Adults are living longer than ever. We feel vital, we are active, and we want our bodies to mirror our young minds and hearts. Botulinum toxin is one of the most important substances in the field of facial rejuvenation. Similar to surgical facelift , this substance is the most popular way to reduce facial wrinkles.

Smiling, frowning, squinting and even chewing. Basically any facial movement can eventually lead to the most common signs of aging: wrinkles. Wrinkles make you look tired or even irritated when you're not. One of the quickest and safest solutions to remove wrinkles is botulinum toxin injection.

Botulinum toxin type A and type B are purified substances, derived from bacteria. Injecting this substance blocks muscle nerve signals, weakening the muscle so that it cannot contract, reducing unwanted facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels , dermal fillers or microdermabrasion to further improve results. This combination of therapies can also help prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.

Applying botulinum toxin injection may seem like a simple procedure to you, as it takes just a few bites. But it is actually an art and science that only an experienced healthcare professional should perform.
There are 43 muscles in the face and it is vital that the person giving botulinum toxin injections understands and identifies the correct points to optimize your treatment.
A very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. By carefully choosing specific muscles, your doctor weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles, preserving your facial expressions. The botulinum toxin injection generally takes less than 15 minutes. The number of injections you will need will depend on several factors, including your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles. Chicken feet, for example, generally require 2-3 injections. Furrows above the eyebrow may require five or more injections. It is not necessary to apply anesthesia. There is no rest or recovery time. Results are noticeable within a few days, however it can take up to a week to see the full effect. This improvement typically lasts about three to four months. When the effects of botulinum toxin begin to wear off, muscles react and wrinkles reappear.

You can resume normal activities immediately.  Important: do not rub or massage the treated areas, as this may cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to another area of ​​your face. If this happens, temporary facial weakness or ptosis may occur. Although generally safe, side effects and complications may occur:

• Bruising and pain at the injection site;
• Redness;
• Headache;
• Flu-like symptoms;
• Nausea;
• Temporary facial weakness or ptosis;
• Very rarely, the toxin can spread beyond the treatment area and can cause signs and symptoms of botulism such as breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness and slurred speech.

Botulinum toxin will not solve all types of skin problems. For example, while it can reduce wrinkles under the eyes, it cannot repair sun damage. Your skin thickness, type and degree of wrinkling play an important role in determining the effectiveness of botulinum toxin. A qualified plastic surgeon is the best person to assess the suitability of treatment for you. 

To make sure that the plastic surgeon is qualified, check if he is a specialist in Plastic Surgery by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery.

Attention: In the wrong or inexperienced hands, botulinum toxin becomes a danger. In addition to looking for a doctor trained and qualified in plastic surgery, make sure that the professional has specific experience with these types of procedures.

Cost is always a consideration in an elective procedure or treatment. The cost for botulinum toxin treatment can vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the person carrying out the procedure, time and points that the treatment requires. 

• Surgical unit costs;
• Anesthesia fees;
• Prescription of medicines.

Don't forget to ask your doctor about all the costs involved in the procedure.

When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform this procedure, remember that the surgeon's experience and your good relationship with him or her are as important as the final cost of the procedure.

 • Are you a specialist by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery?
• Have you been trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
• Is the installation of the procedure room in your office certified by the Health Surveillance of your city?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What is expected of me so that the best results are obtained?
• Where and how will the procedure or treatment be carried out?
• What is the recovery time?
• What are the risks and possible complications associated with my procedure?
• What will I look like over time?
• What results can I expect?

Botulinum toxin options approved by Anvisa

Botox
Dysport
Xeomin
Prosygne
Botulift