What are these injections and how do they work?

This product is the world’s most common cosmetic procedure. More than 5 million treatments per year are performed around the world. It is a highly refined, naturally occurring protein that blocks the connection between the tiny nerves and muscles of the face. It is these muscles that contract the face and create wrinkles. The protein relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected. Areas between the eyebrows, in the forehead and crow’s feet can be successfully treated, causing improvement or disappearance of frown lines. This product is also very successful in the treatment of excessive sweating, particularly of the underarms.

Are treatments safe?

This is a remarkably safe treatment. It is completely reversible and has been used for medical purposes for over 45 years and cosmetic purposes for more than 25 years.

What does the treatment involve?

Using a tiny micro-needle, a very small amount of the liquid is injected, very precisely, into several locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to an insect bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. We recommend patients avoid vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.

Are there any side effects?

Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. Some patients experience a small bruise bruising at an injection site. This can be covered with make-up. Uncommonly, the protein can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In very rare cases, there can be a temporary drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression. Your doctor will explain the procedure fully with you in length before your treatment. Because the effects are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary, lasting less than a few weeks.

What results can I expect?

If dynamic wrinkles make you look older than you are, the injections can smooth these out and give you a more youthful and relaxed appearance. However, this procedure cannot improve wrinkles due purely to excess skin and sun-damaged skin since they are unrelated to facial muscle contractions. The injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles as the effects of the injections last from three to six months.For maintenance and prevention of wrinkle development, injections two to four times a year is required. Clinical studies indicate that the duration of treatment benefits is increased over time so that usually injections are required less frequently in the future. Also, the duration of effect varies from patient to patient. The more active the patient and the faster their metabolism, the more rapidly the effects of the injections will wear off.