FAQs - Muscle Relaxant Injections
What is the muscle relaxant Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum Toxin is a natural, purified protein, which relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles to create a smoothed, rejuvenated appearance. When injected into the muscle it temporarily blocks the chemical signals that make the muscle contract. Only small quantities are used and only the injected muscle will be affected.
Is Botulinum Toxin Safe?
Botulinum toxin has an excellent safety profile. It is used in a variety of therapeutic areas and is one of the few treatments that can be given to children over 2 years of age (to treat Cerebral Palsy – Botox ® helps them to walk). Botulinum toxin has been actively used for over 10 years in tens of thousands of patients worldwide and has U.S FDA and European approval.
How does it work?
Very low doses of a natural purified protein (muscle relaxant) are placed into specific muscles (via injection). It then relaxes the muscles and prevents contraction. Repeated contractions of these muscles have caused the skin to crease and fine lines to appear. It blocks the nerve impulse from reaching these muscles and the nerve simply relaxes or goes to sleep. This relaxation enables the skin to repair and the lines smooth away.
What is Botulinum Toxin used for?
Migraine (migraine headaches), Blepharospasm (eyelid spasm), Facial spasm, Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Wrinkled brow and facial improvements
What are the benefits of Botulinum Toxin injections?
Muscle relaxant injections create only minimal and temporary discomfort, which can be greatly reduced by the use of a topical numbing cream or ice. The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes, and you can return to work or daily activities immediately. Results of Botulinum Toxin treatments are noticeable in a few days and last for several months.
What potential problems could occur with Botulinum Toxin injections?
Superficial bruising occurs in a few cases, this will disappear after a few days. There is a small risk of eyelid or brow droop, which are reversible after a few weeks. All these will be discussed and explained in depth at the consultation.
The most common side effects for primary hyperhidrosis are a perceived increase in sweating in areas other than the underarms, pain at the injection site, hot flushes and transient arm weakness.
