Botox Injection in Toronto

Here are things you need to know about Botox in Toronto, so you will know what to expect when you undergo such a procedure.

What is Botox injectable?

Botox is a neurotoxin used to stop or prevent muscle function for three to six months.

Most people take Botox treatments mainly for the wrinkles above the nose in between the eyebrows or along the outer part of the eye, commonly called the crow’s feet.

Here at Visage Clinic, we follow a strict procedure. A patient comes to us and fills out an encounter form or a history and physical examination form.

Then we take the patient to a procedure room to meet one of our physicians. The physician comes over, sits down with the patient, and goes over her health examination form. The doctor also makes sure that all medications are listed clearly and explained to the patient to rule out allergies.

The physician then proceeds to explain the procedure, then assesses the areas to be treated.

During the treatment, we make sure to provide comfort and care. The degree of pain is minimal because we use tiny needles and inject the Botox solution gradually. Also, we make sure that the numbing solution has taken full effect before we perform the actual injections.

We will start from the area between the eyebrows and then move to the lateral parts of the face towards the eyes.

Afterward, the patient receives another layer of injections towards the hairline. The aim here is to block some of the portions of the two frontalis muscles on the forehead.

After performing the treatment, the doctor puts an ice pack on the treated areas, and allows the patient to relax for a few minutes. Afterward, the patient is free to leave.

Botox is not only used to treat ugly skin lines. It is also used to treat the following:

• Severe underarm sweating
• Cervical dystonia (symptoms include severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms)
• Uncontrollable blinking
• Strabismus (Eyes point to different directions)
• Overactive bladder
• Chronic migraine

At Visage Clinic, the surgeons who perform Botox plastic surgery are certified by the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Make sure to check for qualifications as many unqualified practitioners and unsupervised technicians are performing Botox and similar treatments these days. Make sure to get cosmetic treatments only from qualified Botox specialists and plastic surgeons in Toronto.

How long does the procedure take?

Botox treatments are minimally invasive procedures that take only a few minutes to complete. You will not experience any significant discomfort and see results within seven to fourteen days.

Our trained physicians can complete the procedure so fast you will not notice that it is over in a snap of a finger. Even without using a numbing solution, we can treat patients without causing any real pain in the process.

Visage Clinic is open from morning to evening. Choose your preferred time for the treatment. If you come to our office after work at 5 or 6, we can still accommodate you.

You also have options during the day – morning, midday, or afternoon. We can perform the procedure at your preferred time.

What is the recovery time of Botox treatment?

It takes about three weeks to heal the tiny wounds caused by the needle incisions. Three weeks is the longest recovery time. By that time, you should already see the best outcome the treatment could give.

By the 2nd week, skin inflammation should already have disappeared.

How long does the effect last?

Is a repeat treatment safe? Yes, it is.

The goal is to disable the function of the muscles again. Like in the first treatment, repeat treatments do not pose any severe risks.

When the effect subsides in 3 to 4 months, the muscles in the treated area are free to perform their function again.

In that case, the muscles can contract again and cause the lines to reappear. Start monitoring by the third month when the effect of the drug is supposed to start subsiding.

Patients at Visage Clinic return for retreatment between 4 and 6 months on average. That is about 2 to 3 times a year. The lower the Botox concentration is, the faster the effect will subside.

It also depends on the treated parts. The upper lip lines and other facial animation regions usually need more frequent treatments. For those parts, the recommendation is a minimum of four sessions in one year.

How much does Botox cost?

The total cost of the treatment depends on the number of vials or units used. Patients pay $10 per unit to $17 per unit, which is the average Botox cost in Toronto. Prices vary from area to area.

Besides that, the provider considers the ff:

• Severity of the condition – Severe conditions require more injections
• Patient’s history with the treatment – Also a factor to consider for determining the number of vials to be used

The cost also depends on who is doing the injection. Board-certified plastic surgeons charge higher, but nurse injectors tend to cost less. However, a nurse may not have the expertise or the knowledge that a surgeon has.

That is not to say there are no qualified nurse injectors out there. Just be wary of non-specialists like family doctors or med-spas that offer the treatment at a low cost.

Check the recommendation from manufacturers of Botox products. Most of them suggest using four units per injection site. In many cases, that means 20 units in total. Many practitioners say they administer between 10 and 50 units per patient per session.

Also, be wary of counterfeit products as they may not be safe. Look for the “real” Botox products, or you will risk not getting the best result. In our clinic, we often say, “We repair cheap Botox.”

Who qualifies to get Botox injectables?

Botox is approved for people at least 18 years old. The best range for a preventative Botox treatment, according to experts, is 20 – 30 years old. In the US, the FDA approves Botox for people aged 18 – 65 years old.

As long as within this age range, it is safe for older people to receive Botox injections. If you think age might be a hindrance, check if you are healthy enough to get the treatment. As long as you are healthy and do not have severe health problems, you are fine.

Here are additional requirements:

• You must not be suffering from any neurologic dysfunction.
• You are not on blood thinners.
• You do not have an allergic reaction to botulinum products.
• You did not experience severe side effects using botulinum products in the past. Examples of these products include Dysport, Xeomin, and Myobloc.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use Botox.

Benefits of Botox

Botox is known for its role in facial aesthetics. However, recent studies have shown that it has benefits related to non-cosmetic medical conditions.

Currently, experts are exploring possible medical benefits of Botox in the following areas:

• Laryngeal – spasmodic dysphonia, voice tremor, vocal tics, stuttering
• Pain – headache, chronic neck pain, first bite syndrome, cervical dystonia
• Esophageal – dysphagia, speech, postlaryngectomy
• Oral – Bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorders, palatal myoclonus
• Facial – nerve paresis, hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm

Like other minimally invasive treatments, Botox does not cause significant interference in a patient’s life. The procedure takes only 15 – 30 minutes to complete. Patients can walk away and resume their day-to-day activities right after the procedure.

People in their 20’s or 30’s should consider getting Botox, preferably at the time when lines and wrinkles start becoming visible. Botox can delay the progress of skin creasing, folding, and ridging.

Botox treatments are also used for the prevention or management of migraines. However, Botox treatments for chronic migraine headaches may have an adverse effect.

Those with this condition may experience worse headaches after terminating the use of this drug. Seek advice from your doctor.

Also, Botox has been approved for treating overactive bladder without a neurologic cause. Research shows that it is 70% to 80% effective for patients with urgency-related leakage or incontinence.

Risks and side effects of Botox injectable

There are short-term and long-term side effects associated with Botox injections. The first one is loss of muscle control. FDA medical research says that the drug works as a muscle-paralyzing agent, adding that in the long run, it will cause decreased muscle strength in the treated area.

Other side effects include:

• Upset stomach
• Dry eyes, temporary drooping of the eyelid
• Numbness, mild pain, swelling, weakness. or paralysis at the injection site
• Urinary incontinence (Botox effect due to its being a muscle relaxant)
• Spatial disorientation (sometimes, the patient experiences double vision)
• Cardiovascular – either arrhythmia or myocardial infarction

Types of Botox treatments

There are many commercial preparations for the botulinum toxin. Out of them, there is only one true Botox, particularly Onabotulinumtoxin A.

Other preparations include:

• Prabotulinumtoxin A (Jeuveau) – Considered by many as the gold in wrinkle treatments, Jeuveau is prepared via a unique purification process. Studies show that it has a faster onset of activity and can last longer than Onabotulinumtoxin A.
• Incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin) – Xeomin treats cervical dystonia, upper limb spasticity, eye muscle disorders, and frown lines.
• Abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport) – a prescription injection for improving moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Dysport is specific to its preparation and is not interchangeable with other types.
• Rimabotulinumtoxin B (Myobloc) – the first and so far, the only approved botulinum toxin of this type. Myobloc is approved for treating two conditions: cervical dystonia and chronic sialorrhea in adults. Cervical dystonia is characterized by neck pain and abnormal head position.

These other types are also called Botox, but strictly speaking, Botox is a registered trademark that one manufacturer owns.

Non-surgical Botox Alternatives

There are other options for wrinkle reduction and skin lifting treatments, including:

• CO2 resurfacing devices
• Fractional RF
• Morpheus
• Derma fillers

Getting ready for the Botox treatment

You can minimize or prevent the risks and side effects associated with the treatment. Get rid of any anxiety you may feel while keeping in mind the following:

• Avoid alcohol within 24 hours before the treatment.
• Do not take blood-thinning medications within two weeks before the schedule. Also, avoid taking supplements to prevent possible complications.
• Take a hearty meal before undergoing the procedure. An empty stomach can lead to lightheadedness during the treatment. Make sure your body has enough energy to support you during the treatment.
• Make sure to inform the person who will treat you about all the medications you are currently taking.

After treatment:

• Wait for 24 hours before consuming alcohol.
• Avoid strenuous activities within the next 12 hours.
• Do not apply make-up on the treated area. Do not rub the area either.
• Avoid sleeping or lying face down.

What to expect after treatment

Do not worry that Botox will affect your work or activities. You can even go back to work right after the treatment. However, there are aftercare reminders to keep in mind.

Patients must avoid rubbing the injection sites and lying down to a position where the product can potentially spread into unwanted areas (low risk but still possible). Make sure that you avoid aspirin or alcohol. These are blood thinners that can cause bleeding.

After the procedure, you will feel bumpiness on your head, but there is nothing to worry about. The bumpiness will naturally dissipate within a couple of hours or less.

Do not wash your face for 12 hours and wait until 48 hours before using make-up. After the first week, schedule a consultation with your doctor for an initial assessment.

Recovery and timeline

The timeline for the effect of Botox varies from person to person, although the smoothening of the facial skin can already be observable on the 3rd day. Maximum effects can be observed around the 2nd week. Applying ice packs twice a day hastens wound healing.

The muscular function should gradually recover and fully recover in the third or the fourth month. You may take another procedure but discuss with your doctor if it is better to lower the amount of the drug this time around.

As these treatments are individual-based, would it be safe to increase or equally effective if decreased on the repeat? Ask your doctor about it.

Regarding recovery time, Botox patients do not need it. You can return to your day-to-day schedule right after the procedure.

Other treatments to pair with Botox injectable

There are filler injection treatments that you can combine with Botox. Popular filer injection devices include:

• Fractora or Morpheus8 (for photofacial/fractional RF treatment)
• Fraxel or CO2 (for laser resurfacing treatment)
• Thermage or Forma (lifting treatment)
• Ulthera (for treating skin sagging)

These devices apply heat to the skin, so it is best to use them before a Botox treatment. Otherwise, you risk heating the Botox solution directly, which can degrade its effect.

These treatments can do more than skin tightening. Some can help with skin issues, such as scars, uneven skin texture, ugly spots, and hyperpigmentation. Like Botox, treatments using these devices do not have or require extensive downtime or preparation.

FAQs

How painful is Botox injectable treatment?

Visage Clinic ensures that there will be no significant amount of pain to feel during the treatment. First, we use smaller gauge needles that can cause less pain while still being effective.

Because of the small stinging sensations after the procedure, we advise patients to use ice or topical air chillers. If requested, we can also provide ProNox to the patient during the treatment.

ProNox works by triggering the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, substances that cause euphoria and diminish pain. The ProNox blend of 50% nitrogen and 50% oxygen helps Botox patients cope with needle phobia and anxiety.

How long will the effect of Botox last?

The effect should last for about four months (applicable to 20 units or vials of the drug). Factors that affect the duration of effectiveness include the amount administered, age, and skin elasticity.

The cycle is this:

• Treatment
• Muscles are relaxed for three months
• Skin deteriorating for three months

The skin then looks exactly the same as when you started.

Optimum treatment allows you to erase the lines you prefer not to have and keep the skin fully treated for long. This goal is achievable under repeat treatments performed every three to four times per year.

Even a single treatment is better than zero treatment, but it is up to the person to decide. Likewise, 5 or 6 times a year is most likely wasteful and overkill.

Are there side effects with Botox?

Yes, there are side effects, but most are common side effects characteristic of minimally invasive approaches. Therefore, most are minor side effects that will not affect the patient’s life and work.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, the FDA suggests that you talk to your doctor first before starting Xeomin, Dysport, or Botox.

The inconvenient side effects, such as facial palsy, lack of mobility of the facial muscles, and dull expression, are usually caused by incompetence or improper dose calculation.

Fluid leakage in the treated area may also occur. If this happens, do not rub the site injection area for the next 12 hours.

What do I need to do after Botox treatment?

As a general precaution, a patient must go home immediately and take a rest after Botox.

• Do not lie down for the next couple of hours. You may recline your body, but do not lie down flat.
• Do nothing strenuous. Avoid doing activities that increase your heart rate. Low impact exercises are fine.
• Avoid sun exposure and heat (like sauna or body steaming)
• Supplements and blood-thinning medications should be avoided. Supplements may have unpredictable effects on bruising and bleeding.

How do you make the effect of Botox last longer?

First of all, get the service from a highly qualified provider. Visage Clinic is a popular choice among clientele in the Toronto area.

On your part, you can do the following:

• Make it a habit to use sunscreen.
• Product migration should be avoided, as it will diminish the effect on the treated area. Keep your hands off the treated area.
• Facial movement after treatment can help the product to spread evenly.

What age is good for Botox?

The best time to get a Botox treatment for the first time is when fine lines start becoming visible. It is recommended to consider getting the first treatment between the age of 20 and 30.

However, there are no restrictions as to what age. The treatment is also safe for people who are in their sixties. In terms of safety, there has never been any severe case verified by the FDA in the last 30 years, although this does not account for unwanted looks (or results) and poor treatment.

Thus, we can safely say that Botox is probably the safest drug in dermatology for any age. Botox is also temporary and goes away in three months.

Is preventative Botox recommended?

Yes, it is recommended to people as young as 20 years old. After several Botox treatments in the same area, the muscle is relaxed for several months or stops contracting at all.

Continuous injections will make the collagen remain plump, thus preventing wrinkles. As Botox has been in use for many years, many plastic surgeons believe it is an effective and safe solution that lasts long and causes only a few inconvenient side effects.

What is the truth about wrinkles and fine lines getting worse after Botox?

Some patients report that this is what exactly happened to them. That is why people should get the best option when choosing providers.

The right dose is an essential requirement for achieving the best result without any possibility of a relapse. The experience of the provider is also a criterion to consider.

How is Botox different from dermal fillers?

The difference between these two types of treatment relates to their physical effect. Dermal fillers increase the volume of matter underneath the skin. Thus, they are probably not the best options for treating areas around the lips and the cheeks.

Botox, on the other hand, does not have a lifting effect. What it has is a paralyzing effect targeting muscles in the treatment site.