skin.
Natural aging processes – as the skin ages, it loses collagen and elastin, and botox, by limiting muscle movement, can accentuate these processes in areas where the skin is thin.
Lack of proper care – inadequate skin care after the procedure, such as lack of hydration or sun protection, can intensify dryness and weakness of the skin.
Excessive frequency of the procedure – excessive weakening of the muscles can lead to loss of volume and skin elasticity
Who is most at risk
It is a relatively rare phenomenon, but those more at risk are:
People with naturally thin, delicate skin;
Older individuals, as skin regeneration processes slow down with age;
Those who regularly undergo Botox treatments at short intervals;
Those who do not take proper care of their skin.
How to treat parchment skin?
If parchment skin has already appeared, it is worth taking appropriate steps to minimize its visibility:
Regenerative treatments – needle mesotherapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, or treatments with hyaluronic acid can help rebuild the skin.
Retinol and peptides – cosmetics containing these ingredients help stimulate collagen production.
Laser therapy – Gentle fractional lasers can improve the density and tension of the skin.
How to prevent parchment skin after Botox?
Proper skin care
Hydration – Using intensely hydrating creams and serums with hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin elasticity.
Sun protection – SPF filters protect against the harmful effects of UV rays, which can accelerate skin aging.
Spacing between treatments – allowing muscles to partially regain function between Botox applications can prevent excessive skin weakening.
Choosing the right specialist– an experienced aesthetic medicine specialist will carefully assess the patient's needs, avoiding excessive Botox doses.
Supplementation – supporting the body with supplements rich in collagen, vitamin C, and other ingredients that aid skin regeneration.
At Project Beauty Clinic in Gdańsk, every treatment is preceded by a consultation, and patients receive personalized care recommendations.
Comments