Botulinum Toxins are widely used in modern medical aesthetics and also used to treat migraine headaches and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Botulinum Toxin injection is an injectable procedure that relaxes muscles or temporarily blocks certain groups of nerves. It does not require anesthesia and can be done within a few minutes.
What is the result?
When Botulinum Toxin is injected, fine lines and wrinkles will be relaxed and appear less, resulting in a more youthful appearance by smoothing out the skin.
Major medical benefits of Botulinum Toxin include:
- Severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
- Blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking (eye twitching)
- Strabismus – misaligned eyes (lazy eyes)
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder
This treatment will take three to seven days to see its full effect and will generally last between three to six months depending on your skin type and lifestyle. To maintain the effect, you’ll need regular follow-up injections.
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. You could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids.
However, these side effects are temporary and usually go away within hours or days.
Although very unlikely, it’s possible for the toxin in the injection to spread in your body. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these effects hours to weeks after receiving Botulinum Toxin:
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Breathing problems
- Loss of bladder control
Doctors generally recommend against using Botulinum Toxin when you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Will my skin gets worse after stopping the use of Botulinum Toxin?
No. It is a popular myth that once you stop Botulinum Toxins, your winkles will get worse. This is not how Botulinum Toxins works. Once you stop the use of Botulinum Toxins, your relaxed muscles will gradually return to its original state. Since it is no longer in effect, your wrinkles will “come back”.
Some people say their wrinkles look worse after stopping, compared to their pre-treatment face. This is likely a common phenomenon among frequent Botulinum Toxin patients who have had Botulinum Toxin procedures for years. Once they stop having Botulinum Toxins, their wrinkles come back and look deepen simply because of the natural aging process that is continuously taking place.
Am I a candidate for Botulinum Toxins?
Wrinkles form as we age. If you are feeling conscious about developing deep wrinkles, feel free to reach out to your local cosmetic doctor to receive a consultation about a suitable treatment tailored to you. However, please take the time to research the clinic and the injector beforehand.
Cosmetic and therapeutic uses of Botulinum Toxins are both available at Richmond Medical Spa Club. Schedule a consultation and assessment with experienced and licensed physician Dr. Paul Pinkhasik today for your individualized treatment plan.
