Botulinum Toxin A Injections
What is Botulinum toxin A?
Botulinum Toxin A is a type of neurotoxin that is often used to treat certain muscle conditions such as cerebral palsy, or used in cosmetic procedures to temporarily remove wrinkles.How does it work?
Botulinum Toxin A blocks the nerve endings in the muscles, reducing muscle contractions. This allows facial muscles to relax, thus reducing facial lines.What can I expect during the procedure?
The anti-wrinkle injection will be administered in a few tiny injections to your desired treatment area. For added comfort during the procedure, Dr. Kok will use an ice pack to numb the treatment area. Most patients find the procedure tolerable, reporting that the injections feel like minor ant bites.What can be improved with Botulinum Toxin A?
- Facial lines – crows’ feet, smile lines, horizontal forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines, marionette lines, perioral lines, dimpled chin
- Brow lifting
- Facial contouring – jaw line reduction (V-shape facial contouring), Nefertiti Lift
- Skin texture – for pore size reduction, oil production control, tightening of skin, as well as improvements in skin texture
- Excessive sweat control – palms, underarms
- Calf contouring – calf slimming and reduction in muscle bulk
- Chronic migraines
Botulinum Toxin A injections can also be combined with other aesthetic treatments to further enhance results.
Are there any side effects?
You may experience slight swelling or bruising at the injected area, but this should subside within a few days for most patients.Are there any precautions I should take before or after the procedure?
When consulting with Dr. Kok, you should be transparent about your medical history so that he can accurately assess whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.Prior to your treatment, you should avoid taking any medication that can cause blood thinning, such as:
- Aspirins
- Alcohol
- NSAIDs
- Fish oil or Omega-3s
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng
- Vitamin E
After your procedure, it is advisable to gently activate the muscles in the injected area for the first 3 hours to ‘distribute’ the Botulinum Toxin A.
Wash the injected area gently and avoid any facial massages or scrubs for at least 3 days. If possible, do avoid any facials, saunas or applying any pressure around the injected area for the first week.
Is it safe?
The safety of Botulinum Toxin A has been well-established with more than 20 years of clinical use. It is also widely used in other aspects of medical practice, such as the treatment of cerebral palsy, cervical dystonia, as well as certain eye disorders such as uncontrolled blinking.Will Botulinum Toxin A injections make me look numb and frozen?
When administered with the expertise of an experienced doctor, Botulinum Toxin A will result in a naturally fresher and more radiant version of yourself.Is it true that once I start injecting and stop, I will look worse than before?
This is definitely not true! Since the injection of Botulinum Toxin A is a temporary procedure, once the injection wears off over the course of a few months, your facial muscles will begin contracting again, producing the facial lines that were initially there prior to the procedure.Am I a suitable candidate for Botulinum Toxin A injections?
Botulinum Toxin A is generally safe for all skin types and skin colours.Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have allergies to Botulinum toxins, or have medical histories of certain motor neuron conditions or muscle weakness are not advised to undergo this procedure.