Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum Toxin: The most popular aesthetic treatment

In North America, more than 5 million patients a year are using neuromodulators. This class of injectable aesthetic treatments is one of the most effective and widely used anti-wrinkle treatments on the market today with over 90% of treated patients pleased with its results. In Quebec, its popularity continues to grow. If you’re thinking about being treated by botulinum toxin in Montreal, it’s a good idea to learn as much as possible about this treatment and what you can expect from it. Let’s go over some of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to botulinum toxin.

How does Botulinum Toxin work?

Botulinum toxins are a class of aesthetic injectable medications called neuromodulators. Neuromodulators alter the communication between the nerve and muscle. The loss of muscle movement follows injection. Neuromodulators have been game-changers in the anti-aging and beauty market because of their ability to remove and lessen wrinkles.

Neuromodulators are different from other injectables. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, neuromodulator injections do not add volume. This is because neuromodulators are proteins that block the action of a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine when it is injected into facial muscles. Acetylcholine functions to allow your muscles to contract, so when it’s blocked, you get a muscle that will not contract and therefore will not cause a facial wrinkle.

Safety Profile: Botulinum Toxin

The stunning achievement of the botulinum toxin solution has had beauty fans lining up to receive their wrinkle treatments. Are botulinum toxin treatments safe? After all, botulinum toxin is a protein toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This is the first cousin of the fatal botulism bacteria.

Neuromodulators have been safely used by ophthalmologists for more than a decade with no severe effects being reported. This medicine has actually been available since the early 1960s. Originally it was in use as a cure for crossed eyes. The method in which botulinum toxin operates is that it is injected into the muscle where the wrinkles show. While the botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle the frown lines, crow’s feet, and laugh lines disappear for prolonged durations of time. At AestheticaMD, we emphasize ‘prolonged durations’ since the effects of a single botulinum toxin treatment last approximately 3 to 6 months. However, with continued and repeated use of the effects, the cosmetic effect lasts much longer. Neuromodulators have been approved by the FDA for the aesthetic treatment of muscles that produce frown lines.

Although botulinum toxin has been safely used by millions of customers, it is recommended that pregnant women or women who are nursing a baby as well as patients suffering from neurologic illness avoid its use. Botulinum toxin has few side effects. You will be able to resume normal activities immediately. Occasionally, temporary sagging of the eyelids occurs. This usually spontaneously resolves itself. Dr. Chen Lee will answer all your questions about botulinum toxin in Montreal.

Qualified Medical Practitioners

Botulinum toxin injections are popular in Montreal, but that doesn’t mean you can get them just anywhere. You should only receive neuromodulator injections from a licensed and experienced medical professional who can answer your questions and has experience with the treatment. Botulinum toxin should be injected at key points within the muscle for it to work effectively and to minimize any chances of complications. You are best served by seeking a qualified medical practitioner who has had success with the treatment before. Talk to Dr. Chen Lee about his experience. Be sure you’re working with someone you’re willing to trust your face with.