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Botulinum Toxin

At Livingstone Dermatology, we understand that your skin is a reflection of your health and well-being. We are committed to the latest advancements in dermatological science, and dedicated to providing you with quality care.

What is
Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin is an in-clinic conversation. This treatment uses purified protein to temporarily relax selected muscles. It has decades of clinical use in both medicine and aesthetics and is one of the most studied injectables available. In everyday practice, it is used to soften dynamic facial lines, reduce excessive sweating and treat a range of medical conditions caused by unwanted muscle activity.

How does Botulinum Toxin work?

The medicine acts at the point where nerves and muscles or glands communicate. Its effects can be broken down into simple steps:

PROCESS	DESCRIPTION
Normal muscle contraction	Nerve endings release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle, causing it to contract.
What the toxin does	Once injected, botulinum toxin enters the nerve endings. It blocks the release of acetylcholine, preventing the “contract” signal from reaching the muscle. As a result, the targeted muscle stays relaxed instead of tightening.
Why is the effect temporary	The toxin does not permanently damage the nerve. Over several months, the nerve endings slowly regenerate new connections. Once this happens, acetylcholine release resumes and muscle activity returns.
Effect on sweat glands	Sweat glands are also stimulated by acetylcholine. By blocking this signal, the injections reduce sweat production in the treated area.

What conditions can Botulinum Toxin treat?

The treatment is widely known for its role in aesthetics, but its use extends far beyond softening wrinkles. Our dermatologists rely on it to address a range of both cosmetic and medical concerns.

This includes:

Cosmetic uses

Eyebrow shaping – subtle lifting for a refreshed look.
Facial lines and wrinkles – such as frown lines, forehead creases and crow’s feet.
Gummy smile – reducing excessive gum show when smiling.
Jawline slimming – by relaxing bulky masseter muscles.
Lip lines and chin dimpling – softening puckering or uneven textures.
Neck bands – smoothing vertical lines in the neck area.

Medical uses

Blepharospasm – reducing involuntary eyelid twitching or spasm.
Bruxism – reducing teeth grinding and jaw clenching linked to overactive masseter muscles.
Chronic migraine – easing the frequency and severity of headaches.
Hyperhidrosis – controlling excessive sweating in the underarms, palms or soles.
Muscle spasticity – relaxing stiff or overactive muscles caused by neurological conditions.

What are the benefits of Botulinum Toxin?

There are several clear advantages which explain its popularity, such as:

Customisable treatment – doses and injection points are tailored to each patient’s needs.
Little to no downtime – most patients resume normal activities straight after.
Minimally invasive – given through tiny injections without the need for surgery.
Natural-looking results – when performed by a skilled dermatologist, improvements look subtle rather than overdone.
Quick procedure – treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Versatile applications – effective for both cosmetic concerns and medical conditions.
Temporary but repeatable – results last for several months and sessions can be repeated to maintain the effect.

What are the possible side effects of Botulinum Toxin?

While generally considered safe, no medical treatment is entirely free of side effects. Most reactions are mild, short-lived and settle without the need for further intervention. Potential effects may include:

Common local effects – mild bruising, redness, tenderness or slight swelling at the injection site.
General symptoms – some patients report headache, flu-like symptoms or temporary dry mouth.
Temporary muscle effects – nearby muscles may weaken, leading to drooping eyelids, eyebrow asymmetry or a subtle change in facial expression. These usually resolve as the effect of the toxin wears off.
Rare but serious complications – difficulty swallowing or breathing may occur if injections affect neck muscles or if there is systemic spread. These are very uncommon when the procedure is performed by trained clinicians using appropriate doses.

How is Botulinum Toxin administered?

The injections are typically carried out safely in the clinic and typically take only a short time. Each step is designed to keep the experience smooth and comfortable:

Skin preparation – the treatment area is gently cleansed with an antiseptic solution to lower the risk of infection.
Comfort measures – although the injections are usually well tolerated, a numbing cream or ice pack can be applied if the area is sensitive.
Precise placement – using an ultra-fine needle, the doctor delivers tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into carefully chosen muscles or glands. The number of injection points depends on the concern being treated.
Individualised dosing – the quantity is adjusted to suit the muscle strength, location and desired outcome, ensuring a natural look and safe result.
Aftercare in clinic – once the injections are completed, any minor redness or bumps are cooled with a cold pack. Patients are usually free to return to their daily activities straight away.

What can I expect after the treatment?

Most people carry on with normal routines immediately after leaving the clinic. In the first hours to days, it is common to notice:

Slight redness, swelling or tiny raised spots at the injection sites, which fade quickly.
A gradual onset of effect, whereby the targeted muscles start relaxing over 3 to 7 days, with the full result visible in about 2 weeks.
A lighter, more comfortable feeling in areas such as the jaw if muscle tension was being treated.
Subtle, natural-looking changes rather than sudden or dramatic differences.

What results can I expect?

The improvements depend on the concern being treated, but common outcomes include:

Smoother facial lines and a more refreshed expression.
Softer jawline contours when treating teeth grinding or bulky jaw muscles.
Reduced frequency or intensity of tension headaches or migraines.
Noticeable dryness in treated areas, such as the underarms, when used for excessive sweating.

While results are not instant, most patients notice progressive changes over the following days and weeks, with effects typically lasting 3 to 6 months.

How many sessions do I need?

The treatment schedule varies by individual needs and the condition addressed:

Single session – often enough for temporary relief of lines or jaw tension.
Regular repeat sessions – usually every 3 to 6 months to maintain smoother skin or control medical conditions like hyperhidrosis.
Long-term maintenance – for patients who wish to keep consistent results, ongoing treatments are tailored to their lifestyle and goals.

Summary

When performed by an experienced dermatologist, botulinum toxin treatment provides a safe and versatile solution that fits seamlessly into daily life. The procedure is quick and it involves little to no downtime. It can also be tailored to address your specific concerns, whether cosmetic or medical. Many people find reassurance in the fact that its effects are temporary and adjustable, giving them control over how their appearance or symptoms are managed.

More importantly, this treatment is not about changing who you are but about helping you feel more comfortable in your own skin. With the right approach, results look natural, never overdone and bring lasting relief and renewed confidence.

If you are considering whether this option is right for you, a detailed consultation with our dermatologist will help you understand how it can be safely customised to meet your goals. Book an appointment with us today to discover if botulinum toxin is the right choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the treatment look obvious or frozen?

When doses are tailored to your facial anatomy and movement, the aim is a natural, rested look rather than a frozen appearance. Skilled injectors balance muscle relaxation with preserved expression.

How soon will I see the effects and how long do they last?

Early changes can be noticed after a few days and the full result is usually seen around two weeks. Results typically last three to six months, though this varies between individuals.

Is Botox safe in Singapore?

Yes. Botulinum toxin has a long safety record when used by trained professionals. Clinics in Singapore follow strict standards for product sourcing, storage and injection technique.

Are there any groups who should avoid it?

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding are usually advised to defer treatment. Those with certain neuromuscular disorders or active infections at the injection site should avoid it. Always mention all medicines and medical conditions during your consultation.

Can botulinum toxin be combined with other treatments?

Absolutely. It is often used alongside fillers, lasers, skin peels and skincare programmes to achieve a comprehensive result. Our dermatologist can recommend a safe combination plan and appropriate sequencing.

Does it affect future treatments or cause resistance?

Most people respond well to ongoing treatment. A small fraction may develop neutralising antibodies over many years of very frequent high-dose use, which is uncommon in routine cosmetic or medical practice.

How much does it cost in Singapore?

Prices vary depending on the clinic, the product brand, the areas treated and the total dose required. Our clinic will provide a clear cost estimate during consultation.

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