Botulinum toxin, also referred to as neuromodulator or an anti-wrinkle treatment is a purified substance derived from bacteria. Injection of neuromodulators blocks the release of acetylcholine, the main neurotransmitter that signals the muscles to contract. Without the signal, the muscle is not able to contract which results in diminished facial wrinkles appearance.

There is no special preparation needed for botulinum toxin injections. The treatment is quick and requires minimal downtime. Please avoid excessive drinking alcohol intake the night before to minimize bruising. If you may safely do so, please avoid using aspirin or ibuprofen the night before. You may choose to skip taking any supplements that might potentially make bleeding worse and cause some bruising such as Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, Ginger, Garlic.

It can take 3-14 days before you notice any effect from botulinum toxins. The full effect will take up to 2 weeks. The results will last 3-4 months on average. After that you will begin to see the wrinkles and lines return.

Your nurse-injector will go over any special post care instructions with you.

Your injector will be able to address the areas of most concern based on your individual anatomy. The most commonly treated areas are forehead, between the eyebrow area (the elevens), around the eyes (crow’s feet). Less common area that we are also able to treat with botulinum toxin is lower part of the face and neck. Neuromodulators used therapeutically can also help to alleviate symptoms experienced with bruxism (teeth grinding & clenching), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), tension in neck and shoulders (trap tox).

• Minimal pain

• Bruising at the injection site

• Bleeding

• Redness

• Headache (less common)

It is reasonable to expect 3-4 months before the effects of the neuromodulators wears off.

On average, we recommend to schedule your next appointment in about 4 months.

The neuromodulators treat dynamic lines that are most visible during the facial expressions. The lines and wrinkles that already formed and are visible during rest called static lines. They require additional treatment modalities such as chemical peels, microneedling and dermal filler procedures.

Botulinum toxin types approved by FDA and Health Canada for a cosmetic and therapeutic use are:

Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® and Nuiceva®