How is a botulinum toxin procedure performed?
You will likely get botulinum toxin injections in a surgeon’s office, and you can usually get them on the same day as your consultation.
- Once you and your surgeon have decided on an appropriate treatment, he or she will prepare you and the medication for the procedure.
- Your surgeon will clean the injection sites prior to your injections.
- Usually, you will not need anesthesia as the needles are very short and thin, causing minimal pain.
- Depending on your specific concerns and condition, you may need several injections to achieve your desired result.
- You may have slight pain, short-lasting swelling, and minimal redness and bleeding following your treatment.
- After your surgeon injects the neurotoxin, it will take several days to reach full effect and you may need to schedule a follow-up visit a few weeks after the initial injection.
- Although a simple procedure, you should ensure you are In the hands of an experienced injector, such as a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon. The injector's understanding of the muscles in the face and body is essential for a safe and successful procedure.
What are my botulinum toxin options?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most widely recognized brand and was the first neurotoxin to be FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the United States. Other brands, such as Dysport® and Xeomin, are also popular and share many of the same attributes as BOTOX® Cosmetic, but may vary in dosage, propensity to spread, time of onset and duration of action. There are many botulinum toxin formulations, but only one is appropriate for cosmetic use (Botulinum Toxin Type A).