Botulinum Toxin Injections

What are Botulinum toxin injections?

Botulinum toxin injections are a safe and minimally invasive procedure that uses neurotoxins to relax the muscles for cosmetic or medical reasons. With the right doses, Botulinum toxin injections are effective at reducing skin wrinkles, in addition to treating some medical conditions, such as hyperhidrosis, eyelid spasms, migraines, and bruxism.

How do Botulinum toxin injections work?

Botulinum toxin injections temporarily block nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. When injected in tiny doses into specific muscles, they prevent the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions.

By blocking these signals, Botulinum toxin injection effectively relaxes the muscles, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the treated area. It is commonly used for cosmetic purposes to smooth wrinkles on the face, but it also has medical applications, such as treating teeth grinding at night,  migraines, and excessive sweating.

Benefits of Botulinum toxin injections

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Dermalift procedure to lift face in a natural way
• Scar treatment
• Facial contouring, e.g. slimming of the lower half of the face for a more defined jawline
• Medical benefits such as reducing excessive perspiration, teeth grinding
• Quick and effective procedure
• Noticeable results with minimal downtime

What happens during the procedure?

Here is an overview of how Botulinum toxin injections are typically administered at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic:

• Consultation: the process usually begins with a consultation, during which your dermatologist will discuss your goals, medical history, and any potential risks or side effects associated with the treatment. They will also assess the treatment areas and determine the appropriate dosage.
• Preparation: before the procedure, your skin is cleansed, and a topical numbing cream may be applied to minimise discomfort during the injection. The injection sites are also marked with a pen for precision.
• Injection: a fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botulinum toxin into the targeted muscles. The number of injections and concentration will depend on the treated area and the desired results. You may feel a slight prick during the injections, but discomfort is usually minimal.
• Post-treatment care: after the injections, you are typically advised to remain upright for at least 4 hours to prevent the Botulinum toxin from spreading to unintended muscles. Avoid facial massages and sauna for the next 48 hours.
• Follow-up: follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the results and determine if any touch-up injections are needed. Results from Botulinum toxin injections typically become noticeable within a few days to a week after treatment. They can last several months, after which repeat treatments are usually required to maintain the desired effects.

What conditions can Botulinum toxin injections treat?

We offer two brands of Botulinum toxin injections at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic. The indications for botulinum toxin are mainly:

• Fine lines and wrinkles: Botulinum toxin injections are most commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. These injections help to smooth out frown lines (glabellar lines), Crow’s feet, forehead lines, bunny lines, and platysmal bands.
• Medical conditions:
  • Bruxism due to hyperactive masseter muscles (grinding teeth subconsciously during sleep, leading to neck and jaw pain and teeth wearing down)
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating on the forehead, axillae, palms and soles)
  • Blepharospasm (eyelid spasms)
  • Migraines
• Facial contouring:
  • Brow lift
  • Masseter and trapezius injections to create a slimmer face and slimmer neck
  • Jawline contouring
• Dermalift: Dermalift is a technique in which hyper-dilute botulinum toxin is injected intradermally strategically on the face to produce a natural lifting and slimming effect.
• Scar treatment: Botulinum toxin can also be injected in low doses into scars and keloids to minimise their appearance.

How many Botulinum toxin injections are needed?

The number of Botulinum toxin injections needed during each session varies depending on several factors, including the treatment area, the individual's anatomy, and the desired outcome. Here is a general guideline for the number of injections typically administered at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic:

• Glabellar lines (frown lines): to treat glabellar lines, the vertical lines between the eyebrows, multiple injections are usually administered into the muscles responsible for causing the wrinkles. Typically, three to five injections are used in this area, with precise placement to target the specific muscles.
• Crow's feet: crow's feet are lines that radiate from the corners of the eyes. Several injections are typically administered along the outer edges of the eyes to relax the muscles that cause these wrinkles. Again, the number of injections may vary, but three injections per side is common.
• Forehead lines: horizontal forehead lines are treated by injecting Botulinum toxin into the forehead muscles to relax and smooth out the wrinkles. The number of injections in this area varies depending on the size of the forehead and the extent of the lines, but typically, five to ten injections are used.
• Other areas: Botulinum toxin injections can also be used to treat different areas of the face, such as the chin, jawline, and neck. The number of injections in these areas will depend on the specific concerns and the individual's anatomy.

Frequently asked questions

Are Botulinum toxin injections painful?
The level of discomfort experienced during Botulinum toxin injections can vary from person to person, but the procedure is comfortable for most individuals. We use a super fine needle with distraction techniques to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

How much do Botulinum toxin injections cost?

• Upper face botulinum toxin: $350-800
• Dermalift: $800
• Masseter Botulinum Toxin Injections: From $700
• Axillary Hyperhidrosis: $1000

Can Botulinum toxin injections eliminate wrinkles permanently?
No, Botulinum toxin injections do not permanently eliminate wrinkles. You will need to schedule future appointments to maintain the results.

What are the side effects of Botulinum toxin injections?

Botulinum toxin injections are generally considered safe when administered by a qualified specialist. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks to be aware of, including:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Headache
• Pain or discomfort
• Muscle weakness, asymmetrical results
• Allergic reactions