Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin is a purified substance that’s derived from bacteria. Commonly known types of botulinum toxin type A injections include Botox and Dysport.
Injections of botulinum toxin blocks muscular nerve signals, which then weakens the muscle so it can’t contract. The end result is diminished unwanted facial wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin can be used to help smooth crow’s feet lines, forehead lines, frown lines and skin bands on the neck.
How the procedure is done
Of note, in my practice, I do all if the injections myself. In many other offices, mid level providers do procedures such as fillers and botulinum toxin.
Injections of botulinum toxin may seem like a simple procedure to you, since it’s just a few shots. But it’s actually both an art and science that only an experienced healthcare professional should do.
There are 43 muscles in your face and it’s vital that the person who performs botulinum toxin injections understands and pinpoints the correct spots to optimize your treatment.
A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles.
By carefully choosing specific muscles, we can weaken only the wrinkle-producing muscles, preserving your natural facial expressions.
Botulinum toxin treatment injections usually take less than 15 minutes.
The number of injections you need will depend on your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin recovery
No anesthesia is required. There is no down time or recovery time for botulinum toxin injections. You may resume normal activities immediately.
One note of caution: Don’t rub or massage the treated areas after the wrinkle treatment because it can cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to another area of your face. If this happens, you could have temporary facial weakness or drooping.
Botulinum toxin risks and safety information
You may resume normal activities immediately.
Although generally safe, botulinum toxin side effects and complications can include:
- Bruising and pain at the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Nausea
- Redness
- Temporary facial weakness or drooping
- Very rarely, the toxin can spread beyond the treatment area, which can cause botulism like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, and slurred speech.