Botulinum toxin: which specialist to choose?

11/07/2023

Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulatory drug that can only be obtained by prescription.

When choosing the professional with whom to carry out a botulinum toxin injected treatment to treat wrinkles in the upper third of the face, we must take into account the delicacy of this area where structures as important as the eyes are located.

There are oculoplastic ophthalmologists who are dedicated solely to the eye area —eyelids, tear ducts, orbit and eye contour— also treating aesthetic concerns in this area, but with the added value of knowing in depth the anatomy of this region of the face. At the same time, they are capable of treating any other part of the face with botulinum toxin to achieve a change in the facial oval, the angles of the lips, the direction of the tip of the nose, to name a few.

An inadequate technique or an excess in the dose of this toxin can cause muscle paralysis or a diffusion of the product towards an unwanted area, giving way to adverse effects such as drooping of the eyelid, excessive raising of the eyebrows, excessive tearing or dry eyes. Oculoplasty specialists modulate the treatment so that the effect is soft and natural.

In this way, specialization in oculoplasty and continuous training in oculofacial aesthetics places the oculoplastic ophthalmologist in a unique position when it comes to achieving optimal results in any treatment of the periocular area, but also to prevent complications and detect other conditions, if there are, offering the patient extra comfort and safety.

Dr. Rob van der Veen, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre