Botulinum Toxin Injections
What is Botox®?
Botox® is well-known in the cosmetics industry for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but Botox® is also used to help treat certain neuromuscular and pain-related medical conditions. Conditions that benefit from Botox® include hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), cervical dystonia (painful neck spasms), muscle contractures, overactive bladder, and eye twitching. There is even evidence to suggest that Botox® injections help reduce migraine frequency for those who suffer from chronic migraines.
Botox® is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces the neurotoxin: botulinum toxin. Neurotoxins target the nervous system, preventing signals between nerve cells and muscles – paralyzing the muscle. When used in small concentrations, there are incredible medical and aesthetic results.
Did you know…? While the name Botox® is globally recognized, it is only one of the available brands of botulinum toxin. Other brands of botulinum toxin used in the cosmetic and medical industry include Dysport® and Xeomin®.
What to expect on the day of the procedure?
When you arrive at Wilderman Medical Clinic, you will meet with your doctor to discuss your treatment plan. The treated area will be prepped and cleaned for the Botox® injections. Most patients do not experience pain during Botox® injections, but, a topical anaesthetic or ice may be applied to reduce any possible discomfort.
Botox® is administered into your skin or muscles using small needles. The number of injections will depend on the area being treated and the condition you are being treated for.
Botox® is considered a “lunch-time procedure”. The treatment should take no longer than 30 minutes. After the procedure, ice may be applied to the treated area to prevent any possible swelling. All normal daily activities may be resumed after your treatment.
How to prepare?
Please stop taking any blood thinning medication 7 days before your procedure. Taking the following medication: Anticoagulants, Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, or Motrin), Excedrin, St. John’s Wart, Vitamin E, and Fish oil or Omega-3s may increase the chances of post-Botox® bruising and bleeding. Alcohol should not be consumed 24-48 hours before your procedure.
Always provide your doctor with an up to date medical history. This includes a list of any medications, allergies, medical conditions, recent medical procedures (i.e. last round of Botox®), and if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Are Botox® injections painful?
Most people experience very little pain or discomfort during Botox® injections. If more sensitive areas are being treated, like the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, a numbing agent can be applied to reduce any possible discomfort.
Do’s and Don’ts after the procedure
No downtime is required after a Botox® treatment. All normal activities can be resumed after your treatment, unless otherwise directed. Below is a list of things to do and not to do after your Botox® treatment:
DO:
-Ice the treated area if you experience redness or swelling
-Resume normal daily activities
-Call us if you have any questions or concerns
DON’T:
-Don’t massage or rub treated area for 24 hours. This could move Botox® to another area or muscle
-Don’t consume alcohol 24-48 hours after your procedure
-Don’t take blood thinning medication (as mentioned in How to Prepare) for 7 days after your procedure
-Don’t participate in high-level activities like running, cycling, and weight training for 24 hours after procedure
How soon can I expect to see results?
Results can be seen within the first 24-72 hours. In rare cases, it may take up to 14 days to get the desired results.
How often do I need to get Botox® injections?
Botox injections can last anywhere from 10 weeks-6 months. Regular Botox® treatments can affect how long results last. Longevity of results also depends on the condition that is being treated.
What are potential side effects?
Common side effects include pain and bruising around the injection site. You may also experience headaches or flu-like symptoms.
Uncommon side effects include: muscle weakness, vision problems, trouble speaking or swallowing, breathing problems, or loss of bladder control (depending on the injection site(s)). If you experience any of these side effects, please call your doctor right away.
Women who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding should not receive botulinum toxin injections. Botox® injections are also not an ideal brand for anyone who is allergic to cow’s milk protein. Xeomin® is the preferred brand of botulinum toxin for those with a cow’s milk protein allergy. This protein is not found in Xeomin®.
Do I need a referral? Is this procedure covered by OHIP?
Patients seeking Botox® treatment must be referred by their treating physician. Referral forms can be found here. Long-term patients must have their referral if presenting with a new area of pain or re-sent on a bi-annual basis for an existing area of pain.
Private patients and medical tourists do not require a referral but will be expected to cover the cost of the consultation and the procedure.
OHIP covers certain Botox® treated diagnoses. For most indications, Botox® may be covered by private insurance companies or must be paid out of pocket. Please call us if you have any questions regarding cost.
What conditions is Botox® used for?
Botox® injections are versatile in their medical and cosmetic uses. Wilderman Medical Clinic uses Botox® injections to treat a variety of medical conditions, including: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, nocturnal calf cramps, postherpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, Morton’s neuroma, occipital neuralgia, and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
For a full list of conditions, please contact us.