What is Botox Injection?
Botox injection is a treatment that suppresses excessive muscle contraction by injecting Type A botulinum toxin (botulinum toxin) derived from Clostridium botulinum into specific muscles. It is widely used for symptoms caused by muscle overactivity, such as expression lines, jawline enlargement, hyperhidrosis, and stiff shoulders.
There are Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare-approved drugs for medical use of Botox (Botox® from Allergan and Botulax® from Hugel Pharma). Our clinic uses highly reliable preparations.
The effects are not immediate and appear within several days to two weeks.
Results are not immediate after injection, but rather gradually become noticeable over 3 to 14 days. The maximum effect is reached after two weeks and typically lasts for 3 to 6 months. The duration of the effect varies depending on the individual, treatment area, and muscle mass.
Mechanism of Action of Botox Injections
Botox temporarily blocks nerve signal transmission to muscles (acetylcholine release), thereby weakening muscle contraction. The effect is not permanent, and it gradually returns to normal as new nerve endings are formed.
Primary Indications
Cosmetic Purposes
| Area | Improved Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Glabella | Vertical lines (frown lines) |
| Forehead | Horizontal lines |
| Crow's feet | Crow's feet / laugh lines |
| Jawline | Square jawline due to masseter hypertrophy / facial slimming effect |
| Corners of the mouth | Lifting the corners of the mouth |
| Gummy smile | Exposure of gums when smiling |
| Chin (mental crease) | Pebbled chin |
| Nose | Bunny lines (wrinkles on the nose) |
| Neck | Vertical neck lines (platysma muscle) |
Medical Purposes
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Hyperhidrosis (axillary/palmar) | Insurance coverage for severe hyperhidrosis |
| Osmidrosis | Reduced odor by suppressing sweat |
| Blepharospasm | Eyelid twitching |
| Hemifacial spasm | Twitching on one side of the face |
| Stiff shoulders | Trapezius muscle / shoulder muscle tension |
| Clenching / teeth grinding | Injection into the masseter muscle |
| Calves | Slimming of muscular lower legs |
Treatment Flow
- Counseling/Consultation: Confirmation of area, desired outcome, and medical history
- Photography: For comparison before and after treatment
- Marking: Checking injection points
- Anesthetic cream (if desired): Applied for 15-20 minutes to numb the sensation
- Injection: Small amounts injected at several points with a thin needle (5-15 minutes)
- Aftercare: Explanation of precautions
Course of Effect and Duration
| Period | Condition |
|---|---|
| Treatment day to 2 days later | No effect yet |
| 3 to 7 days later | Muscle movement gradually weakens |
| 2 weeks later | Maximum effect, wrinkles become less noticeable |
| 3 months later | Effect gradually begins to diminish |
| 4 to 6 months later | Effect is halved, time for additional treatment |
Continuous treatment for skin that is "less prone to wrinkles"
By undergoing regular Botox treatments, the muscle memory that causes wrinkles is weakened, and expression lines are less likely to become etched. The recommended frequency is once every 4 to 6 months.
Side Effects and Risks
Common Side Effects (mild and temporary)
- Bruising, swelling, redness at the injection site (disappears within a few days)
- Mild headache (especially initially, improves within a few days)
- Pain at the injection site
- Temporary discomfort / muscle heaviness
Rare Side Effects
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid): Due to misplacement of the injection, improves within a few weeks to months.
- Brow ptosis
- Facial asymmetry
- Effect too strong/too weak
- Allergic reaction (very rare)
Side Effects Specific to the Jawline Area
- Discomfort when eating (chewing power may be slightly weakened)
- Temple hollowing (if masseter muscle atrophies too much with long-term high doses)
Tips for safe treatment
The physician's anatomical knowledge and technique greatly influence the results. It is important to determine the appropriate injection site, depth, and dosage. Even if the effect is too strong or asymmetry occurs, the treatment has a low risk of permanent changes as it naturally recovers within 3 to 6 months.
Who Cannot Receive Treatment or Requires Caution
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- History of allergy to botulinum toxin
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Individuals with severe bleeding disorders
Caution Required
- Using muscle relaxants or aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Taking anticoagulants (risk of bruising)
- History of facial nerve paralysis
- Consultation required if planning pregnancy within 1 year after treatment
Pre- and Post-Treatment Precautions
Before Treatment
- Remove makeup from the treatment area.
- Limit alcohol intake the day before (increases bruising).
- Inform us in advance if you are taking anticoagulants.
- Postpone treatment if you are feeling unwell.
After Treatment
- Do not vigorously rub or press the injection site on the day of treatment.
- Do not lie down for 4-6 hours (to prevent Botox from spreading).
- Avoid strenuous exercise, bathing (showers are okay), saunas, and alcohol on the day of treatment.
- Avoid massage, aesthetic treatments, and vigorous facial cleansing on the day of treatment.
- Avoid peeling and laser treatments for 2 weeks.
Features of Our Clinic's Botox Injections
- Uses highly reliable preparations approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Botox®/Botulax®)
- Covers a wide range of needs, from cosmetic to medical purposes (hyperhidrosis, stiff shoulders, blepharospasm, etc.)
- For symptoms covered by insurance (severe axillary hyperhidrosis, blepharospasm, etc.), insurance prescription is also considered.
- Treatment performed after checking general health condition, as it is combined with internal medicine.
- Thorough counseling to align desires with anatomical suitability.
- Aftercare support.
- Walk-ins/same-day appointments OK / Open 9:00-21:00 daily / 1 minute walk from Jujo Station.
Medical Botox is a highly safe treatment.
With a track record of use worldwide since the 1980s, it is a very safe treatment if injected in the appropriate dosage and correct area. Even those who are anxious about the effects can start with a small amount and adjust it.
