Cosmetic use of Botox has exploded in recent years, especially since the approval of Botox-A for the treatment of glabellar lines.
Botulinum toxin injection
Botulinum toxin injection is the most frequently performed cosmetic procedure in the USA, and it is one of the most common entry procedures for clinicians, in their practice.
Treatment of frown lines and crow's feet, which are the cosmetic indications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and horizontal forehead lines, provides predictable results, has few adverse effects, and is associated with high patient satisfaction.
Wrinkles are formed by skin atrophy and repeated contraction of the underlying facial musculature.
Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
Injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific overactive muscles causes localized muscle relaxation that smooths the overlying skin and reduces wrinkles.
The effects of botulinum toxin
The effects of botulinum toxin take about two weeks to fully develop and last for three to four months.Dynamic wrinkles, observed during muscle contraction, give more spectacular results than static wrinkles, visible at rest.
Botulinum toxin injection is contraindicated in people with keloid scars, neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis), allergies to constituents of botulinum toxin products, and body dysmorphic disorder.
Minor bruising may occur when injecting botulinum toxin. Temporary blepharoptosis and eyebrow ptosis are rare technique-dependent complications; the incidence decreases as the skill of the injector improves.
Complications and side effects
- Swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
- Headache.
- Drooping eyelid.
- Twisted smile.
- Eye dryness.
- Excessive tearing.