Botulinum toxin injections are becoming more and more popular nowadays. It can remove wrinkles, slim the face, and shape shoulders. It is easy to operate and recovers quickly. It has become the most common item in major medical aesthetic institutions.

But what must be mentioned is the terrible side effect of Botox injection: facial expression stiffness. This can make it difficult for us to communicate with others, and can even become a source of laughter for others.

Why are there such side effects and how should we deal with them? Dr. Huang will explain to you in detail in this article.

Before explaining the side effects of botulinum toxin, let us first understand the principle of botulinum toxin.

Botulinum toxin is a bacterial toxin secreted by Clostridium botulinum during its reproduction. It is highly neurotoxic. There are 7 common types of botulinum toxin, but the one we use most commonly is type A.

Its principle is also very simple, that is, it blocks the nerve signals transmitted to the muscles, causing the muscles to lose work instructions, resulting in relaxation and even slight atrophy. Botulinum toxin is a highly toxic biological toxin, even 10,000 times more toxic than potassium cyanide.

But doctors like it for its ability to relax muscles. In 1979, doctors injected diluted botulinum toxin into patients with facial spasms and other muscle movement disorders to stop muscle spasms, and the results were very good.

But what surprised the doctors even more was the discovery that Botox could smooth wrinkles during the treatment. Soon the cosmetic technology of botulinum toxin injection came into being and quickly became popular.

However, in the actual clinical process, many cases have the consequences of stiff expressions.

1. Normal reaction after formal operation

In most cases, symptoms of stiff facial expression will appear within 14 days after injection. This is a sign that Botox is starting to work on the facial muscles and is normal.

It will return to normal after about 2-8 weeks.

2. The location of botulinum toxin is off-center

Under normal circumstances, botulinum toxin is injected on the masseter muscle, which is rarely involved in expressions. However, if the injection point is deviated, it may cause the botulinum toxin to affect other muscles, resulting in a stiff facial expression. This situation usually lasts about 8 weeks.

3. The location of botulinum toxin injection is too shallow

If the injection doctor is not skilled in the operation and is not familiar with the facial anatomy, he may inject botulinum toxin into the upper layer of the muscle. In this way, botulinum toxin may damage facial nerves, causing permanent stiffness in expression. There is even a problem with a crooked mouth.

4. Excessive botulinum toxin injection

We know that botulinum toxin is a highly toxic substance. If the beauty seeker is too impatient and injects too many injections at one time, the expression may become stiff or even permanently atrophied.

5. The interval between two injections is too short

After botulinum toxin enters the human body, it will continue to exert its effects for a period of time. If the beauty seeker is too impatient and the time between two injections is too short, permanent damage to the muscles may be caused.

6. Massage the injection site after botulinum toxin injection

Usually, after botulinum toxin injection, the doctor will probably tell you not to massage it with your hands. This is because hand movements will cause the injected botulinum toxin to invade into the adjacent expression muscles, thereby affecting expression control.

The first point: Find a regular medical aesthetic institution

As mentioned above, the doctor’s operation level directly affects the final injection effect and side effects. You must go to a formal institution. I will talk specifically about which institutions can be considered formal later.

Second point: It is best not to lie down within 4 to 6 hours after the injection to avoid the dispersion of botulinum toxin.

Third point: Within 6 hours after injection, it is not advisable to wash your face, do not put on makeup, do not be curious to touch the injection site, and do not exercise.

Point 4: In order to avoid exerting force on the masseter muscle and forcing the botulinum toxin to disperse, try to avoid overuse of the masseter muscle within 8 weeks after injection. Eat less hard-shell foods to reduce the chance of masseter muscle contraction. Avoid spicy, seafood, tobacco and alcohol within a week.

Point 5: Do not massage the area after injection to avoid the spread of botulinum toxin.

Point 6: Facial massage, hot compress, and rubbing are prohibited within one month after injection.

Stiffness in facial expression is not permanent. It will usually recover after three months as the body slowly metabolizes the botulinum toxin out of the body. During this period, you can have a certain recovery effect by strengthening local chewing exercises.