Botulinum Toxin Injections for Medical Indications
Botulinum toxin injections are used both in aesthetic medicine and for certain medical indications. In aesthetic medicine, botulinum toxin type A is used to reduce excessive activity of the facial muscles and thereby decrease the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
In everyday language, botulinum toxin injections are often referred to as Botox injections; however, Botox® is the trademark of one specific botulinum toxin preparation.
The procedure is performed by a doctor following an individual consultation, taking into account the patient’s anatomy, health status, treatment goal and the most appropriate dose of the preparation.
Botulinum toxin injections for medical indications
Botulinum toxin is used not only in aesthetic medicine. Its ability to temporarily affect nerve signal transmission also allows it to be used in the treatment of certain medical conditions or to reduce their symptoms.
Bruxism or teeth grinding
Botulinum toxin type A injections may be used to reduce excessive activity of the masticatory muscles, jaw tension associated with bruxism, teeth-clenching force and other related symptoms.
Learn more about botulinum toxin injections for reducing bruxism
Chronic migraine
Botulinum toxin type A injections are also used for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine in adults. Suitability for therapy is assessed by a doctor, and treatment is carried out following referral or recommendation by a neurologist.
Learn more about botulinum toxin injections for reducing chronic migraine symptoms
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating
Botulinum toxin injections may be used to reduce localised excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis. The preparation temporarily reduces the transmission of nerve signals to the sweat glands, thereby decreasing sweating in the treated area.
Learn more about botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of hyperhidrosis
Anal fissure
Botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of chronic anal fissure help reduce spasm of the anal sphincter and promote healing of the fissure. The preparation is injected into the anal sphincter muscles to temporarily reduce excessive muscle tension and spasm. This may help relieve pain and create more favourable conditions for the fissure to heal.
Learn more about botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of anal fissure
How is the botulinum toxin injection procedure performed?
Before the procedure, the doctor discusses the patient’s concerns and symptoms, assesses their health status, medications, previous procedures and possible contraindications.
Depending on the aim of treatment, the injection areas, injection points and required dose are determined. The skin is disinfected, and botulinum toxin is injected into precisely selected areas using a fine needle.
An aesthetic procedure appointment is usually relatively short. For medical indications, the duration of the procedure and the number of injections may vary depending on the condition being treated and the selected treatment protocol.
When does botulinum toxin start working?
The effect of botulinum toxin is not immediate. In aesthetic procedures, the first changes usually become noticeable gradually within the first few days, while a more complete effect develops over the following weeks.
The onset and duration of the effect are individual and depend on the preparation used, the dose, the treated area and the indication for the procedure. As the effect of botulinum toxin gradually wears off, the procedure may be repeated following medical assessment.
What should be observed after the procedure?
Temporary redness, mild swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur at the injection sites after the procedure. Patients can usually return to their everyday activities shortly afterwards.
The doctor’s recommendations should be followed after the injections. These may vary depending on the preparation used, the injection area and the purpose of the procedure.
Possible side effects
Botulinum toxin injections are generally well tolerated; however, as with any medical procedure, adverse reactions may occur.
The most common are temporary and related to the injection site, including redness, tenderness, swelling, pain or bruising. Depending on the treated area, temporary weakness of adjacent muscles or unwanted changes in their function may also occur.
In very rare cases, the effects of botulinum toxin may spread beyond the injection area. If pronounced muscle weakness or difficulties with swallowing, speaking or breathing occur after the procedure, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Contraindications and precautions
Botulinum toxin injections are not performed in cases of known hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the specific preparation or if there is an infection at the intended injection site.
Particular caution is required in patients with certain neuromuscular disorders and when taking medications that may affect neuromuscular transmission. Before the procedure, the doctor should be informed about medical conditions, medications, previous botulinum toxin procedures, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Contraindications and precautions may vary depending on the specific botulinum toxin preparation and treatment indication, so suitability for the procedure is always assessed by a doctor.
An oncological diagnosis in itself is also not a universal absolute contraindication to all botulinum toxin preparations; each individual situation should be assessed by a doctor.
Why should botulinum toxin injections be performed in a medical institution?
Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine, and safe administration requires appropriate patient assessment, a thorough knowledge of anatomy, precise selection of the dose and injection points, as well as timely recognition of possible adverse reactions.
At Veselības centrs 4, botulinum toxin procedures are performed by doctors according to the specific indication and the patient’s individual situation.
