The injection technique used for Innotox is similar to other botulinum toxin products, and involves injecting small amounts of the product directly into the targeted muscles using a fine needle. The exact injection points and dosage of Innotox will depend on the individual patient and the desired results. In general, Innotox is considered safe and effective, with mild and temporary side effects such as pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, headache, dry mouth, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
Innotox is a liquid form of botulinum toxin type A, produced by Medytox in South Korea. Unlike traditional botulinum toxin products that come in a powder form requiring reconstitution, Innotox is ready-to-use, eliminating the potential for dilution errors. It is primarily used for cosmetic purposes, such as reducing wrinkles, and can also be applied in medical settings to treat conditions like muscle spasticity.
In fact, it offers safe procedure with short time (from 5 minutes to 30 minutes) that does not require anesthetic.
In addition, the innovative manufacturing technology excludes the introduction of animal-derived protein components and minimizes allergic reactions and side effects. However, the product possesses a wide spectrum of action.
Also, it might be injected into patients of different ages from 25 to 65.
Sanitize and Prepare: Wash your hands thoroughly and wear gloves. Clean the patient’s skin with antiseptic wipes to reduce the risk of infection.
Mark Injection Sites: Using a facial marker or white eyeliner pencil, mark the specific injection sites. Common areas include the forehead (glabellar lines), around the eyes (crow’s feet), and between the eyebrows (frown lines).
Determine Dosage: Calculate the appropriate dosage based on the patient’s needs and the treatment area. Typical dosages vary, but precise measurement is crucial to avoid complications.
Injection Technique: Hold the syringe like a pencil, and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle for superficial injections (such as forehead lines) or a 45-degree angle for deeper injections (such as frown lines). Inject slowly and steadily to minimize discomfort and ensure even distribution of the product.
Forehead (Horizontal Lines): Inject small amounts of Innotox at multiple sites across the forehead, spaced about 1-2 cm apart.
Glabellar Lines (Frown Lines): Typically, five injection points are used in the glabellar complex: one at the procerus muscle and four in the corrugator muscles.
Crow’s Feet (Periorbital Lines): Inject around the lateral canthus, usually three points on each side.
Bunny Lines (Nasal Lines): Inject on either side of the nose to smooth out lines that appear when the patient smiles.
Many of the muscles in the face are located very close together, which is why Botulinum toxin procedures may go wrong, especially when they are performed by those without a competent level of Botox training.
In fact, the frontalis muscle actually overlaps the corrugator muscle, resting over the corrugator medially yet underneath it laterally. This can make it tricky to inject the corrugator supercilii muscle without affecting the frontalis.
Unfortunately, injecting the frontalis can result in the ‘Mephisto Effect’, leaving the tails of the brows upturned at a very sharp angle. Expert precision is required to target the correct muscle. A similar situation can occur if the orbicularis oris is injected instead of the intended depressor septi, with some patients unable to properly move their upper lip if this happens.
There are some areas of the face where injection of botulinum toxin should be made superficially only, targeting the part of the muscle that lies just underneath the skin. For example, when injecting into the orbicularis oculi around the eyes — an effective method of treating crow’s feet and creating a larger eye appearance — delivering the toxin too deeply can result in a highly raised brow and an unnatural look. Instead, it is more effective to inject this area superficially. This can also minimise post-procedure bruising for the patient. Another facial muscle that should be injected superficially is the orbicularis oris, where a deep injection technique could affect the patient’s speech.
While injecting the botulinum toxin too deeply is a common mistake, so is injecting it too superficially. This problem is most often seen when targeting the masseter muscle near the mouth, which is responsible for chewing. As the risorius muscle sits above the masseter, if the toxin is not delivered deeply enough, the risorius can be affected, resulting in an uneven smile. Even if the masseter muscle is reached, failure to inject deeply enough can leave the lower parts of the muscle moving as normal while the top part is relaxed, creating a ‘chipmunk’ appearance. Practitioners should aim to inject at the site where the muscle meets the bone, using a longer ½” needle for best results.
On average, the results of Innotox injections last three to eight months. However, individual factors, such as metabolism, lifestyle, and the dosage administered, can influence the duration of the Innotox effects.
After the Innotox injections, it may take several days for the muscles to relax fully, and the optimal results are typically seen within a couple of weeks. The effects of Innotox are not permanent and usually last for a few months, after which muscle activity gradually returns, and the treated areas may require re-treatment to maintain the desired results.
Maintenance Innotox treatments are commonly required to prolong the benefits and optimize the desired results. It is generally recommended to schedule repeat injections every three to six months to sustain the benefits of Innotox.
When comparing Innotox vs traditional botulinum toxin, Innotox offers many advantages. The liquid form of Innotox saves time in preparation and minimizes dosing errors. Innotox is more stable and long-lasting than traditional botulinum toxin products, thus providing more consistent results in medical aesthetic applications.
Innotox has a wide range of applications and can be used effectively on different skin types and age groups. Compared to traditional botulinum toxin products, Innotox’s innovative structure, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions, impressive results and speed of application make it possible to say that it offers a much higher level of process quality.
Administering Innotox requires meticulous preparation, precise injection techniques, and thorough aftercare to achieve optimal results and ensure patient safety. By following this comprehensive guide, medical professionals can deliver effective and safe Innotox treatments, enhancing the cosmetic appearance and confidence of their patients.