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Botulinum toxin is used in very small, controlled doses for both cosmetic and medical purposes. In aesthetics, botulinum toxin is injected by the doctor into appropriate muscles in a relatively painless procedure with no downtime. The wrinkle reduction and muscle relaxation will take maximum effect after 10-14 days and last 2-4 months depending on the individual. If the procedure is not repeated, muscle activity and wrinkle appearance will return to pre-procedure state. Avoiding alcohol, anti-inflammatories, multivitamins for 7 days prior to the procedure.
Cosmetic Uses
The primary cosmetic application of Botulinum toxin is to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. It works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting, which helps to relax and soften wrinkles. Common areas treated include:
Forehead lines (horizontal lines on forehead)
Crow's feet (lines around the eyes)
Frown lines (between the eyebrows)
The effects of botulinum toxin typically takes 14 days to work and lasts between three to four months, after which the treatment needs to be repeated. Over time, some may find that the lines and wrinkles appear less severe as the muscles may shrink from reduced activity.
Medical Uses
In addition to its cosmetic applications, botulinum toxin is approved for various medical conditions, including:
Chronic migraines: Botulinum toxin can help reduce the frequency of migraines in individuals who experience them 15 or more days a month.
Hyperhidrosis: This condition involves excessive sweating, which botulinum toxin can effectively manage.
Bruxism: Clenching and grinding of the jaw causes discomfort and pain and can lead to headaches. Injecting botulinum toxin into the masseters reduces the pain levels.
What is the procedure like
The procedure for receiving botulinum toxin injections is relatively quick, typically taking only a few minutes. It usually does not require anaesthesia, though our team prefers to apply a topical numbing agent to minimise discomfort and a vibratory device to distract the brain.
What areas of the face can be treated with botulinum toxin
Several areas of the face can be injected for different reasons.
Forehead lines - the midline ‘11’ lines and the horizontal forehead lines
Crow’s feet - lines around the eyes
Downward droop of mouth - can be corrected to a small degree with toxin injections
Lip lines - also can be corrected to a small degree
Masseters - bruxism (clenching of jaw)
Nose - to reduce movement of nasal tip when smiling and slim the appearance of the nose
Chin - to improve on ‘cobblestone’ appearance of chin esp when animated
‘Bunny lines’ on nose
How soon will I see results
After injecting, the maximum effect is only seen 10-14 days later. At this point any asymmetry can be addressed by the doctor with further injections.
How long does botulinum toxin last
The results last 2-4 months depending on the individual. Longevity of botulinum toxin is minimised by certain medical conditions (thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus), certain drugs, runners and people who exercise frequently as there is a higher metabolisation of the wrinkle relaxer.
When should I start getting botulinum toxin
It is safe to begin injecting from 18 years and older for cosmetic reasons. There is no right or wrong age but patients are evaluated by Dr Harisha Karpath during a consultation and advised on dosages and areas to be injected for best effect. Many millennials are starting to use botulinum toxin in their twenties thereby mitigating the effects of aging as preventative measures.
Is Botulinum toxin safe
There are 3 FDA-approved toxins in South Africa available for doctors to use to minimize lines and wrinkles.
However, patients who breastfeeding, pregnant or have certain neurological conditions cannot have botulinum toxin.
Patients will need to consult with Dr Harisha Karpath to determine if botulinum toxin is suitable for their specific needs. In summary, while botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin, its applications in medicine and cosmetics have made it a widely used treatment for various conditions, with a strong safety profile when used correctly
Are there side effects
Patients might experience minor discomfort, bruising, or swelling at the injection site. Other potential side effects can include headaches, drooping eyelids, or flu-like symptoms, although serious complications are rare when administered by a qualified healthcare provider.
What should I do to prepare before the procedure
A week prior to getting the botulinum toxin injections, Dr Harisha Karpath advises to stop consuming alcohol or taking certain medications and supplements like aspirin, anti-inflammatories, gingko biloba, omegas, ginseng to minimize bruising after the procedure.
What should I do or not do after the procedure
For 24 hours post treatment, you are advised :
No exercise
No tight bands, hats or caps
Don’t rub the areas injected
No lying down for 6 hours
No extreme heat or cold to the injected areas
No facial treatments for 2 weeks post treatment
Is botulinum toxin different to dermal fillers
Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator. When injected into a muscle it acts by blocking the nerve signal to the muscle, thereby causing relaxation or paralysis of the muscle and wrinkle reduction.
Dermal fillers are injected under the skin or into deeper tissue to smooth out lines or wrinkles and give volume to areas lacking in fullness.
Where should I get my botulinum toxin injections done
Botulinum toxin injections should be performed in a medical practice by a skilled doctor only.
Dr Harisha Karpath is based at Dr Harisha Karpath Aesthetics and General Medical Practice in Ballito and offers a comprehensive portfolio of aesthetic treatments including botulinum toxin injections.
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