Botulinum Toxin Injections—Cosmetic

(Botulinum Toxin Type A; Botulinum Toxin Type B; Botox Injections)

Pronounced: baut-U-lie-num tock-sin in-jek-shuns
by Shara Aaron, MS, RD

Definition

Botulinum toxin is made from a type of bacteria. It is toxic to the nerves. Another name for it is bacterial neurotoxin. An injection puts this toxin into muscle. There, it blocks the chemical signal from the nerves to muscles. This will decrease the muscle contraction (tightening).

There are several types and brands of this toxin. Examples include Botox, Dysport, and Reloxin, which are formulations of botulinum toxin type A. Myobloc is another brand, but it is a formulation of botulinum toxin type B. These products are used for cosmetic and medical reasons.

This injection process is often called botox injection, although any brand of the botulinum toxin may be used.

Wrinkles

frown line
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Reasons for Procedure

This is most commonly used as a treatment to smooth wrinkles on the face and neck. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of frown lines between the brows.

Possible Complications    TOP

Complications are rare. When they occur, they are temporary and mild. Side effects are related to the site of injection. For example, if injections take place near the eyes, there may be complications with eyelids or the brow line.

Temporary issues may include:

  • Redness
  • Bruising
  • Stinging around the injection sites

The following are less common reactions. They are generally mild and do not last long.

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Flu -like symptoms
  • Headache

Other complications that may occur include:

  • Excessive weakness of the muscle around the eyes—can cause drooping of the eyelids or obstruction of vision
  • Difficulty swallowing—can occur in patients receiving injections in their neck

FDA Public Health Advisory for Botulinum Toxin

There is a risk that the botulinum toxin could spread beyond the injection area. This can cause botulism symptoms, including difficulty breathing and death. These symptoms appear to be more common in children with cerebral palsy who receive the injection to treat spasticity. The warning is for Botox, Botox Cosmetic, Myobloc, and Dysport. For more information, please visit: http://www.fda.gov....

  • This procedure may worsen nerve or muscle disorders, such as:

The toxin can also interact with medicines, such as antibiotics. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you are taking.

You should not have botox if you:

  • Have an infection or inflammation in the area where botox will be injected
  • Are sensitive to the ingredients in botox
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

What to Expect    TOP

Anesthesia

Most often, none is given. Some patients may prefer to have the area numbed for comfort. In this case, a topical anesthetic may be used.

Description of the Procedure

A thin needle will be used. The doctor will inject the toxin through the skin into the targeted muscle. You will often need several injections in a small area.

After Procedure

There is very little recovery needed, but remember to:

  • Remain upright for several hours
  • Avoid alcohol

How Long Will It Take?

The length will depend on the number of sites involved. It is often less than 20 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

You may have some minimal discomfort.

Post-procedure Care

Normal activities may be resumed after the procedure. For the best recovery, follow your doctor's instructions.

The toxin temporarily weakens targeted muscles. The treatment lasts up to four months. With repeated use, the effects may last longer.

Call Your Doctor    TOP

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Severe lower eyelid droop or obstructed vision
  • Excessive weakness around the injection site
  • Rash or any other sign of an allergic reaction

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
http://www.asds-net.org/
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

References:

Allergan Physician Production Information. Botox cosmetic (botulinum toxin type A). Published April 2008.
Baran R, Maibach H. Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology . 3rd ed. New York, NY: Taylor and Francis; 2004.
Conn HF, Rakel R. Conn’s Current Therapy. 54th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002.
Habif T. Clinical Dermatology . 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2004.
Ondo WG, Gollomp S, Galvez-Jimenez N. A pilot study of botulinum toxin A for headache in cervical dystonia. Headache . 2005;45(8):1073-1077.
Ward A, Roberts G, Warner J, et al. Cost-effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of post-stroke spasticity. J Rehabil Med . 2005;37(4):252-257.
11/4/2009 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamicmedical.com/what.php : FDA gives update on botulinum toxin safety warnings. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov... . Updated August 3, 2009. Accessed November 4, 2009.
Last reviewed October 2012 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 10/31/2012