Dermal atrophy (volume loss of the lower half of skin) combined with repeated contractions of underlying muscles form Wrinkles (dynamic in early stages and later static), which is one of the first and most prominent signs of ageing.
Injection of small quantities of botulinum toxin into specific muscles temporarily causes localized muscle relaxation that smoothens the overlying skin and reduces wrinkles. Repeated regular injections of botulinum toxin can also development of new wrinkles.
The most common indications for using botulinum toxin in a dermatology clinic are to improve:
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Horizontal forehead wrinkles
- Sweaty palms, soles, and underarms
Other indications being eyebrow lift, correction of bunny lines across the nose, gummy smile, pebbly chin.
FAQs
- Will botulinum toxin injection make me look expressionless or frozen?
- When used in appropriate quantities the treatment is designed to soften the lines of expression without causing a mask-like face. That is also the reason one should refrain from asking the doctor for more quantities for a more robust result. It is important to remember that “more is not always better.”
- Am I old enough to get these injections?
- Neurotoxin injections are like an entry point to getting anti-aging treatments. Usually, after the age of 30, we start to see first signs of aging and that is when one becomes an eligible candidate to consume these injections as per requirement.
- How much will the treatment hurt?
- Like all injections, these injections can hurt a little (like a mosquito bite) but you can always ask for a numbing cream about 10-15 minutes prior to the actual injections which make the treatment more comfortable.
- How long do the effects of the treatment last?
- This usually varies from person to person given the variations in anatomy but on average the results last for 6 months.
- What are the side effects?
- Every drug has a side effect but Botulinum toxin injections have been developed in such a way that side effects are rare and reversible which include mild droopiness of the eyelid or eyebrow, which usually goes away within two weeks, slight bruising at the injection area, and headaches.
- How much does the treatment cost?
- The treatment is charged per unit of the drug used. In different clinics, it varies roughly from 300 to 500 per unit. Of course, the amount of Toxin to be injected per area is decided by the doctor.
- Will it be visible to others that I have recently had some treatment on my face?
- Apart from some minor bruising, should it happen, there is nothing much to tell if you have had a procedure on your face. So it is safe to say that this treatment has minimal to no social downtime.
- Is there any special care required after getting the treatment?
- Most of the daily activities can be resumed without any delay. Only points to be remembered are:
- Avoid alcohol for a day or two after the treatment.
- Avoid hot shower/bath for 24 hours
- Avoid rubbing the treated areas for a day or two.
- Avoid lying down or leaning forwards for at least 4 hours after the treatment.
- Pain killers and other NSAIDs should be avoided 2 days before and after the treatment. Paracetamol (Dolo – 650mg) can be taken for pain management.
- One can always start exercising the treated muscle group after 4 hours to help improve the treatment outcome.
- Most of the daily activities can be resumed without any delay. Only points to be remembered are:
- When do the results start showing?
- On average the results start showing after 4-5 days and continue to improve for the next 10 days or so. Hence, we advise our clients to get this treatment done 15 days before a big event to ensure proper results with the management of side effects, should there be any.
