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Before the procedure
Although most people tolerate the injection discomfort well, you may want your skin to be numb beforehand. Several options are available, including:
- Injections. Your doctor can inject a numbing medication into your skin.
- Cream. A prescription cream can be applied 60 to 90 minutes before the procedure.
- Cold spray. A blast of very cold air is directed at the skin for about 10 seconds. The numbness only lasts a few seconds.
During the procedure
Your doctor uses a thin needle to inject tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin or muscles. The number of injections needed depends on many factors, including the extent of the area being treated. Botox injections are usually done in a doctor's office.
After the procedure
Expect to resume your normal daily activities right after the procedure. Take care, though, not to rub or massage the treated areas. This can cause the toxin to migrate to a different area.
- Carruthers J, et al. Overview of botulinum toxin for cosmetic injections. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 14, 2012.
- Botox medication guide. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM176360.pdf. Accessed Dec. 14, 2012.
- AskMayoExpert. Botulinum toxin. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
- OnabotulinumtoxinA (botulinum toxin type A, Botox): Drug information. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 14, 2012.
- FDA approves Botox to treat overactive bladder. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm336101.htm. Jan. 18, 2013.
- OnabotulinumtoxinA (marketed as Botox/Botox Cosmetic), AbobotulinumtoxinA (marketed as Dysport) and RimabotulinumtoxinB (marketed as Myobloc) information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA boxed warning alert: August 2009. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm174949.htm. Accessed Dec. 17, 2012.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Botulinum toxin treatment. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Managing pain for your child's Botox injection. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
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