Frequently asked questions

• How long does botulinum toxin work?

  

  The effect of the substance lasts 4-6 months, depending on the patient, the injection site, the dose and the specific formulation of the botulinum toxin used. The treatment can be repeated as often as desired.
• Can side effects occur with botulinum toxin treatment?

  

  Side effects of botulinum toxin include the following reactions. It is important to note that all side effects - like the effects of botulinum toxin - are temporary. There are no long-term side effects.

  • Swelling or bruising at the injection site
  • Itching
  • Mild headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Unwanted impairment of muscle function
  • Focal facial paralysis
  • For upper face injections: drooping eyebrows or eyelids (brow ptosis or blepharoptosis), lateral elevation of eyebrows (Mephisto/"Mr. Spock" eyebrows), diplopia, ectropion, drooping of lower eyelids, epiphora (excessive tearing), decreased strength of eye closure, dry eyes, tension or heaviness in forehead or eyebrows, muscle spasms in forehead
  • Rarely: Shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, allergic reactions.
• How does botulinum toxin work in wrinkle treatment?

  

  Due to constant activity of the mimic muscles, wrinkles can form in the overlying skin over the course of a lifetime, for example frown lines above the nose, forehead wrinkles or laugh lines at the corners of the eyes (known as crow's feet).

  Since Botox reduces muscle contraction by blocking the messenger substance needed for this, botulinum injections into the affected muscles lead to relaxation. As a result of the muscle relaxation, the wrinkles also smooth out or disappear completely if they were not too deep yet.
• What is the procedure for botulinum toxin treatment?

  

  First of all, the patient and doctor decide together which area should be treated and how much.

  Then your face is cleaned and disinfected. Then the injection points are planned and marked. Finally, the botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle to temporarily immobilise the muscle and thus smooth the skin.
• Who should not have botulinum toxin treatment?

  

  Botulinum toxin should not be used if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to botulinum neurotoxin or any of the other ingredients (human albumin, sucrose, saline). if you have a general muscle activity disorder (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, myopathies) or suffer from gross motor weakness in the treatment area (e.g. Bell's palsy) if your livelihood depends on facial expressions (e.g. actors, singers) if there is an infection or inflammation in the area of the intended injection site, or during a urinary tract infection during pregnancy or breastfeeding if you have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring.

  Tell your doctor if: if you have any form of blood clotting disorder and/or if you are being treated with substances that inhibit blood clotting (anticoagulants). if you suffer from severe weakness or tissue atrophy of the muscle into which the medicine is to be injected. If you suffer from conditions that interfere with the interaction of nerves and skeletal muscles (peripheral neuromuscular dysfunction). If you suffer or have suffered from dysphagia. If you have had difficulty with a botulinum toxin type A injection in the past. If you have had or are planning to have an operation.
• Which areas can be treated with botulinum toxin?

  

  At HAIR & SKIN you can currently treat the following areas with botulinum toxin: Mimic wrinkles for example on the forehead, frown lines, crow's feet.
• Is one able to work and socialise after treatment with botulinum toxin?

  

  The only thing that can be seen after a botulinum injection is the small injection sites and rarely the smallest bruises if fine skin vessels have been damaged. These changes can be easily covered up if desired and will be completely gone after a few days at the latest. Consequently, neither the ability to work nor the ability to socialise is restricted by the treatment.
• What should one pay attention to after a treatment with botulinum toxin?

  

  After the treatment with botulinum toxin you are immediately fit for work again. You should not massage the injection sites for the first four hours. Avoid saunas, sunbathing, heavy exercise and sports on the day of treatment. Showering, gentle facial cleansing and the application of light make-up, on the other hand, are possible immediately without any problems. You should refrain from drug consumption (including alcohol and nicotine) for two days after the treatment in order not to impair wound healing. You should also avoid sleeping on your face for the first night.