Botox cosmetics used to treat rosacea? You read the title right!

Botox cosmetics, an injectable you may know for its anti-aging purposes, can also be used to treat cases of rosacea. 

How does it work? Keep reading to find out more! 

What is Botox Cosmetics? 

Botox injections (​​Botulinum toxin), is a medical toxin that is well known in aesthetic medicine to temporarily relax facial muscles to prevent or treat signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on the treated area and the size of the muscle being treated, different amounts of units are needed to relax the muscle for the client’s desired result.

Although Botox is known primarily as the top anti-aging treatment, it is used for other medical purposes such as excessive sweating, muscle spasms, migraines and even to treat lazy eyes. So although it might seem like using Botox cosmetics for reasons other than wrinkles is a new thing, it’s a multipurpose injectable that has been around for decades on end! 

So how can it help with your rosacea? Keep reading!

How does Botox for Rosacea work?

As you may or may not know, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease which results in swollen blood vessels on the face. Although researchers aren’t 100% sure what the cause of this condition is, they do know what triggers it. You can find a list of triggers here.

In terms of Botox for rosacea treatment specifically, skin care physicians use type A botulinum toxin, and inject a diluted dose into the affected skin. Once injected into the skin, the botox triggers an anti-inflammatory response, which shrinks swollen blood vessels associated with all 4 stages of rosacea. This improves everything from flushing, to postule, to enlarged nasal veins found, treating all stages of rosacea.

What to expect?

Depending on the severity of your rosacea, you can expect to be treated with anywhere from 15-45 units in either 1 or 2 sessions. When it comes to this treatment, instead of Dr. Shehla Ebrahim injecting pure Botox into the muscle tissue, she will dilute it with a saline-like solution, and it will be injected more superficially into the skin.

Just like Botox used for medical aesthetic purposes, this is not a one time fix. You can expect follow-up treatments anywhere from the 8 week to 9 month mark depending on your skin’s unique response. 

Where to seek treatment? 

If you are looking for effective “hands off” rosacea treatment, Botox cosmetics may be the right treatment for you, keeping in mind that combination treatment may be required for optimal results.

To discuss your options, we invite you to book a consultation with Vancouver, BC skin care physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim. To book your consultation, CLICK HERE.