What is botulinum toxin type A?

The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to as “Botox” by patients, is a popular injectable that temporarily minimizes or removes facial fine lines and wrinkles. The most frequently treated areas are frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet near the eyes. Several other areas have been treated such as thick bands in the neck, thick jaw muscles, lip lines and gummy smiles.

Botulinum toxin is a purified substance that’s made from bacteria. Injections of botulinum toxin obstruct the nerve signals to the muscle in which it was injected. Without a signal, the muscle is not able to tighten. The final result is reduced unwanted face wrinkles or appearance. Commonly known types of botulinum toxin type A injections include Botox ®, Dysport ®, Xeomin ® and Jeuveau ®. Botulinum toxin can be used to:

• Smooth crow’s feet, forehead furrows, frown lines, lip lines and bunny lines
• Diminish neck bands
• Improve the appearance of skin dimpling of the chin
• Raise the corners of the mouth
• Soften a square jawline
• Correct a gummy smile

What to expect during your treatment

Often, at the time of your injection, your injector will go over with you your goals and, after an examination, will be able to evaluate if those goals can be achieved with the use of neurotoxin. If they can, it’s your lucky day!

Your face will be cleansed and the areas that are to be injected, perhaps marked with a removable eyeliner/marker. You could have a numbing cream used or be provided ice packs to help with any discomfort. When you are ready, the injections will be performed in different spots to target the desired muscles.

You may have a few tiny bumps in the skin at the actual injection site but these will be gone by the time you leave the office. You might also have some mild bruising which will resolve in 24-48 hours. Lastly, you will be given directions on what to do and what not to do in the next 24 hours. This can vary from injector to injector.

Onset

Neurotoxins typically take effect in 3-5 days but it prevails to not see your full and final results for 7-10 days. I, personally, always tell my patients to wait a complete 2 weeks after their Botox injection and, at that point if they need a touch-up, we will take care of it. It takes this long because it takes time for the toxin to block off those nerve impulses to the muscles. It is not instant.

Duration

Well, don’t we wish Botox lasted forever? Unfortunately, it does not. Ultimately, the action of the neurotoxin will diminish and the nerves will once again be able to send those signals to the muscles to begin working or contracting. Typically, Botox lasts 3-4 months.

There will definitely be patients in which it lasts longer, in that 4-6 month range, or shorter, in that 2-month range. It is also common for first-timers to notice that it might not last as long at first but may last longer after the second procedure. Everyone has a different experience and results may vary.

What are the risks of botulinum toxin injections?

You may resume normal activities right away.

Although generally risk-free, 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

If you decide on botulinum toxin injections, you’ll need to receive treatment every three to six months to preserve ideal results. There isn’t a known risk of receiving multiple Botox procedures. A lot of people find that Botox considerably improves their overall quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider to decide if Botox in Bowling Green, KY is right for you.