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BOTOX Injections

Since the 1980s, injections of the Clostridium botulinum toxin have been used to treat various disorders. The toxin prevents the treated muscles from moving. As a treatment to diminish wrinkles, BOTOX® has been in use by dermatologists and other providers in recent years to improve appearances of creases, such as:

Frown lines between the eyes
Wrinkles and creases in foreheads
Crow's feet (wrinkles) around the eyes

Before the procedure

The area to be injected will be cleansed and a numbing cream may be applied.

During the procedure

The injections will take approximately 10 minutes. You will be in a raised position on a chair or exam table. Four to six injections are typically given.

After the procedure

Pressure may be applied to reduce mild bleeding.
You may be asked to lie upright for two to five minutes.
Ibuprofen or naproxen is recommended to reduce bruising.
Avoid lying down or strenuous activity for several hours after injections.
You should see improvement in the softening of wrinkles and in your appearance within days. These results may last for up to four months.

Pain and discomfort

You may experience mild pain or discomfort from the injections, but a very fine needle is used and numbing cream is applied.

Risks

BOTOX® injections are not recommended on areas that are infected or if you are pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or if you think you may be pregnant.
Certain medications may interfere with the procedure. Be sure to tell us all medications you take.
After treatment, you temporarily may be red or swollen in the areas where the injections were given.
Other side effects may include temporarily drooping eyelids, flu-like symptoms, nausea, or headache.

Further resources

Read more about BOTOX® from Allergan, Inc.

See before-and-after photos of BOTOX® patients at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.