Botulinum toxin injection is now one of the most popular aesthetic procedures. However, many people still have questions about the safety of botulinum toxin. This treatment, designed to reduce certain expression lines and soften signs of aging, sometimes raises concerns, particularly regarding its long-term effects.
In this article, we will discuss the aspects related to the safety of botulinum toxin injections and what you should know before undergoing the treatment.
Botulinum toxin is a purified protein used to relax the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, that is, those that appear with facial movements (such as smiling, frowning, or squinting). It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that control these muscles, resulting in smoother and more relaxed skin.
The dynamic wrinkles treated with botulinum toxin injections include forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, and frown lines between the eyebrows.
Botulinum toxin is also used to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
Botulinum toxin is considered a safe and effective treatment when injected by qualified and experienced physicians. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects.
The most common side effects are mild and temporary : redness and swelling at the injection site, small bruises, and a feeling of tightness in the treated muscles.
These reactions usually disappear within a few hours or a few days after the injection.
In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as : eyelid ptosis : a temporary drooping of the upper eyelid may appear if the botulinum toxin migrates to non-targeted muscles, facial asymmetry, headaches, or nausea.
These symptoms are usually mild and resolve quickly.
Botulinum toxin cannot be injected in the following situations :
A preliminary consultation is carried out to ensure that the patient has no contraindications.
Botulinum toxin injections and hyaluronic acid injections are often confused, but they work in very different ways. While botulinum toxin targets the muscles responsible for expression lines, hyaluronic acid is used to hydrate the skin and fill static wrinkles or restore lost volume due to aging.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the skin, making it a product that is very well tolerated by the body. The side effects associated with hyaluronic acid injections are also minor : redness and swelling at the injection site ; small subcutaneous irregularities, related to the inflammatory response, which generally resolve within a few days ; small bruises.
To ensure the safety of botulinum toxin injections, several factors must be respected.
The long-term safety of botulinum toxin has been extensively studied. Results show that when injected properly, botulinum toxin is safe even after years of regular treatments. To date, no study has demonstrated any major health risks associated with its long-term use.
Some patients worry about the possibility of developing resistance to botulinum toxin after repeated injections. Although this can occur in rare cases, it can often be avoided by following proper injection protocols and allowing sufficient time between sessions.
It is interesting to compare botulinum toxin with other popular aesthetic treatments to better understand its place in the world of aesthetic-oriented medicine.
While botulinum toxin treats expression lines by blocking muscle contractions, hyaluronic acid is a filler that hydrates and plumps the skin. The two treatments can be used in a complementary way, depending on the patient’s needs.
Unlike cosmetic surgery, botulinum toxin injection is a non-invasive procedure with minimal downtime. The effects are temporary, allowing patients to adjust their treatment according to their needs over time. A surgical procedure is more long-lasting but carries more risks and requires a longer recovery period.
In conclusion, botulinum toxin injection is a safe and effective treatment to reduce the signs of aging, namely dynamic wrinkles, provided it is administered by an experienced physician who follows established protocols. Side effects are generally minor and temporary, and the treatment poses no long-term health risks.
It is therefore essential to consult an experienced physician before any injection to discuss your expectations, medical history, and possible alternatives, such as hyaluronic acid injections. Botulinum toxin can offer spectacular and safe results, provided its limits are well understood and medical recommendations are followed.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
