Why get Botulinum Toxin Treatment?
Botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) injections are used to smooth out wrinkles in:
- Crow’s feet
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Skin bands on the neck
Treatment takes a few minutes and the results lasts for 3-4 months.
You need to go to an experienced injector to get the best results. For the best botulinum toxin treatment in Fort Lauderdale visit Dr. Thomassen.
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator consisting of a purified substance that’s derived from bacteria. It blocks motor nerve signals thereby weakening the muscle so it can’t contract. This results in diminished facial wrinkles.
Commonly known types of botulinum toxin type A injections include BotoxCosmetic, Dysport, and Xeomin.
Botulinum toxin injections are used to smooth out wrinkles in:
- Crow’s feet
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Skin bands on the neck
Botulinum toxin origin
The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces the neurotoxin botulinum toxin.
Mechanism of Botulinum Toxin
Muscles contract when motor nerves release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The nerve releases this neurotransmitter at the interface of the nerve and the muscle fiber. The acetylcholine attaches to the muscle cells’ receptors, causing the muscle cells to contract.
Botulinum toxin injected into specific muscles, prevents the release of the chemical messenger acetylcholine from the motor nerve. These muscles then can’t contract.
Who should avoid Botulinum toxin injections?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not get botulinum toxin injections. Individuals who have a neurological disease should also avoid using botulinum toxin. People who are allergic to botulinum toxin or its components should not get this injection.
Consultation for Botulinum Toxin
During the first consultation, Dr. Thomassen will discuss all medications you take as well as prior experience with botulinum toxin injections .
Patients need to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin no less than 1 weeks before their treatment date. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications thin the blood, which leads to excessive bruising. Blood thinners are avoided for a few days prior to the treatment.
Procedure
Anesthesia
Patients should expect to experience minor discomfort during their procedure. A topical anesthetic is placed to help make the small injections more tolerable. Cold compresses are also used to minimize sensation and bruising
Administering the Botulinum Toxin
The Botulinum toxin solution is administered to the specific muscles being treated in 0.1 mm aliquots. This leaves small little bumps on the skin that resolve in 5 minutes. During injection Dr. Thomassen avoids any superficial vessels that are injured and result in bruising.
Recovery
After Botulinum toxin injections, patients can usually resume their normal daily activities. Still, patients should avoid exercise that same day. Patients should also avoid rubbing or massaging the areas that were treated with the botulinum toxin. Rubbing or massaging these treated areas can lead to the toxin migrating from the point of injection.
The Results
Typically, patients will see the full results not right away but in 4-5 days. The results last from 3-4 months. Come see us in Fort Lauderdale for your next Botulinum toxin treatment. If you would like more information, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgery website.
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