Botulinum Toxin Injections in Aesthetic Medicine
Botulinum toxin type A injections are an aesthetic medicine procedure used to reduce dynamic facial wrinkles. Small doses of the preparation are injected into precisely selected facial muscles to temporarily reduce excessive muscle contraction. As the muscles relax, expression lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes may become less pronounced while maintaining a natural facial expression.
In everyday language, this procedure is often referred to as Botox injections. The medically more accurate term is botulinum toxin type A injections, as Botox® is the trademark of one specific botulinum toxin preparation.
The procedure is performed by a doctor following an individual consultation, taking into account facial anatomy, facial muscle activity, the patient’s expectations, health status and the most appropriate injection plan.
What are Botox or botulinum toxin injections?
When we smile, frown, raise our eyebrows or squint, the facial muscles repeatedly move the overlying skin. Over time, dynamic facial wrinkles develop in areas where muscle activity is most pronounced.
Botulinum toxin temporarily inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to a specific muscle and reduces the intensity of its contraction. As a result, the skin over the muscle is folded less and expression lines gradually become less pronounced.
The aim of the procedure is not to completely immobilise the facial muscles. The doctor selects the dose and injection points individually to achieve a balanced result while preserving natural facial expression as much as possible.
Which wrinkles can be reduced with botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin injections are most commonly used to reduce:
horizontal forehead lines;
vertical lines between the eyebrows, or glabellar lines;
lines at the outer corners of the eyes, commonly known as “crow’s feet”.
In selected cases, after medical assessment, botulinum toxin may also be used in other areas of the face or neck. Suitability for a particular area, the preparation and the dose are determined individually.
Botulinum toxin works best on dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement. If wrinkles are deep and visible even when the face is completely relaxed, other or combined aesthetic medicine procedures may be required for an optimal result.
Most common botulinum toxin injection areas
The procedure is most commonly performed in the upper third of the face:
forehead;
between the eyebrows;
outer eye area.
Before the procedure, the doctor assesses facial proportions, muscle activity both at rest and during movement, and the balance between the different muscles. This helps determine the most appropriate injection points and amount of the preparation.
How is the botulinum toxin injection procedure performed?
Before the procedure, a consultation with a doctor takes place. The desired result, previous procedures, medical conditions, medications and possible contraindications are discussed.
The doctor evaluates facial anatomy and facial muscle activity, determines the injection areas and the required dose. The skin is disinfected, and botulinum toxin is injected into precisely selected points using a fine needle.
The procedure is usually brief and well tolerated. Small, short-lived needle pricks may be felt during the injections.
When does the effect of botulinum toxin appear?
The effect of botulinum toxin is not immediate. The first changes usually become noticeable within a few days, while a more complete effect develops within approximately 1–2 weeks.
The effect is temporary and most commonly lasts around 3–4 months. However, its duration may vary depending on the preparation used, the dose, the treated area, muscle activity and the individual response.
As facial muscle activity gradually returns, the procedure may be repeated following medical assessment.
What results can be expected?
An appropriately selected dose of botulinum toxin may help to:
reduce the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles;
make lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes less noticeable;
create a visually more relaxed and refreshed facial appearance.
Results vary between patients. Botulinum toxin does not improve skin quality in the same way as procedures targeting pigmentation, skin texture or collagen synthesis. If necessary, the doctor may therefore recommend a combined aesthetic medicine treatment plan.
What should be observed after the procedure?
A prolonged recovery period is usually not required after botulinum toxin injections. Temporary mild redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur at the injection sites.
The doctor’s individual recommendations should be followed after the procedure. These may vary depending on the preparation used, the dose and the treated area.
Possible side effects
Botulinum toxin injections are generally well tolerated; however, adverse reactions may occur. Most are temporary and related to the injection site.
Possible reactions include redness, swelling, tenderness, pain or bruising. Depending on the injection area, rare temporary facial asymmetry, drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow, headache or unwanted weakening of nearby muscles may occur.
In very rare cases, the effects of botulinum toxin may spread beyond the injection area. If pronounced muscle weakness or difficulties with swallowing, speaking or breathing occur, urgent medical attention is required.
Contraindications and precautions
Botulinum toxin injections are not performed in cases of known hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the specific preparation or if there is an infection at the intended injection site.
Particular caution is required in patients with certain neuromuscular disorders and when using medications that may affect neuromuscular transmission.
Before the procedure, the doctor should be informed about medical conditions, medications and dietary supplements, previous botulinum toxin injections, as well as pregnancy or breastfeeding. Specific contraindications also depend on the preparation used, so suitability for the procedure is always assessed by a doctor.
Why should botulinum toxin injections be performed in a medical institution?
Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine. To ensure the procedure is as safe as possible and the outcome as predictable as possible, the doctor’s knowledge of facial anatomy, muscle function, dosing and injection technique is essential.
Before the procedure, a “Veselības centrs 4” specialist individually assesses the patient’s facial anatomy, facial muscle activity and desired result, and discusses the possibilities, limitations and potential risks of the procedure.
Botulinum toxin for medical indications
Botulinum toxin is used not only in aesthetic medicine but also in the treatment of certain medical conditions and symptoms, including chronic migraine, hyperhidrosis, bruxism and chronic anal fissure.
Learn more about botulinum toxin injections for medical indications
