What is botulinum toxin A?

Botulinum toxin is a purified substance derived from the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum.

For cosmetic purposes, the most commonly known types of botulinum toxin type A injections are Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, Allergan) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA, Galderma).

Botulinum toxin A injections are used to block muscular nerve signals, weakening the muscle so that it cannot contract in order to diminish unwanted facial wrinkles. Specifically, the injections can be used to treat the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead furrows, frown lines and skin lines around the neck.

Because there are 43 muscles in the face, it is vital that the practitioner performing the injections understands and pinpoints the correct spots to maximize treatment effects and minimize potential complications.

Injections are performed using a very thin needle to introduce small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. By carefully choosing specific muscles, the practitioner weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles, preserving the patient’s natural facial expressions. Overall, the process usually takes 15 minutes or less.

The number of injections needed is dependent upon the patient’s facial features and the extent of the wrinkles being treated. Crow’s feet, for example, usually require two to three injections, whereas furrows above the brow may require five injections or more before the intended results are achieved.

It is recommended that patients not rub or massage the treated areas following the procedure, as doing so may cause the botulinum toxin to travel to another area of the face. If this occurs, the patient could experience temporary facial weakness or drooping, as well as botulism-like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness and slurred speech.

Although generally safe, botulinum toxin side effects and complications can include:

bruising and pain at the injection site;
flu-like symptoms;
headache;
nausea;
redness;
temporary facial weakness or drooping

No anesthesia is required for botulinum toxin injections. Additionally, because the procedure requires no down time or recovery time afterward, patients may resume normal activities immediately.

References:

Plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/botulinum-toxin.

Webmd.com/beauty/botox/botulinum-toxin-botox.