Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin which is used for antiaging and medicine. Injection of small quantities of botulinum toxin into specific overactive muscles causes localized muscle relaxation that smooths the overlying skin and reduces wrinkles. Botox can also be used to slim and contour the face.
Indication for reducing wrinkles and contouring:
- Horizontal forehead lines.
- Glabellar frown lines (11 lines) between your eyebrows.
- Crow’s feet wrinkles around eyes.
- Barcode lines on upper lip in combination with hyaluronic acid fillers.
- Wrinkles on lips (Smokers lines).
- Lifting lateral brow.
- Lifting corners of the mouth.
- Releasing neck bands and wrinkles.
- Jaw slimming to contour the face. Targeting the masseter muscles at the back of the jaw. These muscles can give the face a square shape. This procedure is referred to as masseter reduction or jaw slimming.
It can be also used for:
- Hyperhidrosis treatment.
- Chronic migraine.
- Gummy smile or horse smile treatment.
- Bruxism treatment together with occlusal splint fabrication.
Before procedure
During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can jeopardize your safety or results. For instance, you need to tell your cosmetic surgeon if you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners, as these increase the likelihood of bruising.
There is no special preparation needed. Your skin will be cleaned and prepared for procedure. Sometimes topical anaesthetics can be applied.
Description
A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. By carefully choosing specific muscles, your healthcare provider weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles, preserving your natural facial expressions. Botulinum toxin treatment injections usually take less than 20 minutes.
Postoperative instructions:
- Gently exercise your face.
- Relax for the rest of the day.
- Maintain a normal heart rate.
- Avoid touching, rubbing, or physical pressure on the affected area.
- Leave the treated area alone.
Side effects
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.
- Headache or flu-like symptoms.
- Droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows.
- Crooked smile or drooling.
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing.
The effect of botulinum toxin is reversible as are most side effects.