Botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is a chemical substance that reduces muscle contraction by acting at the junction between the nerve and the muscle (muscle relaxation).

The use of botulinum toxin smoothes skin contours, resulting in a rejuvenating effect by relaxing muscle tension, as well as a preventive and protective effect against ageing when the treatment is maintained over the long term. The main indications are:
- glabellar wrinkles (frown lines)
- forehead wrinkles 
- crow's feet wrinkles
- to lift the tail of the eyebrow
- to prevent and soften certain wrinkles on the lower part of the face (chin, bitterness fold, etc.)
- to treat gummy smiles
- to treat neck wrinkles and platysmal cords
- for nose wrinkles (bunny lines)
- to treat bruxism and/or hypertrophy of the masseter muscles (jaw)
- to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

COURSE OF THE TREATMENT

On the day of the injections, you do not need to fast. You must come without make-up or remove it before the injections. The treatment consists of a series of injections using a fine needle.

During the two hours following the injections, it is recommended to avoid intensive exercise or to lie down.

For the next 24 hours, you should avoid putting any pressure on the injection areas (wearing a helmet, swimming goggles, etc.). Local massages should also be avoided to limit the risk of the product migrating to the peripheral muscles (undesired effect).
Avoid taking any medication that increases bleeding time in the days before and after the injection to minimise the risk of bruising or bleeding (Aspirin, anti-inflammatories, etc.).

RESULTS

The effect of the toxin sets in progressively. During the first two weeks, the effects on the face may be variable (even asymmetrical at times) before they stabilise. They last about four months. The results are sometimes prolonged with repeated injections (6 to 10 months). A consultation is recommended 2 to 3 weeks after the injections to assess the result and to perform a possible correction.

INJECTIONS FREQUENCY

The injections must be repeated several times with an interval of 3 to 6 months to obtain a certain stability of the result. It is recommended that the injections are never less than 3 months apart to avoid the creation of a resistance to the product (vaccine effect). In case of thick skin or "deep break" it may be necessary to perform other techniques (filling) to optimize the result. Before and after pictures may be taken for follow-up purposes.

YOU MUST INFORM THE DOCTOR 

- If you are already being treated with Botulinum Toxin injections for medical reasons (neurological, ophthalmological). He will judge with your doctor whether injections are appropriate for you and how best to proceed.

- Contraindications: certain neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis, known hypersensitivity to botulinum neurotoxin A or serum albumin, treatment with aminoglycosides. 
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding are temporary contraindications to botulinum toxin injections. Therefore, if you have the slightest doubt, you should carry out the necessary tests and inform your dermatologist of the results.
- As a general rule, you should tell the dermatologist about any health problems you may have, so that he or she can assess whether injections are appropriate.

RISKS

They are temporary, rare but can be annoying:
- Locally: redness or haematoma (bruising) at the injection site, swelling around the eyes which may set in within 4 to 5 days and then decrease in a few days or weeks, sensitivity disorders with a feeling of tension in the forehead, transient ocular or facial pain.
- Imperfections of results: persistence of fine lines, asymmetry, raising of an eyebrow, expression disorders. These will be corrected either by toxin or by other techniques.
- Complications: headaches, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid, dry eyes and very exceptionally: allergy, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, flu syndrome, dry skin or mouth.
- Exceptionally, muscle atrophy in the form of depression may occur around an injection site. This is usually reversible.
- In the event of treatment failure or diminished effect after repeated injections, alternative treatment methods should be used.

COST
 
see the fees here