What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin made from purified proteins derived from the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. Botulinum Toxin has many aesthetic and medical applications in small, controlled amounts, such as effectively targeting facial and neck wrinkles, including forehead lines, glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows), and crow's feet. Botulinum toxin also targets the jaw (masseter) muscles, resulting in a V-shaped face with a slim and slender contour. Additionally, it can be used to tighten the skin along the jawline and neck, a procedure known as the "Nefertiti Lift," which results in a firmer and youthful appearance. 

In Singapore, several brands of Botulinum Toxin injections have been approved for use. These include:

• Botox® (Onabotulinumtoxin-A) is widely recognised and used for medical and cosmetic purposes, such as reducing facial wrinkles, treating chronic migraines, and managing hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
• Xeomin® (Incobotulinumtoxin-A), known for its high purity, is used for treating glabellar lines and medical conditions such as cervical dystonia and blepharospasm.
• Dysport® (Abobotulinumtoxin-A) is used similarly to Botox for aesthetic treatments and medical conditions like cervical dystonia and spasticity.

How does Botulinum Toxin work?

Botulinum Toxin works by attaching to nerve endings and blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction. This, in turn, relaxes the targeted muscles, smoothing wrinkles or slimming the jawline. 

The effects of Botulinum Toxin are temporary, typically lasting three to four months, before gradually wearing off as new nerve sprouts form and the original neuromuscular junction regenerates. This mechanism of action allows Botulinum Toxin to be used therapeutically for various conditions involving muscle hyperactivity or excessive glandular secretion.

Benefits of Botulinum Toxin

• Quick with minimal discomfort: Botulinum Toxin injections are quick and do not typically cause much discomfort. These injections, also known as “lunchtime” procedures, can be performed in a few minutes with little to no downtime.
• Effective and long-lasting results: noticeable improvements are typically observed after two weeks, lasting 3-4 months.
• Non-invasive: Botulinum Toxin injections offer a non-surgical and non-invasive way to reduce wrinkles, treat medical conditions, and improve your overall appearance.
• Prevents new wrinkles: regular Botulinum Toxin injections may prevent the development of wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle contractions, keeping your skin youthful over time.
• Versatile and bespoke treatment: Botulinum Toxin injections can be customised to treat various issues, from cosmetic concerns like wrinkles to medical problems like migraines and excessive sweating.
• Minimal side effects: when administered by a professional (link to about page), Botulinum Toxin injections have minimal temporary side effects, such as slight pain at the injection site, minor bruising, or headaches.

What conditions can Botulinum Toxin treat?

Botulinum Toxin injections can be used in the following ways:

Cosmetic uses: treatment of dynamic wrinkles on the face and neck

• Forehead lines
• Glabellar (frown) lines
• Crow’s feet
• Chin dimpling
• Downturned lips
• Botox neck lift “Nefertiti lift”
• Neck platysma bands

Medical uses

• Square jaw, TMJ disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Axillary hyperhidrosis (sweaty armpits)
• Migraines
• Blepharospasm (eyelid spasms)

Body contouring

• Trapezius slimming (“TrapTox”)
• Calf slimming (“Calf Tox”)

What results can I expect after Botulinum Toxin treatment?

After receiving Botulinum Toxin injections, patients can expect a noticeable reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines within a few days. Full results are typically visible within one to two weeks. Results usually last about three to four months, after which follow-up injections every three months will be required for maintenance.

Depending on the treatment area, you may notice:

• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Slimmed and contoured jawline
• Rejuvenated and youthful appearance
• Smoothed and lifted skin

In therapeutic applications, patients often experience a reduction in symptom severity, such as fewer migraine episodes or decreased muscle spasticity, within two weeks of treatment. The results are temporary and generally last between three to six months, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Regular follow-up sessions are necessary to maintain the desired effects.

How many Botulinum Toxin treatment sessions are needed?

The number of Botulinum Toxin sessions required varies based on the specific condition being treated and your response to the treatment. Typically, you'll start with one treatment session to address your specific concerns, whether cosmetic or medical. For cosmetic purposes, most patients usually require treatments every three to six months to maintain their desired appearance. 

The frequency of treatments in therapeutic applications may vary. For example, patients with chronic migraines may need injections every 12 weeks, while those with hyperhidrosis may find that treatments every six months are sufficient. A personalised treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs is essential, which can be determined during a consultation with Dr Hoe.