Top Botulinum Toxin Questions Answered by Dr. Dennis

Key Takeaways:

1. Botulinum toxin effectively reduces dynamic wrinkles by temporarily relaxing targeted facial muscles, with results lasting 3 to 4 months for most people.
2. It offers more than just wrinkle reduction; it is also used for jaw slimming, body contouring, and treating excessive sweating.
3. Combining botulinum toxin with other aesthetic treatments, such as lasers and ultrasound, enhances anti-aging results across multiple layers of the face.

By Dr. Dennis Teng

In today’s blog post, I’ll be addressing some of the most frequently asked botulinum toxin questions, particularly its use in facial rejuvenation and anti-aging. 

With over two decades of proven safety and effectiveness, botulinum toxin remains one of the most trusted treatments for reducing wrinkles. Whether you’re considering it for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, it’s helpful to know how it works, what to expect, and how it can be integrated into a well-rounded anti-aging plan.

Is botulinum toxin right for me? What age should I start?

There is no specific age to start botulinum toxin treatments. Instead, it is important to have a consultation with a qualified aesthetic physician who can assess your skin condition, facial dynamics, and personal goals. Possible indications include softening fine lines, preventing deeper wrinkles, or addressing other early signs of aging.

Common reasons people consider botulinum toxin include:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Crow’s feet (lines around the eyes)
• Lip lines, chin dimpling, or downturned corners of the mouth
• Neck bands or lines

How does botulinum toxin work?

Botulinum toxin blocks nerve signals to specific muscles. By binding to nerve endings, it temporarily prevents the targeted muscles from contracting. Wrinkles often form as a result of repeated muscle movement pulling on aging skin. Relaxing these muscles helps smooth out existing lines and prevents new ones from forming.

This injectable is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eyes), and frown lines. It can also be used for lip lines, chin, and the corners of the mouth and neck.

Beyond wrinkle reduction: Other uses

In addition to its aesthetic benefits, botulinum toxin is also used for:

• Facial contouring –  Injections into the masseter muscles can reduce teeth grinding and create a sleek V-shaped jawline.
• Body contouring – Some doctors also administer injections in the calves to achieve a slimmer appearance.
• Excessive sweating – Botulinum toxin can effectively reduce underarm and palm sweating, a common concern we often get from young professionals concerned with armpit sweating. 

What is the procedure like?

The procedure is quick and relatively comfortable. A fine needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. Most patients describe the discomfort as minimal, though topical anesthesia (such as numbing cream or ice) can be used if preferred. It generally takes 5 to 14 days to take full effect.

How long do the results last?

For most people, the effects typically last between 3 and 4 months. In some cases, results may last longer, about 4 to 6 months. As the body naturally metabolizes the botulinum toxin, muscle activity gradually returns, and lines may begin to reappear. However, with repeated treatments, these lines often become less noticeable over time, as the muscles are being trained to relax.

Are there any side effects?

Botulinum toxin is generally very well tolerated. The most common side effects include:

• Mild, temporary bruising at the injection site
• Occasional headaches lasting 24 to 48 hours (rare side effect)
• Temporary eyelid drooping (a rare side effect that typically resolves within a few weeks)

Your physician will provide detailed post-treatment care instructions to minimize the risk of complications.

How does botulinum toxin work with other aesthetic/anti-aging treatments?

My personal approach to effective anti-aging treatment is to focus on:

• Patient education
• Individualized and tailor-made treatment plans
• Combining multimodal treatments targeting different facial layers

Facial aging is a complex process that involves all the layers of the face, including the skin, muscles, fat/volume, and bone. As such, treatments should ideally target all affected layers for optimal results. A comprehensive anti-aging strategy may include:

• Skin treatments: lasers, chemical peels, and topical products to improve texture, tone, and pigmentation
• Fascial treatments: non-invasive devices like ultrasound-based technologies (e.g., Ultherapy, HIFU) to tighten the deeper layers
• Muscle layer treatments: botulinum toxin to reduce muscle-induced wrinkles

Why combine botulinum toxin with laser treatments?

Combining different modalities allows us to address both the cause and effect of aging:

1. Long-term benefits: While the effects of botulinum toxin last 3 to 4 months, laser treatments can stimulate collagen production for longer-term improvements in skin quality.
2. Synergistic action: Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles to reduce wrinkles and reduce tension on the skin. Lasers, on the other hand, work to stimulate collagen regeneration and improve skin texture and pigmentation. 

One analogy I use: doing lasers is like waxing a piece of paper while botulinum toxin is reducing the folding of the paper to prevent creases. Targeting multiple modes of action allows for a more complete and effective rejuvenation.

Together, these treatments create a natural, refreshed appearance that enhances rather than changes your unique features.

I hope this article has provided clarity on some of the most common concerns about botulinum toxin and its role in aesthetics. If you’re considering a personalized consultation to explore how this treatment might benefit you, contact Cutis Medical Lasers Clinics today.