Marking up for Botulinum Toxin Injections
Master of Aesthetics Level 7 will cover everything you need to start injecting. This will of course include knowing where to inject botulinum toxin and how to mark up the injection points prior to inserting a needle.
It is essential that practitioners are trained, qualified, insured and fully understand facial anatomy and how to safely carry out this treatment. Complications can arise in the hands of amateurs.
Marking up a client for botulinum toxin injections (often referred to as Botox®, which is a popular brand name) starts with a detailed assessment of the client’s facial anatomy and the identification of specific areas where the injections will be most effective in achieving the desired aesthetic results. Particularly paying attention to the key muscles, most effected areas and the clients wishes.
The process is highly individualised and requires a thorough understanding of facial muscle dynamics as well as the client’s aesthetic goals. It should not be undertaken by anybody other that qualified and experienced Aesthetic Practitioners.
Here’s a general guideline on how to proceed:
1. Initial Consultation
- Discuss Goals and manage their expectations: Understand your client’s concerns and what they hope to achieve with botulinum toxin injections.
- Medical History: Review the client’s medical history to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the treatment.
- Educate the Client: Inform the client about the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and after-treatment care.
2. Facial Assessment
- Analyse Facial Movements: Ask the client to make various facial expressions (e.g., frowning, raising eyebrows, squinting) to assess the strength and activity of the facial muscles.
- Identify Target Areas:Determine which areas of the face will benefit most from injections. Common areas include the forehead (for horizontal lines), the glabella (for the “11” lines between the eyebrows), and the crow’s feet (around the eyes).
See our page on Why Do We Get Wrinkles for help with facial anatomy.
- Consider Asymmetries: Note any facial asymmetries to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
3. Marking the Injection Sites
- Cleanse the Skin: Ensure the skin is clean and free of makeup or skincare products.
- Mark the Sites: Use a non-permanent, skin-safe marker to dot the specific points where injections will be made. These marks serve as a guide during the injection process.
- For the forehead, marks are often placed along the lines where muscle activity is most pronounced.
- For the glabella, injections typically target the muscles that pull the brows inward.
- For crow’s feet, marks are made around the outer corners of the eyes where smile lines appear.
- Customize the Plan: Adjust the number of units and injection sites based on the client’s muscle mass, the depth of wrinkles, and desired outcomes.
4. Preparing for Injection
- Sanitize the Area: Clean the marked areas with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection.
- Prepare the Botulinum Toxin: Draw the appropriate dose of botulinum toxin into the syringe, adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines and the treatment plan.
5. Performing the Injections
- Inject Precisely: Following the marked points, inject the botulinum toxin carefully into the targeted muscles, avoiding vessels and nerves.
- Use Correct Technique: Vary the depth and angle of injection depending on the area being treated and the thickness of the muscle.
6. Post-Injection Care
- Instructions for the Client: Advise the client on post-treatment care, such as avoiding rubbing the treated areas and staying upright for a certain period after the procedure to prevent the spread of the toxin.
7. Follow-Up
- Schedule a Review: Arrange a follow-up appointment to assess the results and make any necessary adjustments.
It’s crucial that botulinum toxin injections are performed by a qualified healthcare professional who has in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and experience in administering these treatments. They will be able to tailor the marking and injection process to each client’s unique facial structure and desired outcomes
