- Home
- HealthEducationLeaflet
- Botulinum Toxin Injection
Botulinum Toxin Injection
Time leaves marks on everyone's face. If you want to remove facial dynamic wrinkles in a short period of time, you can consider using a minimally invasive procedure called botulinum toxin injection. Botulinum toxin injection is a simple and safe treatment that should be performed by a professional physician who will diagnose whether it is suitable for you, determine the injection sites, and administer the appropriate dosage.
Treatment Explanation:
- Botulinum toxin can block nerve impulses between nerves and muscles, causing the overactive muscles in the face to relax. This leads to a reduction or disappearance of dynamic wrinkles. It specifically targets wrinkles in certain areas without affecting the surrounding muscles.
Treatment Benefits and Success Rate:
- Botulinum toxin primarily improves dynamic wrinkles such as crow's feet, forehead lines, frown lines, glabellar lines, hypertrophic masseter muscle (commonly known as square jaw), hypertrophic gastrocnemius muscle (calf slimming), excessive hand sweating, excessive underarm sweating, eyebrow shaping, and neck lift. (Note: The results mentioned above cannot be guaranteed for individuals with specific conditions or sensitivities.)
Treatment Risks:
In addition to common side effects like temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site caused by anesthesia or allergic reactions, the following risks may occur:
- Temporary redness or swelling may occur after the treatment or as a result of the injection, as well as bruising on the skin.
- In a few cases, botulinum toxin can cause temporary facial stiffness, asymmetry of facial expression, drooping eyelids, brow ptosis (eyebrow drooping), and muscle weakness.
- It is not recommended for patients with severe myasthenia gravis, allergies to proteins, or those using neuromuscular blocking agents.
- Patients taking aspirin or anticoagulant medications are advised to stop the medication for 3 days before receiving the injection to avoid significant bruising.
(Note: Different risks may be present depending on individual conditions or sensitivities. It is essential to inform the physician about your complete medical history.)
Duration of Botulinum Toxin:
- Botulinum toxin induces temporary neuromuscular blockade, reducing muscle contraction intensity. After approximately six months, nerve commands gradually resume, allowing the muscles to regain their original function. Therefore, the therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin injection usually fade slowly after six months. The effectiveness of injecting botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle for slimming the face varies depending on individual chewing habits.
- To maintain the effects, it is recommended to schedule regular follow-up appointments every 4-6 months.
Post-Treatment Care:
- After treatment, temporary redness and swelling of the skin may occur. Typically, applying ice for 20 minutes can help reduce these symptoms.
- Within four hours after botulinum toxin injection, avoid bending over or engaging in vigorous exercise to prevent improper relaxation of other muscles, which may lead to unnatural facial expressions.
- Within three days after treatment, avoid using irritant medications (such as retinoids or exfoliating products) and avoid exposure to high temperatures (such as saunas, close proximity to heaters, ovens, or hot springs).
- After botulinum toxin injection, no specific post-treatment care is required, but regular skincare, including proper moisturizing and sun protection, is essential.