Botox Injection Technique

Botox is a form of botulism that is injected into the facial muscles. It paralyzes or weakens the muscles that form wrinkles. Botox injections should only be performed by a trained professional in a sterile setting. The results of the injections usually last for about 120 days, after which they will need to be touched up or the face will begin to take upon its previous sagged form.

Assessment

For the first step of the Botox injection technique, the provider will ask the patient to contract her facial muscles to accentuate the wrinkles. He will then make marks on the skin to indicate where the deepest wrinkles are. When the facial muscles are relaxed, the marks will indicate where Botox injections need to be made in order to eliminate the wrinkles.

Preparation

The area to be injected will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution, usually betadine. This will rid the area of any contaminates that may be present. A sterile paper or plastic drape will be placed around the area to be injected to further protect the area from contamination.

Equipment

Botox injections are usually administered with a very small needle. The most common type of needle used is a 30-gauge tuberculin syringe with a ½-inch needle. Botox usually comes packaged in a 100cc container.

Procedure

The provider will draw up approximately 30 units of Botox into the syringe. He will then inject approximately 5 units of Botox per site into the muscle along the wrinkle. Injections will be made at about 1 cm intervals along the line of the wrinkle. A new syringe will be used after every five injections. For severe wrinkles, injections may be made both above and below the wrinkle at staggered intervals. Numbing agents are not used during Botox injections so patients can expect the injections to be slightly uncomfortable.

Recovery

There is no recovery period after Botox injections. Patients will be allowed to go home immediately afterward and should remain in an upright position for a few hours afterward to prevent swelling. The area can be washed and maintained according to normal face washing routine.

Side Effects

There have been no systemic side effects reported with the use of Botox. The most common complaint reported after Botox injections is a headache that goes away in a few hours. Some patients who have extensive Botox injections report pain at the injection sites for a few days.

Warnings

Botox injections should never be given at the arch of the eyebrow as it can cause paralysis of the eyelid. Aspirin and NSAIDS should be stopped seven days prior to Botox injections to prevent bruising at the injection sites.

References

• Botox for Wrinkles

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish