ICR | Treatments and diagnostic tests | Botox (Botulinium Toxin)

Botox (Botulinium Toxin)

The facts

  • Botox (botulinium toxin) relaxes muscles and is used to treat both medical conditions (such as eyelid and face spasms) and to reduce the signs of ageing (facial wrinkles).
  • It rarely causes more than mild discomfort and can be injected without anaesthetic.
  • Its effects generally last for around 5 months when used to treat medical conditions, and 4 to 6 months when used cosmetically.
  • The injections can be repeated after the desired effects have worn off.

Botox. Facial rejuvenation and medical treatment

FACIAL REJUVENATION WITH BOTOXTREATMENT OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS WITH BOTOX
Used to treat: Facial wrinkles  Used to treat: Eyelid spasms Facial spasms Eyelid retractions in patients with thyroid eye disease Certain kinds of strabismus (“crossed eyes”)
The effects last for 4-6 months.The eye effects last for 3-5 months.
The treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, normally without anaesthesia, and the patient is able to immediately resume normal activities.

What is botox? What is it used for?

Botox is a toxin that is purified in the lab and used to relax muscles in different types of procedure. In ophthalmology it is mainly used to treat medical conditions and for cosmetic procedures.

It is used for the following medical treatments:

  • Eyelid muscle contractions.
  • Spasms on one side of the face; involuntary repeated muscle spasms on one side of the face.
  • Facial tics.

When used for cosmetic treatments, very precise doses are injected to specific muscle areas. This allows for small areas of muscle around the eyes to be relaxed, reducing eye wrinkles.

Do the injections hurt? Are they done under anaesthetic? Is recovery fast?

Botox injections cause little discomfort. The procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis, normally without any kind of anaesthetic, with the patient free to resume their regular activities immediately.

The injections can, however, be painful in some cases, such as for chronic patients who require them repeatedly. In such cases we can apply an anaesthetic cream to the injection site a few minutes before the procedure.

How long do the effects last? In which areas do they work best?

The time that the effects of the botox last will vary depending on the dose and the purpose for its use.

  • Generally, for medical treatments, such as eyelid spasms, the effects last for between 4 and 5 months.
  • When used for cosmetic purposes, it can last for between 4 and 6 months and even for up to a year.

The effects of botox are most notable in the area around the eyes, especially the brow, crow’s feet and on the forehead.

How many times can the treatment be repeated?

Botox injections can be repeated as many times as the patient needs.

  • Generally in the case of cosmetic procedures, the injections are reapplied every 6 months or so.
  • In the case of medical treatments, the injections are usually reapplied when symptoms return.
Medical content revised by - Last revision 09/02/2024

Related articles

  • Eye cosmetic treatments

    Eye cosmetic treatments are procedures from an ophthalmological specialization focused on correcting and improving the looks of the patients’ gaze.

  • CO2 Laser

    CO2 Laser is a laser technology used in aesthetic treatments to improve the look of the skin or reduce injuries, with a shorter period of recovery.

  • Dr. Graell realiza una visita previa a una cirugía de blefaroplastia

    Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery

    Blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive operation that removes excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the eyelids. With this surgery it is possible to improve the tired aspect of the face.

Do you have any questions?

Contact us or request an appointment with one of our specialists.