is a safe and easy method for reducing dynamic wrinkles and expression lines. works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, leaving skin smoother, tighter and more youthful.The first signs of aging are often wrinkles around your eyes, forehead, cheeks, and lips. Wrinkles are a normal feature of the human face. But many people feel wrinkles make them look tired or older. To reduce the appearance of wrinkles, some people choose to have injections of botulinum toxin. These injections are often called by their brand names, such as , Dysport or Xeomin. The injections relax certain muscles in the face, and certain wrinkles become less noticeable for a period of time.
Types of wrinkles
There are two types of wrinkles: dynamic wrinkles and very fine lines and wrinkles.Dynamic wrinkles are caused by facial muscles that move when you smile, laugh, and squint. These are often around the lips, on the forehead and between the eyebrows. They are also the “crows’ feet” at the corner of your eyelids. Everyone is born with dynamic wrinkles. As you age, these wrinkles get deeper and easier to see. Botulinum toxin () can be used to make these dynamic wrinkles less noticeable.Very fine lines and wrinkles are formed when collagen in the skin starts to thin. Collagen is protein just beneath and within deep skin layers. Aging and sun damage cause collagen thinning. It makes the skin on your face stretch and sag, creating fine wrinkles. Botulinum toxin does not erase fine lines and wrinkles. However, there are other ways to reduce their appearance.
How does work?
is actually something called “botulinum toxin type A”. It is one of the current injectable products made available for cosmetic and medical use. Very small amounts are injected into the area being treated. When botulinum toxin is injected, it blocks certain nerve signals that make muscles contract. The muscles relax, reducing unwanted wrinkles. This effect lasts about 3–6 months. After that, the muscles move again and wrinkles come back. When you have botulinum toxin injected, your doctor may first rub an anesthetic cream on the area to numb it. Then he or she will inject the medicine into specific facial muscles. This only takes a few minutes, and can be done right in the doctor’s office. You will be able to continue your daily activities right afterwards. About 3 days after the injection, you should notice some muscles starting to relax. After 1 week, you likely will see fewer facial wrinkles and lines. This effect wears off in about 3–6 months.
Who can get injections?
You need to be healthy and at least 18 years old before you can get botulinum toxin injections.Some people should not get botulinum toxin. They include those who:
- have a neuromuscular disease (such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis)
- are pregnant or nursing
- have weakness in certain facial muscles
have ptosis (drooping eyelids), deep facial scars, very thick facial skin, or uneven facial features (when features are not the same on both sides of the face)
have skin problems near the injection area
If you are planning to get botulinum toxin injections, tell your doctor about your medical history and all the prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
What are the common side-effects?
While botulinum toxin injections may help, they sometimes cause side effects or other health problems. Common side effects include:
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- temporary injection site pain
- weakening of adjacent facial muscles
- Headache
- eye redness, tearing, or irritation
redness or bruising in the injection area. This is more likely to happen if you take aspirin or blood-thinning medicine. Ask your doctor if you should stop taking those medicines a few days before getting a botulinum toxin injection.A less common but more serious side effect is drooping eyelids. This can make it hard to see. It should go away when the wears off in a couple of months.To help reduce the possibility of side effects, your doctor may recommend using eye drops or ointment after a botulinum toxin injection. You may also be asked to sit upright (not lie down) and avoid pressing on the treated area for about 4 hours after the injection. Also, your doctor may recommend you not exercise for 24 hours after treatment.