The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin is a non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet near the eyes, and thick bands in the neck. Adults are living longer and want to look as young as they feel. Wrinkles make you look tired or even angry when you’re not. One of the quickest and safest solutions to remove wrinkles is botulinum toxin injection. Botulinum toxin type A and type B are purified substances derived from bacteria.

The injection of this substance blocks the nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected, weakening the muscle so it does not contract, reducing unwanted facial wrinkles.

Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, dermal fillers, or microdermabrasion to further improve the results. This combination of therapies can also help prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.

The application of botulinum toxin injection may seem like a simple procedure to you, as it involves only a few injections. However, it is an art and science that only an experienced healthcare professional should perform. There are 43 muscles in the face, and it is vital that the person applying botulinum toxin injections understands and identifies the correct points to optimize your treatment. A very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. By carefully choosing specific muscles, your doctor weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles while preserving your facial expressions.

The botulinum toxin injection application typically takes less than 15 minutes. The number of injections you need will depend on various factors, including your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles. Crow’s feet, for example, typically require 2-3 injections. Furrows above the brow may need five or more injections.

Anesthesia is not required. There is no downtime or recovery time.

Results are usually seen within a few days, but it may take up to a week for the full effect.

This improvement typically lasts about three to four months.

When the effects of botulinum toxin start to wear off, the muscles react, and wrinkles reappear.

Source: SBCP