“I use it very sparingly. I want to look natural.”
– Vanessa Williams
Botulinum toxin works by inhibiting muscle movement. To be exact, it prevents nerve impulses from being transmitted from the brain to the muscles. These impulses travel through our nervous system and crosses from nerve to nerve at junctions called the nerve synapses.
Botulinum toxin targets and blocks nerve synapses, therefore breaking the message chain. Without this message from the brain to the muscle (or any other body part), the muscle will not receive the instructions to move.
More toxin = more movement inhibited (more nerve synapses blocked) = more of a “frozen” look.
For lines and wrinkles (such as the ones on the face and forehead), we usually start with small doses to help prevent dynamic lines from forming.
For facial slimming / jaw muscles, it works by first preventing movement, then eventually the masseter muscle shrinks with the lack of usage and this leads to a sharper, smaller face!
The botulinum toxin works by blocking the nerve impulses to the sebaceous glands and sweat glands on the skin, which reduces oil production and sweat from the face. This in turn reduces clogged pores and minimises pore size. It also has the additional effect of preventing acne, brightening the skin, and improving skin texture!
Hyperhidrosis, or sweaty palms and underarms, can be treated effectively with botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin reduces sweating by blocking the nerve impulses to the sweat glands in our skin. Inhibited sweat glands significantly reduce the amount of perspiration.
How soon can you see results for botulinum toxin to treat excessive sweating: 3-5 days to work
How long does botulinum toxin for excessive sweating last: 6 months
Units of botulinum toxin required to treat excessive sweating: Depending on the area treated – the larger the area, the more required as there are more sweat glands. On average, about 40 – 50 units for each arm or palm.
Note: Botulinum toxin administered for excessive sweating does not affect muscle movement as administered into the skin layer instead of the muscles. However, it is again important to go to an experienced doctor as the skin layer and muscle layer are very close together and incorrect technique can lead to unwanted side effects.
Hyperhidrosis, or sweaty palms and underarms, can be treated effectively with botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin reduces sweating by blocking the nerve impulses to the sweat glands in our skin. Inhibited sweat glands significantly reduce the amount of perspiration.
How soon can you see results for botulinum toxin to treat excessive sweating: 3-5 days to work
How long does botulinum toxin for excessive sweating last: 6 months
Units of botulinum toxin required to treat excessive sweating: Depending on the area treated – the larger the area, the more required as there are more sweat glands. On average, about 40 – 50 units for each arm or palm.
Note: Botulinum toxin administered for excessive sweating does not affect muscle movement as administered into the skin layer instead of the muscles. However, it is again important to go to an experienced doctor as the skin layer and muscle layer are very close together and incorrect technique can lead to unwanted side effects.
Calf muscle reduction is a popular treatment in Korea and a growing request in Singapore. When done on overly muscular calves, it helps to achieves a more feminine curve, making legs look slimmer and longer.
Calf muscle reduction works exactly the same way as how botulinum toxin works for jaw muscle reduction. Calf muscle activity is reduced and restricted, and calf muscles becomes weaker and smaller over the next few weeks. It is akin to how a bodybuilder loses muscle mass after some time if he stops training his muscles.
Note: Too much botulinum injected into the wrong areas in the calves can result in over weakening and one may experience weakness even when walking.
Botulinum injections for shoulder contouring aims to achieve a lean, elegant, and more angular shoulder line, especially for women wearing tubes or strappy dresses. Due to over usage of mobile phone (text neck) and long office working hours, some people can develop a poor posture, which leads to overdeveloped trapezius muscles – masculine, rounded shoulders.
Like calf and jaw muscle reduction, shoulder contouring aims to reduce the size and bulkiness of the trapezius muscle. The trapezius muscle is a muscle that connects the neck and the shoulders and is often the area that feels stiff due to poor posture. For those suffering from stiff and aching shoulders, shoulder contouring has the additional effect of removing these aches!
Showing too much gum when you smile? Yes, a bit of botulinum toxin (and sometimes lip fillers along with this) can change your smile!
A gummy smile happens for some individuals because of the overactive muscles that pull up our upper lip when we smile, causing your upper lip to look thinner than it is and therefore overexposing the upper gums.
Botulinum toxin works by relaxing and reducing the movement of the upper lip muscles. Once these muscles are relaxed, the upward pull of the lips is reduced, and less of the upper gums are exposed.
Note: Too much botulinum toxin administered to the smiling muscles can result in a crocked smile or a reduced smile. If you have too much gum to teeth ratio, speak to a dentist on options to contour your gums!
Celebrities with gummy smiles (some had them fixed!)
There are many more different functions for botulinum toxin, both aesthetic and medical! Botulinum toxin treatment to the chin area to relax a wrinkled chin can sometimes provide a lengthened, v-shaped chin effect.
Cosmetic usage of botulinum toxin is relatively safe in small doses and the right hands. Read more of our opinion on this.
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine or treatment, especially if you have existing skin conditions or concerns. Results may vary from person to person, and individual needs may require different approaches.
Dr Tan Ying Zhou, known as Dr YZ Tan, is the founder and Medical Director of Mizu Aesthetic Clinic.
His journey into aesthetics began with a medical degree from St. George’s, University of London, followed by an internship in Dermatology at the National Taiwan University Hospital.
Some of his favourite aesthetic procedures include nose augmentation and anti-ageing solutions, and he also serves as a trainer for emerging aesthetic doctors.
His philosophy revolves around personalised treatments tailored to each individual’s ageing concerns, aiming to transform the ageing process gracefully into a pleasant journey towards confidence and wellness.
