BOTOX® Injections - Facial Plastic Surgery

BOTOX® injections are gaining popularity in the United States because it is one of the simplest non-surgical cosmetic procedures available. BOTOX® cosmetic is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a protein complex that blocks the chemicals that produce nerve impulses, causing muscle relaxation. It is injected to paralyze the facial muscles, consequently preventing muscle contractions. This relaxed state results in reduced appearance of wrinkles. BOTOX® injections treat severe frown lines, forehead furrows, crow’s feet by the corners of the eyes, and other wrinkles.

Before having BOTOX® injections for wrinkles, patients need to meet with a qualified doctor to discuss the effects of BOTOX® cosmetic. Physical and medical records are also taken and evaluated in order to determine if BOTOX® injections will work for the patient. Doctors should also be informed if their patients are in any type of medication since there are some which can cause complications. Medications like aspirin need to be discontinued before the patient receives BOTOX® injections to prevent side effects, such as formation of blood clots.

Before injecting BOTOX® cosmetic, the doctor will need to examine the patient’s face to determine the best area to administer the BOTOX® injection. Selecting injection points is very important for BOTOX® injections to be more effective and successful. Anesthesia is usually not applied, although an ice pack or anesthetic cream may be applied on the injection site to make it numb. BOTOX® cosmetic will then be injected on the injection points through a tiny needle. The BOTOX® cosmetic will attach with nerve endings, inhibiting the release of the chemical acetylcholine to stop muscle contractions.

This procedure is usually done in a doctor’s private office. It is a quick procedure, usually taking a few minutes to half an hour. After injecting BOTOX® cosmetic, patients may feel minimal pain and a brief discomfort. Patients, in general, may return to their normal daily activities after the injection. The full effects may start to show one week after the procedure and it may last for three to four months. As BOTOX® treatment wears off, the patient will need to get additional injections to maintain its effects. Typically, BOTOX® cosmetic patients may need to have the procedure repeated very three to six months.

BOTOX® injections should not be used on pregnant and nursing women. Other risks and side effects of BOTOX® cosmetic include eyelid drooping, numbing , pain, redness, nausea, flu-like symptoms, bruising, muscle weakness, bleeding, and respiratory infections.

For more information on your facial plastic surgery options, such as facelift, rhinoplasty (nose job), cheek implants, facial liposuction, and more, be sure to visit our Toronto, Ontario facial plastic surgery office.