What is Botox Injection?
Botox injection is a treatment that suppresses excessive muscle contraction by injecting botulinum toxin type A (botulinum toxin) derived from Clostridium botulinum into specific muscles. It is widely used for symptoms caused by overactivity of muscles, such as dynamic wrinkles, jawline prominence, hyperhidrosis, and stiff shoulders.
For medical use, Botox is an MHLW-approved drug, and our clinic uses highly reliable preparations.
Effects are not immediate and appear within several days to 2 weeks.
The change is not immediate after the injection; patients gradually feel the effects over 3 to 14 days. The maximum effect is reached after 2 weeks and typically lasts 3 to 6 months. The duration of the effect varies depending on the individual, treatment area, and muscle mass.
Mechanism of Action of Botox Injection
Botox temporarily blocks the signal transmission from nerves to muscles (acetylcholine release), thereby weakening muscle contraction. The effect is not permanent, and it gradually returns to normal as new nerve endings are formed.
Main Indications
Cosmetic Purposes
| Area | Symptoms Improved |
|---|---|
| Glabella | Vertical frown lines |
| Forehead | Horizontal forehead lines |
| Crow's feet | Crow's feet / laugh lines |
| Jawline | Square jawline due to masseter hypertrophy / facial slimming effect |
| Corners of the mouth | Lifting the corners of the mouth |
| Gummy smile | Exposure of gums when smiling |
| Chin (mentalis) | Dimpled chin (orange peel chin) |
| Nose | Bunny lines (wrinkles that appear on the nose) |
| Neck | Vertical neck lines (platysma muscle) |
Medical Purposes
| Symptoms | Details |
|---|---|
| Hyperhidrosis (armpits, palms) | Covered by insurance for severe hyperhidrosis |
| Body odor (axillary osmidrosis) | Reduces odor by suppressing sweat |
| Blepharospasm | Eyelid twitching |
| Hemifacial spasm | Spasms on one side of the face |
| Shoulder stiffness | Trapezius muscle / shoulder muscle tension |
| Teeth clenching / Bruxism | Injection into the masseter muscle |
| Calves | Slimming of muscular lower legs |
Treatment Flow
- Counseling and Examination: Confirmation of area, desired outcome, and medical history
- Marking: Checking injection points
- Anesthetic Cream (if desired): Applied for 15-20 minutes to numb the sensation
- Injection: Small amounts injected into several points with a thin needle (5-15 minutes)
- Aftercare: Explanation of precautions
Effect Progression and Duration
| Period | Condition |
|---|---|
| Day of treatment ~ 2 days after | No effect yet felt |
| 3 ~ 7 days after | Muscle movement gradually weakens |
| 2 weeks after | Maximum effect, wrinkles become less noticeable |
| 3 months after | Effect begins to gradually diminish |
| 4 ~ 6 months after | Effect is halved, time for additional treatment |
Continuous treatment for skin that is "less prone to wrinkles"
Regularly repeating Botox treatments can weaken the muscle's memory of forming wrinkles, which can help prevent the formation of dynamic wrinkles. The recommended frequency is once every 4 to 6 months.
Side Effects / Risks
Common Side Effects (Mild and Temporary)
- Bruising, swelling, redness at the injection site (disappears within a few days)
- Mild headache (especially initially, improves within a few days)
- Pain at the injection site
- Temporary discomfort / heaviness in muscles
Rare Side Effects
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid): Due to misplacement of injection, improves within several weeks to months
- Brow ptosis
- Asymmetry of facial expression
- Effect is too strong / too weak
- Allergic reaction (very rare)
Side Effects Specific to the Jawline Area
- Discomfort when eating (chewing power may be slightly reduced)
- Temporal hollowing (if the masseter muscle thins too much due to long-term high dosage)
Tips for safe treatment
The anatomical knowledge and skill of the physician greatly influence the results. Judgment of appropriate injection site, depth, and dosage is crucial. Even if the effect is too strong or asymmetrical, it is a low-risk treatment that naturally recovers within 3-6 months, so the risk of irreversible changes is low.
Who Cannot Receive Treatment / Who Needs Caution
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- History of allergy to botulinum toxin
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Severe bleeding disorders
Caution Advised
- Currently using muscle relaxants or aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Currently taking anticoagulants (risk of bruising)
- History of facial nerve paralysis
- Consultation required if planning pregnancy within 1 year after treatment
Precautions Before and After Treatment
Before Treatment
- Remove makeup from the treatment area beforehand
- Limit alcohol intake the day before (increases bruising risk)
- Inform us in advance if taking anticoagulants
- Postpone if feeling unwell
After Treatment
- Do not strongly rub or press the injection site on the same day
- Do not lie down for 4-6 hours (to prevent the Botox from spreading)
- Avoid strenuous exercise, bathing (showers are OK), saunas, and alcohol on the day of treatment
- Avoid massage, aesthetic treatments, and vigorous rubbing during face washing on the day of treatment
- Avoid peeling and laser treatments for 2 weeks
Features of Botox Injections at Our Clinic
- Uses highly reliable MHLW-approved preparations
- Covers a wide range of needs from cosmetic purposes to medical purposes (hyperhidrosis, stiff shoulders, blepharospasm, etc.)
- For symptoms covered by insurance (severe axillary hyperhidrosis, blepharospasm, etc.), prescription under insurance will be considered
- Treatment is performed after checking the patient's general health, with an internal medicine department concurrently available
- Thorough counseling to align patient wishes with anatomical suitability
- Aftercare support
Medical Botox is a safe treatment
With a track record of use worldwide since the 1980s, it is a very safe treatment if injected in the appropriate dose and correct area. Even those who are unsure about the effects can start with a small amount and adjust it.
