Botox/Dysport for Cosmetics (Wrinkles)

*For information regarding therapeutic treatment for TMJ (clenching/grinding) click here.

Botulinum toxin (Dysport®, Botox®) is a neurotoxin produced by the
bacterium Clostridium A. Botulinum toxin can relax the muscles on areas of the face and neck which cause wrinkles associated with facial expressions. Treatment with botulinum toxin can cause your facial expression lines or wrinkles to be less noticeable or essentially disappear. Areas most frequently treated are: a) glabellar area of frown lines, located between the eyes; b) crow’s feet (lateral areas of the eyes); c) forehead wrinkles; d) radial lip lines (smokers lines); e) head and neck muscles. Patients may feel a slight burning sensation while the solution is being injected.

How Does Botox/Dysport Treat Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are caused by repeated movements and muscle contractions. Botox/Dysport is diluted to a very controlled
solution and injected into the muscles with a very thin needle. This procedure temporarily treats wrinkles by reducing specific muscle activity/contractions.

Areas Affected by Botulinum Toxin Therapy

Only the areas injected with Botulinum Toxin will be “relaxed.” Botulinum Toxin treatment for wrinkles will not affect anywhere else in your body.  The injections are in the muscles of facial expression.

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 10-20 minutes.

Is the Botulinum Toxin Treatment Painful?

The pain associated with the Botulinum Toxin 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”. 

What to Expect After the Botulinum Toxin Treatment?

There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection sites.  After the Botulinum Toxin Treatment wrinkles will start to disappear around day 10 following treatment.  You will continue to see the muscle activity diminish until approximately day 14 after the Botox/Dysport treatment procedure. Some patients may experience more immediate results.

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 4 hours.  Physical activity in terms of exercise should be avoided after treatment for the remainder of the day.

Risks, Limitations & Possible Complications of Botox/Dysport 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.  Botox injection treatments should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.