What is BOTOX Injection?
BOTOX injection is a treatment that suppresses excessive muscle contraction by injecting botulinum toxin type A derived from Clostridium botulinum into specific muscles. It is widely used for symptoms caused by muscle overactivity, such as expression lines, jawline enlargement, hyperhidrosis, and stiff shoulders.
For medical applications, there are BOTOX agents approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and our clinic uses highly reliable preparations.
Not an immediate effect; results appear in several days to 2 weeks.
The change is not immediate after injection, and effects are gradually felt over 3-14 days. The maximum effect is reached after 2 weeks and typically lasts 3-6 months. The duration of effectiveness varies depending on the individual, treatment area, and muscle mass.
Mechanism of Action of BOTOX Injection
BOTOX temporarily blocks nerve signal transmission 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 lines (frown lines) |
| Forehead | Horizontal lines |
| Crow's Feet | Crow's feet, smile lines |
| Jawline | Square jawline due to masseter hypertrophy, face-slimming effect |
| Corner of Mouth | Lifting the corners of the mouth |
| Gummy Smile | Exposure of gums when smiling |
| Chin (Mentum) | Pebble chin |
| Nose | Bunny lines (wrinkles on the nose when scrunching) |
| Neck | Vertical neck lines (platysma muscle) |
Medical Purposes
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Hyperhidrosis (Axillary, Palmar) | Insurance coverage available for severe hyperhidrosis |
| Osmidrosis | Reduces odor by suppressing sweat |
| Blepharospasm | Eyelid twitching |
| Hemifacial Spasm | Spasm on one side of the face |
| Stiff Shoulders | Trapezius muscle, shoulder muscle tension |
| Clenching/Bruxism | Injection into the masseter muscle |
| Calves | Slimming of muscular lower legs |
Procedure Flow
- Confirmation of Treatment Area: Confirm desired areas and injection sites.
- Anesthesia (optional): If topical anesthesia is desired, it will be applied before the injection (additional fee applies).
- Injection: Inject Botox into the confirmed areas.
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Procedure Completion: Provide post-procedure instructions.
Course of Effect and Duration
| Timing | Condition |
|---|---|
| On the day of procedure ~ 2 days later | No effect felt yet |
| 3 ~ 7 days later | Muscle movement gradually weakens |
| 2 weeks later | Maximum effect, wrinkles become less noticeable |
| 3 months later | Effect starts to slowly diminish |
| 4 ~ 6 months later | Effect is halved, timing for additional treatment |
Continuous Treatment for "Less Wrinkled" Skin
Regular BOTOX treatments can help to weaken the muscle memory that causes wrinkles, making expression lines less likely to become etched. The recommended frequency is once every 4-6 months.
Side Effects and Risks
Common Side Effects (Mild, 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, muscle heaviness
Rare Side Effects
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid): due to misplaced injection, improves in several weeks to months
- Brow ptosis
- Facial asymmetry
- Effect too strong/too weak
- Allergic reaction (very rare)
Side Effects Specific to the Jawline Area
- Discomfort when eating (slight weakening of biting force)
- Temple hollowing (if the masseter muscle becomes too thin with long-term high doses)
Tips for Safe Treatment
The anatomical knowledge and skill of the physician significantly influence the results. It is crucial to determine the appropriate injection site, depth, and dosage. Even if the effect is too strong or asymmetry occurs, the risk of irreversible changes is low because it naturally recovers in 3-6 months.
Who Cannot Receive Treatment / Who Needs Caution
Contraindications
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
- Myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- History of allergy to botulinum toxin
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Severe bleeding diathesis
Cautionary Administration
- 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
- Check the condition of the treatment area; you may be asked to remove makeup if necessary
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption before treatment, as it can increase the risk of bruising.
- Please inform us in advance if you are taking anticoagulants or similar medications.
- Please inform us in advance if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you are not feeling well, the doctor may decide to cancel the treatment.
After Treatment
- Do not vigorously rub or press the injection site on the day of treatment
- Avoid strong stimulation to the injection site for a while after the procedure.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and excessive alcohol consumption on the day of treatment.
- Showering and bathing are permitted, but avoid prolonged bathing.
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If undergoing other cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels on the same day, we will proceed after confirming the treatment details and order.
Features of Our Clinic's BOTOX Injections
- Uses BOTOX preparations approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
- Applicable to multiple areas such as the forehead, glabella, and crow's feet.
- Treatment is performed after confirming your desired treatment areas and injection sites.
- Topical anesthesia is also available (additional fee applies).
- Same-day treatment with some cosmetic procedures like chemical peels is possible.
- We do not recommend unnecessary procedures and proceed with treatment only after confirming your condition.
Medical BOTOX is a Highly Safe Treatment
It has a track record of being used worldwide since the 1980s, and when injected into the correct areas with appropriate dosages, it is a very safe treatment. Even those who are anxious about the effects can start with a small amount and adjust it.
