Botulinum Toxin (“botox”)

The Eye Centers offers botulinum toxin injections for fine lines and wrinkles at our Fairview Park and Middleburg Heights locations!

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Woman without fine lines and wrinkles from botulinum toxin "botox" injections

What is botulinum toxin (“botox”)?

Botulinum toxin (often referred to “Botox” by patients) is a purified substance derived from bacteria. Botulinum toxin works by weakening the muscles where it in injected. This in turn results in reducing the fine lines and wrinkles caused by the contraction of those muscles.

Woman's eyes before and after botulinum toxin ("botox") injections for wrinkles, fine lines around the eyes ("crow's feet")
Woman eyes before and after an anti age treatment for wrinkles and crow’s feet
Woman at doctor's office without fine lines and wrinkles getting botulinum toxin ("botox") injections

What can botulinum toxin treat?

  • Brow lines (“11’s”)
  • Forehead lines
  • “Bunny lines” on the side of the nose
  • Brow droop
  • Crow’s feet
  • Smoker’s lines
  • Frown lines/to lift corner’s of the mouth

Why go to an ophthalmologist for botulinum toxin injections?

Botulinum toxin (“botox”) was first used by ophthalmologists as early as 1970 for strabismus (crossed eyes) treatment. Since then, injections have been approved for multiple uses in ophthalmology, such as blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and facial dyskinesia.

Ophthalmologists have been trained in surgery on and around the eye and eyelids. Ophthalmologists have an intricate knowledge of the facial and eyelid anatomy including the muscles, nerves and vasculature. For this reason, an ophthalmologist is an ideal choice to get the results you desire.

FAQs

What is the difference between Botox and Xeomin?

There are several “brands” of botulinum toxin A available. The Eye Centers use Xeomin, which is considered the most “pure” form of botulinum toxin with no additives. This decreases the risk of developing antibodies against the product. The onset of action and duration is the same as other brands.

How soon will I see results?

You can expect results in 3-7 days following your treatment.

Where are the injections performed?

We offer botulinum toxin injections at two of our office locations: Fairview Park and Middleburg Heights. Appointments are typically during lunch hours or at the end of the day to accommodate patients’ work schedules.

How long does it last?

Results can last up to 3-6 months after your first injection. After this, treatment may need repeated. Over time, results can last longer and longer.

How do I prepare?

To prevent bruising after treatment, avoid aspirin-containing products or high-dose vitamin E supplements (unless your doctor has recommended otherwise) for 10 days prior to treatment 

How long does the procedure take?

The actual procedure only takes about 5-10 minutes. Your provider may use numbing cream which will sit for about 10-15 minutes prior to the procedure.

What restrictions will I have afterwards?

Your provider will recommend no strenuous activity for 24 hours after the procedure to avoid increase in blood flow which may result in spread of the toxin. We also recommend avoiding rubbing your face for 24 hours following the procedure. You may resume your skin care routine and makeup application immediately afterwards.

Most people go back to work immediately following the procedure with very little evidence that they had anything done to their face.

What are the risks?

The most common risk of botulinum toxin A injections is minimal pain around the injection site. Numbing cream prior to the procedure helps minimize this. Bruising is less common but if this does occur, it resolves in about 7-10 days and can be covered up with makeup.

Avoiding aspirin containing medications and high dose Vitamin E supplements help to avoid this. Rare complications are a result of the migration of the toxin and include eyelid drooping. This complication is very rare when injected by an experienced physician.

Can I get injections when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

While there is no evidence that botulinum toxin injections negatively affect the fetus or baby while pregnant or nursing, there is insufficient evidence to show the safety. For this reason, we will ask that you wait until you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding for your treatment.

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