Botulinum toxin is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe vertical lines between the eyebrows seen at frown (glabella lines) and for the improvement of lines around the eyes (crow’s feet) in adults <65years old (aesthetic indication), TMJ pain/dysfunction or bruxism. This, via reducing over contraction of local muscles predisposing complaint. Any use of botulinum toxin outside of this product license is off label use and I have discussed the implications of this with my clinician.
Like all medicines botulinum toxin can have side effects, although not everybody gets them. Approximately 1 out of 4 patients may experience side effects following a botulinum toxin injection. These adverse reactions may be related to treatment, injection technique or both. Treatment with Botulinum Toxin is temporary, lasting approximately 5 - 6 months but will vary depending on the condition of the skin, area treated, amount of product injected, injection technique and lifestyle factors. It is also important to understand that to maintain the effects, further treatment is required. alongside lifestyle modifications, as directed.
Adverse reactions possibly related to the spread of toxin distant from the site of administration have been reported very rarely with botulinum toxin (e.g. muscle weakness, difficulty to swallow or pneumonia due to unwanted food or liquid in airways). Injection of botulinum toxin is not recommended in patients with a history of dysphagia (difficulty to swallow) and impaired swallowing.
In general, adverse reactions occur within the first few days following injection and are temporary. Most adverse events reported were of mild to moderate severity. Diffusion of botulinum toxin into nearby muscles is possible when high doses are injected, particularly in the neck area.
The chance of having a side effect is described by the following categories:
Common - More than 1 our of 100 persons and less than 1 out of 10 persons
Uncommon - More than 1 out of 1,000 persons and less than 1 out of 100 persons
Rare - More than 1 out of 10,000 persons and less than 1 out of 1,000 persons
Allergic reactions, difficulties to swallow, speak or breathe, have been reported rarely when botulinum toxin type A has been used for other uses. Visit your Clinician immediately if such signs develop after botulinum toxin treatment. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed, please tell your Clinician. As per any treatment, with severe side effects the individual should attend A&E for urgent assistance.
Too frequent or excessive dosing of botulinum toxin may increase the risk of antibodies in the blood which may lead to failure of treatment with botulinum toxin when used for this and other conditions.
please do not hesitate to get in touch if you require any other further information at this stage.
Dynamic Regenerative Medicine
01564330773