What is Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium A, can relax the muscles on areas of the face which cause wrinkles associated with facial expressions. Treatment can cause our facial expression lines or winkles to essentially disappear. Areas most frequently treated are a) glabellar area of frown lines, located between the eyes; b) crow’s feet (lateral areas of the eyes); and c) forehead wrinkles.
What the procedure involves
Botulinum toxin is diluted to a very controlled solution and when injected into the muscles with a very thin needle, it is almost painless. Clients may feel a slight burning sensation while the solution is being injected.
The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes and the results last 3-5 months. With repeated treatments, the results may tend to last longer.
Usually pain relief is not required. If you wish, we can apply cold pack to the area to before and after the injections.
Whether the procedure is new or experimental
This procedure is commonly used to reduce the movement of muscles, it is not an experimental procedure.
What are the possible outcomes of the procedure, in the short and long term?
Treatment with botulinum toxin can cause your facial expression lines or wrinkles to be less noticeable or essentially disappear. The effects become apparent 2-5 days after injection and generally last 3-6 months. The treatments can be repeated indefinitely with resistance to the effects the neuromodulator occurring only rarely. The alternatives to neuromodulator treatment are no treatment or surgery.
What are the risks and possible complications associated with the procedure?
Before undergoing this procedure understanding the risks is essential. No procedure is completely risk free. The following risks may occur, but there may be unforeseen risks that are not included on this list. Some of these risks, if they occur may necessitate hospitalization and or extended outpatient therapy. It has been explained to me that there are certain inherent and potential risks and side effects in any invasive procedure and in this specific instance such risks include but are not limited to post treatment discomfort, swelling, redness, and bruising, at the site of injection, double vision, allergic reaction, minor temporary drop of the eyelids (can last up to 3 months), and headache.
Injections around the mouth may lead to difficulty whistling, drinking through a straw and some difficulty with words that begin with a P or B. Botox contains human derived albumin and carries a theoretic risk of virus transmission. There have been no reports of virus transmission through Botox. Rare but serious complications include difficulty breathing and generalized weakness.
Contraindications
You should not have treatment with neuromodulators if you are pregnant, nursing, are allergic to albumin, have an infection, skin condition, or muscle weakness at the site of injection. Eaton-Lambert syndrome, Lou Gehrigs disease or myasthenia gravis are also contraindications to treatment. Women who are pregnant, attempting pregnancy or are breast feeding should not be treated with neuromodulators.
COSTS
Dr Shuai usually charge for injection of Botulinum Toxin from $19 dollars per unit.
We used high standard products, please talk to Dr Shuai about what product she use and why is it beneficial for you.
RESULTS
Botulinum toxins are injected into a muscle appears in 3-10 days and usually last 3-5 months but can be shorter or longer. In a very small number of individuals do not respond or the injection does not work as satisfactorily or for as long as usual