Botulinum toxin "botox" injections

Botulinum toxin is a substance that reduces muscle contraction by acting at the neuromuscular junction (muscle relaxant action).

Over time, the muscles of the face become hypertonic, leading to the formation of permanent wrinkles. By suppressing this muscular hypertonicity with botulinum toxin, botox smoothes the skin and eliminates unsightly wrinkles.

Botox injections remove wrinkles while preserving a natural appearance and expression. Ideally, treatment is started as early as age 30, before the skin becomes too marked.

Can injections be performed during the initial consultation?

During the first consultation, Dr. David will listen to your requests and expectations.

In a second step, Dr Sylvain David will assess your face and propose a treatment and a quote.

Thirdly, photos will be taken and you will be given a detailed information sheet.

What wrinkles are treated with Botulinum toxin?

➊ Horizontal forehead wrinkles
Injecting Botox into the frontalis muscle in the forehead erases forehead wrinkles. However, the frontalis muscle is the only muscle that lifts the eyebrows, so in cases of eyelid ptosis or low-situated eyebrows, injections in this area must be carried out very carefully, and the surgeon must never paralyze the lower part of the frontalis muscle.

➋ Vertical lines between the eyebrows (lion's wrinkles)
Injecting Botox into the corrugator and procerus muscles of the glabella erases frown lines. Injection of this area poses no problem, and can be performed in younger patients to prevent wrinkles.

➌ Crow's feet wrinkles
Injecting Botox into the orbicularis oculi muscle in the crow's-feet area erases crow's-feet wrinkles. Injecting this area also raises the tail of the eyebrow, particularly if the forehead muscle is also partially paralyzed.

➍ Perioral wrinkles
Injecting Botox into the orbicularis oris muscle of the lips erases wrinkles in the upper lip. As this is a risky area that can cause transient paralysis of the lip, it is reserved for doctors with extensive experience in handling botulinum toxin.

➎ Oral commissure wrinkles
Injecting Botox into the risorius muscle erases wrinkles at the corners of the mouth, and injecting Botox into the depressor anguli oris muscle lifts the corners of the mouth.

➏ Chin wrinkles
Injecting Botox into the mentalis muscle on the chin erases the orange peel appearance of the chin.

➐ Neck wrinkles
Injecting Botox into the platysma muscle in the neck erases the platysmal cords.

Do I risk having a frozen look after a botox injection?

The aim of a botox injection is to make wrinkles disappear while maintaining a natural appearance, but if the doctor completely paralyzes the muscles of facial expression, the patient may look frozen. A thorough consultation with your surgeon is necessary to determine what your expectations are and how best to achieve them.

At what age can I start botulinum toxin injections?

The ideal age to start botulinum toxin injections is between 30 and 40, depending on the quality of the patient's skin. It is advisable to start botulinum toxin injections as soon as the first wrinkles appear. The area most frequently treated in young women is the periorbital wrinkles of the crow's feet.

What is the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin prevents nerve cells from releasing acetylcholine to block muscle contractions. Botulinum toxin ("botox") therefore acts on dynamic facial wrinkles caused by muscular hypercontraction.

How are Botox injections performed?

No anesthesia or contact anesthesia (EMLA)

• Session duration 15 minutes
• Immediate return to social activity

How long do the results last?

Effects begin to appear within 3 days and are maximal 15 days after injection.
After 5 to 6 months, the toxin's effects gradually diminish.

What are the contraindications to Botox?

There are few contraindications to botulinum toxin injection: pregnancy, breast-feeding, myasthenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and aminoglycoside treatment.

Learn more about Botox injections?

Botox works by immobilizing the muscles whose contraction contributes to the formation of wrinkles. The product's action lasts only a few months (6 months to be exact), but the treatment can be repeated. Injections are administered in the office during sessions lasting around 15 minutes. In tiny doses, they target very precise points. They must be performed by a specialist, not only for his or her knowledge of facial anatomy, but also because Botox is a toxin. Botulinum toxin is the cause of botulism. In addition, too frequent injections can cause the body to produce antibodies, rendering the product ineffective.
What are the possible complications?

Headaches, eyebrow or eyelid ptosis, dry eyes, allergic reactions. These complications are rare in experienced hands.

What is botox for and who is it for?

Many people wonder what Botox injections really are. Is it dangerous? How does it work?

Botox is known by the scientific name of Botulinum Toxin. Botox injection is an aesthetic procedure that reduces facial expression lines. Botox is particularly effective against wrinkles around the eyes (e.g. crow's feet) and vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Over time, wrinkles, fine lines and furrows are created by the action of facial muscles. Weakening the contraction of these muscles can reduce or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles in the overlying skin. Botox® is a purified form of botulinum toxin that temporarily blocks nerve impulses to the muscles. Some studies have also suggested that Botox® can relieve migraines and excessive sweating under the arms. The aim is not to create a frozen face, but rather a smoother, more refreshed one.

Botox® is the brand name for botulinum toxin branded by Allergan. It was the first brand of cosmetic toxin on the market, which is why it is often used to describe all other brands as well.

Botulinum toxin is used to relax fine lines and wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid injection is used to add volume and/or correct deeper wrinkles.

How does BOTOX® work?

Botulinum toxin injections block nerve signals from the muscle into which it has been injected. Without the signal, the muscle is unable to contract, reducing the appearance of fine facial wrinkles.

What are the indications for Botox injections?

Botulinum toxin can be used to treat glabellar lines, crow's feet, fine lines around the lips, chin dimpling, hypertrophic jaw muscles, gummy smile, vertical bands on the neck and transverse lines on the forehead.

What are the contraindications to BOTOX® injection?

Patients with a known allergy to botulinum toxin and those with unrealistic expectations should not benefit from botulinum toxin injections.

What can I expect during treatment with BOTOX®?

You will have a consultation in Nice during which your goals and anatomy will be examined.

The injection zones are usually marked and the injections performed. This takes 10 to 15 minutes in most cases. Anesthesia is not required for most patients, but topical anesthesia or ice can be provided if desired.

How long will it take to see the results?

In most cases, it takes 3 to 7 days for the effect to be visible after injection, but some brands report a faster onset of action than others.

How long will the results last?

Results should last 3-4 months.

How often can I receive BOTOX® injections?

Injections are generally spaced at least 3-4 months apart.

Are there any side effects associated with BOTOX® injections?

Potential side effects after Botox® injection include bruising at the injection site, mild pain and swelling at the injection sites, transient headaches and temporary eyelid droop if the medication has penetrated the upper eyelid muscles.

What are the risks and complications associated with BOTOX injections?

Potential risks of botulinum toxin include allergic reactions, migration of the product to other parts of the face, limited response or antibody formation, leading to future ineffective responses.