How is botulinum toxin administered?

Botulinum toxin injections are typically performed in a medical office.

For botulinum toxin to work, it must be injected into the affected area. In cases of muscle overactivity, it is injected directly into the muscle. For sweating disorders, it is injected into the skin, and for salivary disorders, it is injected into the salivary glands.

Most botulinum toxin products come in a powdered form, and therefore your treating physician will first dissolve the botulinum toxin in sterile saline water. The injections are given using a fine needle. Most patients find the injections uncomfortable but not painful. The number of injections required depends on the condition and symptoms being treated, and should be discussed with your physician.