Introduction: Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium A. These toxin can relax the muscles on areas of the face and neck that cause wrinkles associated with facial expressions. Treatment with Botulinum Toxin can cause your facial expression lines or wrinkles to essentially disappear. Areas most frequently treated are: a) glabellar area of frown lines, located between the eyes; b) crow’s feet (lateral areas of the eyes); and c) forehead wrinkles. Botox is diluted to a very controlled solution and when injected into the muscles with a very thin needle. A slight burning sensation may occur while the solution is being injected. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes and the results last 3-4 months. With repeated treatments, the results may tend to last longer.
I understand that I will be injected with Botulinum Toxin, referred to as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Daxxify and/or Xeomin (hereafter will be referred to as Botulinum Toxin). I understand the goal is to decrease the wrinkles in the treated area. This paralysis is temporary, and re-injection is necessary. It has been explained to me that other temporary and more permanent treatments are available. The possible side effects of Botulinum Toxin include but are not limited to:
1. Risks: I understand there is a risk of swelling, rash, headache, local numbness, pain at the injection site, bruising, respiratory problems, and allergic reaction.
2. Infection: Infections can occur which in most cases are easily treatable but in rare cases a permanent scarring in the area can occur.
3. Most people have slightly swollen pinkish bumps at the injection sites for a couple of hours or even several days.
4. Although many people with chronic headaches or migraines often get relief from Botulinum Toxin, a small percent of patients get headaches following treatment with Botulinum Toxin, for the first day. In a very small percentage of patients these headaches can persist for several days or weeks.
5. Local numbness, rash, pain at the injection site, flu-like symptoms with mild fever, back pain.
6. Bruising is possible anytime you inject a needle into the skin. This bruising can last for several hours, days, weeks, months and in rare cases the effect of bruising could be permanent.
7. While local weakness of the injected muscles is representative of the expected pharmacological action of Botulinum Toxin, weakness of adjacent muscles may occur as a result of the spread of the toxin.
8. Treatments: I understand more than one injection may be needed to achieve a satisfactory result.
9. Another risk when injecting Botulinum Toxin around the eyes include corneal exposure because people may not be able to blink the eyelids as often as they should to protect the eye. This inability to protect the eye has been associated with damage to the eye as impaired vision, or double vision, which is usually temporary. This reduced blinking has been associated with corneal ulcerations. There are medications that can help lift the eyelid, however, if the drooping is too great the eye drops are not that effective. These side effects can last for several weeks or longer. This occurs in 2-5 percent of patients.
10. I will follow all aftercare instructions as it is crucial I do so for healing.
As Botulinum Toxin is not an exact science, there might be an uneven appearance of the face with some muscles more affected by Botulinum Toxin than others. In most cases this uneven appearance can be corrected by injecting Botulinum Toxin in the same or nearby muscles. However in some cases this uneven appearance can persist for several weeks or months.
This list is not meant to be inclusive of all possible risks associated with Botulinum Toxin as there are both known and unknown side effects associated with any medication or procedure.
Botulinum Toxin should not be administered to a pregnant or nursing women and I confirm I am not pregnant and/or nursing.
I also confirm that I do not have significant neurologic disease or allergies to eggs or human albumin.
The number of units injected is an estimate of the amount of Botulinum Toxin required to paralyze the muscles. I understand there is no guarantee of results of any treatment.
I understand the regular charge applies to all subsequent treatments. I understand and agree that all services rendered to me are charged directly to me and that I am personally responsible for payment. I further agree that in the event of non-payment, to bear the cost of collection, and/or Court costs and reasonable legal fees, should this be required.