Botulinum Toxin Injections: What can “tox” do for you?
Botulinum toxin—also known as “tox”—is most famously known for its ability to soften forehead wrinkles and smooth crow’s feet. But that’s just the start of what these injections can do.
Botulinum Toxin FAQs
Wondering if it’s right for you? Here’s what you should know.
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a medication derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s a neurotoxin that blocks the chemical signals that tell muscles to contract.
Providers have been using tox injections as cosmetic treatments for more than two decades. Today, many brands are available, but they all work in the same way. By softly weakening muscles, tox helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It might also slow the progression of new wrinkles over time.
How do neurotoxin injections help with facial wrinkles?
Wrinkles are a normal part of aging. Many factors contribute to wrinkles, including genetics, environmental exposures (such as UV light or cigarette smoking) and the repetitive movement of facial muscles. That repetitive movement is where tox can have a dramatic effect.
When injected into muscles in the face, tox temporarily causes those muscles to relax. Over the next week or two, the wrinkles overlying the muscles gradually become smoother. The effect is temporary and lasts approximately three months.
Many patients return periodically for repeat treatments to maintain a more youthful appearance. Start treatment at the first sign of wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes to prevent those wrinkles from deepening.
What are the other cosmetic uses of tox?
Tox is best known for treating wrinkles in the upper face, including the forehead and around the eyes. But the injections can also be used in the lower face or neck to treat concerns such as:
- Jowls
- Sagging
- Gummy smiles
- Vertical bands (platysma bands) in the neck
- Asymmetry (due to anatomy, stroke or Bell’s palsy)
- Thin lips (a treatment sometimes called a “lip flip”)
- Jawline reduction (a treatment known as “masseter slimming”)
What are some of the common medical uses of tox?
Providers have used tox injections for medical treatments even longer than for cosmetic purposes. The injections are approved to treat a variety of problems, including:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Headaches
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
What can I expect during a tox treatment?
Tox is a safe and convenient nonsurgical treatment. The injections take as little as 15 to 20 minutes. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort, and they can return to their regular activities almost immediately.
At the Center for Plastic Surgery at Sentara Princess Anne & Fort Norfolk, our providers have advanced trainings in tox injections. Before starting your treatment, a skilled nurse injector will take detailed photos of the treatment area and customize a plan to fit your face, budget and goals. We tailor the injection type, dose and delivery to give you the results you’re looking for.
For the best results, experience matters. Many patients who have been unsatisfied with tox injections in the past are wowed by the results they achieve with our team. We offer a variety of high-quality and affordable cosmetic injectables. Like many types of medications, people can respond differently to different brands of neurotoxin. If one type isn’t giving you the results you want, we can try other types of injections.
Ready to learn more? Contact us to schedule a free tox consultation with a certified nurse injector.
By Lauren Padmore, R.N., Nurse Injector at The Center for Plastic Surgery at Sentara Princess Anne & Fort Norfolk