Botox injections: eye aesthetics
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections relax facial muscles to soften wrinkles such as crow's feet and frown lines. These lines form after years of repeated muscle contractions. The treatment lasts 3 to 4 months and must be repeated. Injections cost between €200 and €400, depending on the surgeon and the area treated. They are most often performed by cosmetic surgeons or ophthalmologists (oculoplastic surgeons).
Why get Botox® injections?
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can smooth out wrinkles caused by facial spasms (grimaces). In cases of deep hollows, they can be combined with hyaluronic acid, which acts as a filler. The main indications for Botox are:
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Frown lines – These are the lines on the glabella, the area between the eyebrows. These lines give a look that is considered severe and can be softened.
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Crow's feet – Worsened when smiling, crow's feet are the first wrinkles to appear on the face. They are the first signs of skin aging and are often difficult to accept.
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Forehead wrinkles – Forehead wrinkles often appear alongside or after frown lines. Reducing them helps improve facial harmony and rejuvenate the appearance.
A closer look at the treatment of blepharospasm – eyelid twitching
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Botulinum toxin injections are most often performed for cosmetic purposes. However, the purified, injectable toxin was initially developed for medical purposes to treat muscle spasms.
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In ophthalmology, botulinum toxin is injected into the eyelids for medical purposes. It is used to treat spasms and tremors of the eyelid and face known as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.
At what age should you start Botox?
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Treating wrinkles early helps limit their development. It's therefore important to understand that the earlier treatments are started after wrinkles appear, the better the long-term results will be.
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The minimum legal age for any cosmetic procedure is 18. However, botulinum toxin injections are rarely necessary before the age of 25-30.
Choosing your doctor
Once you've decided to undergo a cosmetic facial treatment, choosing the right practitioner is essential. For injections, it's recommended to select a doctor with additional training, such as a university diploma (DU or DIU). For example:
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Inter-university diploma – Orbito-palpebro-lacrimal surgery and pathology.
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University Diploma – Botulinum toxin and movement disorders.
Doctors must clearly display their training and qualifications. They must be registered with the medical board, practice in facilities that meet standards, and have supplementary insurance.
First consultation – Meet your doctor
The first consultation with the doctor is a special moment. The atmosphere should be supportive and a relationship of open communication should be established. It's essential to talk about your needs and desires. However, also allow time to discuss the following topics:
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Name of the injected product.
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Recovery time.
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Expected result.
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Possible risks and side effects.
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Managing potential complications.
The doctor who performs the consultation is also the one who will provide the treatment and follow-up.
Contraindications to Botox
Botox injections are not recommended if you:
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You are suffering from a skin infection.
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You suffer from a neuromuscular disease such as myasthenia gravis.
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Are currently ill or unusually tired.
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Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
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Are taking anticoagulants or do you suffer from a clotting disorder?
Botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes can only be performed if you are of legal age and not under guardianship or curatorship.
Procedure for the injections
Injections are a medical procedure, carried out with care under strict hygiene conditions.
Preparation
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Please come to the injections carefully made up, with your face washed with clean water and soap.
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You will be seated in a comfortable armchair with a headrest to prevent involuntary movements.
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Your face will be thoroughly disinfected.
Treatment – Injections
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The treatment is performed using an extremely fine needle.
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You will be asked to reproduce certain facial expressions (grimaces) in order to select the areas to be treated.
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If necessary, reference points will be made using a dermographic pencil. However, this step is not essential.
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Injections will be administered into the various contracted muscles.
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The procedure usually lasts 5 to 15 minutes depending on the areas to be treated.
Recovery – After the procedure
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It takes 2 or 3 days for the toxin's effects to begin and 2 to 3 weeks for the full effect to be felt. Therefore, you will not see results immediately.
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Do not massage or vigorously rub your face for 3 days. Do not apply makeup to the treated areas and avoid strenuous exercise.
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For the first few days, protect your skin from the sun to avoid marking at the injection sites.
Duration and repetition of injections
The effects of Botox injections generally last 3 to 4 months. Therefore, you must wait 3 months before another treatment. This treatment can be continued regularly.
How much do Botox injections cost?
Botox injections require the doctor to order the toxin vials and provide the necessary equipment. The cost ranges from €200 to €400 depending on the areas treated. This price includes the product, injection equipment, and follow-up care in case of any complications.
Risks and complications
The risks of Botox injections are low if they are performed correctly by a qualified practitioner. However, your doctor should inform you of any potential risks and complications. After the treatment, you may experience:
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Bruising, swelling and redness at the injection sites.
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A frozen expression – Sometimes you may find yourself unable to move certain facial muscles, especially in cases of slight overdose. Fortunately, this is a reversible side effect.
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Ptosis – Sometimes the eyelid droops due to the relaxation of the forehead muscles.
In exceptional cases, serious complications may occur:
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Decreased visual acuity
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Diplopia – Double Vision
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Respiratory and cardiac problems may occur if the substance enters the bloodstream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to reverse the effects of Botox?
Botox is a toxin that is naturally eliminated by the human body. Its effects will gradually wear off over a few weeks to months. There is no antidote.
How to sleep after Botox injections?
To help the swelling subside, it is best to sleep in a semi-reclined position in the days following a Botox injection.
Is it possible to wear makeup after Botox injections?
It is best to wait 48-72 hours before resuming makeup after a Botox injection.
Why avoid sports after a Botox injection?
It is best to avoid exercising the day after a Botox injection, as the increased blood flow during exercise can promote systemic absorption (spread throughout the body) of the toxin. This spread can lead to muscle contraction problems and potentially respiratory distress.
How much does a Botox injection cost?
Cosmetic Botox injections cost on average between €200 and €400. The price includes the supply of the toxin vial and sterile injection equipment.