
Injection of Botulinum Toxin
Description
Botulinum toxin is a substance that reduces muscle contraction by acting at the neuromuscular junction.
The principle
The principle of botulinum toxin is the use of its muscle relaxation properties. The goal usually is to reduce the action of muscles (usually in the Glabella), horizontal and vertical wrinkles caused by contraction of these muscles, allowing skin to smooth the contours and thus obtain a rejuvenating effect by releasing muscle tension.
The objective
The main purpose of this treatment is to improve lines and wrinkles at rest and not to prevent muscle contraction: therefore the result will be judged primarily on the appearance of wrinkles at rest. It is very important to minimize the risk of bleeding in treated areas by avoiding taking aspirin during the 15 days before injections and 15 days that follow. This treatment involves a series of injections. The needle is thin and injections are usually not painful. The treatment lasts 5-10 minutes.
The result
Effects: the results are visible after a few days but for about 15 days, the effects on the face can be variable (or unbalanced at times) before finally stabilizing.
Side Effects: headaches and eyebrow ptosis have been rarely reported but are always reversible after a few days.
Frequency of injections: Injections should be performed several times with intervals of 3 to 6 months to obtain a stable result. From the second injection, the results may last longer (6-8 months).
However, it is recommended not to schedule two sessions within three months to avoid the creation of resistance produced by a “vaccine effect”.