Botox®

What are BOTOX® injections?

BOTOX® is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, this toxin can cause a form of muscle paralysis known as botulism, which is usually associated with food poisoning. Even though one of the most serious complications of botulism is paralysis, scientists have discovered a way to use it to human advantage. Small, diluted (weakened) amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles, causing controlled relaxation of the muscles.

The FDA approved such usage in the late 1980s when it was discovered that BOTOX® could stop ailments such as blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking) and strabismus (lazy eye). Cosmetic physicians have been using BOTOX® for years to successfully treat wrinkles and facial creases. BOTOX® is approved for treatment of frown lines on the forehead, crow’s feet (lines around the eye), and axillary hyperhidrosis (increased sweating of the armpits). Within the past few years, new products that have similar preparations have been introduced into the U.S. market and have been well-received by patients.

We will refer to the toxin as BOTOX® from here on out, but please know that this includes all of the formulations:

• BOTOX®: OnabotulinumtoxinA
• Dysport®: AbobotulinumtoxinA
• Xeomin®: IncobotulinumtoxinA

How does BOTOX® work?

BOTOX® blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscles. The injected muscle can no longer contract (tighten) as forcefully, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften.

BOTOX® can be used on the forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines (lines in the nose), chin (for dimpling), skin bands on the neck, and around the mouth (for smoker’s lines and down-turned corners of the mouth). Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity often will not respond to BOTOX®. It is important to re-emphasize that BOTOX® is NOT a facial filler (that is, it does not fill existing wrinkles) – it merely relaxes the muscles that are creating those wrinkles.

Often time, to achieve the desired look, a patient will need both Botox and dermal fillers. After a consult, we can give you a better idea. Also, be careful when choosing a provider. Some providers will over dilute the product and sell it to you for a lower price per unit…however, you need even more to get the desired result so you end up paying the same amount that you would have at the “higher price” provider. The other thing you should know is that Dysport dilutes differently than Xeomin and Botox so it is significantly lower per unit, however, once again it takes twice as much to get the same effect which can make it even more expensive than Botox and Xeomin.

What’s my next step?

Your first step is your skincare consultation. Here, one of our skincare professionals will review your health and skin evaluations. This is an excellent time to voice any concerns and what you are hoping to gain from your treatment. This may be a single approach or may include several different treatments at once. Contact us today and get started on the journey to the best you that you can be.

BOTOX® Treatment for Jaw Tension and TMJ

BOTOX® is used as an alternative treatment for TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disorders and associated jaw tension and pain. When injected into facial muscles afflicted with soreness and discomfort, BOTOX® relieves TMJ and jaw tension for many patients. The injections often eliminate headaches resulting from teeth grinding, and, in cases of severe stress, BOTOX® can even minimize lock jaw. Although BOTOX® treatment for these conditions is presently experimental; evidence indicates that it can be extremely effective.

How Does Botox/Dysport Treat Jaw Tension and TMJ Disorder?

Located on both sides of the head at the point where the jawbone meets the skull, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is used during talking, eating, swallowing, and other everyday activities. If this joint becomes displaced or is overworked through excessive teeth grinding, a person may suffer severe tension headaches, as well as sharp pain in the jaw. BOTOX® relieves jaw tension by making muscles unable to engage in the powerful, often unconscious movement of the jaw that produces headaches and pain.

The BOTOX® alternative treatment for TMJ disorders and jaw tension is usually quick, straightforward, and effective. A non-surgical procedure, BOTOX® injections are administered in a doctor’s office and treatment requires no hospital stay. Most patients experience noticeable improvement within one or two days of their first treatment, although relief can take up to a week.

Areas Affected by TMJ Botulinum Toxin Therapy

Only the areas injected with Botulinum Toxin will be “relaxed.” Botulinum Toxin treatment for TMJ therapy will not affect anywhere else in your body. The injections are mainly in the temporalis, frontalis, and masseter.

How long is the Botulinum Toxin Treatment Procedure?

The length of the Botulinum Toxin treatment procedure depends on the number of injections needed as determined by the doctor. Still, it is reasonable for the treatment procedure to be completed within 10-30 minutes.

Is the Botulinum Toxin Treatment Painful?

The pain associated with the Botulinum Toxin TMJ Treatment procedure is due to the injections, but it is generally minimal and brief. Some patients have likened the Botulinum Toxin injection pain unto a “bug bite” or “prick”. Pain from the injection can be reduced by numbing proposed injection sites with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. If you are scared of needles the doctor may offer you Happy Gas.

What to Expect After the Botulinum Toxin TMJ Treatment?

After the Botulinum Toxin TMJ Treatment muscle tenderness will start to disappear almost immediately. Wrinkles begin to disappear within 24 – 48 hours after the injections, and you may continue to see the wrinkles diminish up to one week after the Botox treatment procedure.

There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection sites. You will not look 20 years younger, but you may find that you look more natural and relaxed or less sad and angry. A small number of patients treated with Botulinum Toxin injections reported no noticeable difference in the reduction of their wrinkles.

What is the Recovery from Botulinum Toxin Therapy for TMJ Treatment Like?

Because the Botulinum Toxin Treatment procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, it is highly likely that the patient can return to normal activities immediately. However, to avoid spreading the toxin to other muscles, patients should not rub or massage the area injected with Botulinum Toxin and remain upright for many hours. Physical activity should also be limited for a time.

Risks, Limitations & Possible Complications of Botox Injections for TMJ Treatment

As with any medical procedure there are possible risks and side effects when using Botox for TMJ treatment. Since this is a non-surgical treatment procedure, the risks and possible complications are infrequent, minimal and temporary.

The most common reported side-effects of Botulinum Toxin treatment are headaches, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eye-lid droop, and nausea. Less commonly reported effects of Botulinum Toxin are pain, redness at spot of injection, and muscle weakness. These symptoms are thought to be connected with the Botulinum Toxin injection and occur within the first week.

There could also be bruising at the injection site. The lips are used more than the forehead for common activities such as chewing, kissing, and talking. Therefore, Botulinum Toxin injections around the mouth are less useful in TMJ treatment and can have more potential inconvenient effects. These every day activities may become more difficult and too much Botox around the mouth can result in drooling. Another limitation to Botox injection for TMJ treatments is that there is a possibility of developing antibodies that would render the TMJ treatments less and less effective over time. This resistance could be delayed by using the lowest effective dose possible over the longest intervals of time. Botox injection treatments should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

Disclaimer: Botox®, Dysport®, dermal fillers, facial injections, and other skin care information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice.