What is an ID Code for Botox?
ID Code Botox is a Botox injection program offered by Fresh Code Clinic that uses botulinum toxin type A to reduce wrinkles caused by facial expressions, reshape the face for a slimmer look, and for certain medical conditions. This page explains how this substance works, where it is indicated and supported by evidence, and what precautions should be taken before injection.
Key Takeaway
- Botox is botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily prevents muscle contraction. According to the label, BOTOX Cosmetic, the effect on frown lines lasts approximately 3–4 months.[1]
- The cosmetic indications on the label are for forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow's feet, and neck muscle lines in adults.[1] The jawline, face lifting, nasal wings, and calves are not included in the indications listed on the label.[1][2]
- Chronic migraines and underarm sweating are medical indications, but Office syndrome is not listed on the label.[2]
- The label includes a warning about toxicity spreading outside the injection site, and 3% was found to cause ptosis (drooping eyelids) in interbrow wrinkle trials.[1]
- Counterfeit Botox or injections administered by unauthorized individuals have been reported to be dangerous.[4] You should get the injection from a doctor and ask to see the product label.
What is Botox and how does it work?
Botox is the common name for botulinum toxin, a substance derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are several types of botulinum toxin (seven commonly known), and the type used in cosmetic procedures is type A (Botulinum toxin type A).
This substance interferes with the release of neurotransmitters at the nerve-muscle junction, temporarily preventing normal muscle contraction. It is used to reduce wrinkles caused by facial expressions, reduce muscle size for facial contouring, and in certain medical conditions. The dosage varies depending on the location, facial shape, and the doctor's assessment, as indicated on the BOTOX Cosmetic label. The effects on frown lines typically last about 3-4 months.[1]
Regarding brands: This page does not specify the brands used in the program, but each brand of product has different indications and unit sizes, and the label indicates that the unit of one product cannot be compared to or converted to the unit of another product.[1] You should ask the clinic what brand they use, request to see the box and label, and check the FDA registration number of the product.
Where is Botox injected, and what are the benefits?
This table shows what each clinical placement indicates the benefit of and the indications or evidence supporting it. Off-label use does not mean it is prohibited; physicians can exercise discretion, but must explain the evidence and risks on a case-by-case basis.
| position | The clinic stated that it helps. | Indications as stated on the label and evidence found. |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead, between eyebrows, corner of the eye | Reduces wrinkles caused by facial expressions; skin appears firmer and more youthful. | Indicated on the label as BOTOX Cosmetic for adults. The stated result is an improvement in appearance. temporary It does not state that it provides permanent wrinkle protection.[1] |
| wrinkle your nose | Reduce nose wrinkles | Not indicated on the label (label specifies between eyebrows, corner of the eye, forehead, and neck muscle strip).[1] |
| jaw | The jaw muscles become smaller, resulting in a slimmer face. Not suitable for people with sunken or sagging cheeks. | Not listed for use on the label.[1][2] Small, randomized trials were conducted, and the results were inconsistent (see section on results).[3] |
| Face lifting | Tightens facial skin and defines jawline, suitable for those with moderate sagging. | Not listed for use on the label.[1][2] No research has been found to review for this page. |
| nostrils | The nostrils become smaller and the nostrils appear narrower. | Not listed for use on the label.[1][2] No research has been found that examines this. |
| Armpits (reduce sweating) | Reduce the activity of the sweat glands. | Botox is indicated for excessive underarm sweating that cannot be controlled by topical medications. Its safety and effectiveness in other areas have not been proven.[2] |
| calf | The calf muscles become slimmer. | Not indicated for cosmetic use. The label refers to the calf area specifically for the treatment of spasticity.[2] No research has been found that examines this. |
| migraine | The migraine pain has decreased and is not as severe as before. | It is indicated for the prevention of chronic migraine (headache at least 15 days a month) in adults. Its effectiveness in rare migraines has not been proven.[2] |
| Office syndrome | The back muscles relax, and as a side effect for some people, the back and neck appear smaller. | Not indicated (the label mentions cervical dystonia and spasticity, but not myofascial pain).[2] |
Results and duration
Wrinkles: According to the label, the effects on frown lines last approximately 3–4 months, and the safety and efficacy of injections more frequently than every 3 months have not been evaluated.[1] For crow's feet wrinkles (24 Units), two trials found responses meeting trial criteria of 26.1% (58/222) and 20.3% (62/306) compared to placebo 1.3% and 0%. These figures depend on the criteria set by the trials.[1]
jaw: A randomized, triple-blind trial in 26 Brazilian women (22 analyzed) used Dysport 75 units per side for 6 months. Right jaw muscle was not significantly different from the placebo group, while the left side was thinner (13.90 vs. 15.20 mm). Chewing efficiency was decreased in both groups, and muscle activity was reduced in the injection group. The authors concluded that repeat injections affect muscle function.[3] This procedure is small, performed only on women, uses the same dosage for everyone, and employs a different brand of medication than Botox, therefore a direct comparison with all other brands is not possible.
Is getting Botox injections dangerous?
Botox is a widely used and well-documented product, but that doesn't mean it's risk-free. What the label and the tests indicate is true.
- The poison may spread beyond the injection site: The label includes a black-framed warning that swallowing or difficulty breathing may be life-threatening, and there have been reported deaths.[1] If you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing after the injection, go to the hospital immediately.
- Droopy eyelids: In trials for frown lines, 3% was found in 13 out of 405 people compared to 0% in the placebo group. Additionally, facial pain and facial muscle weakness were observed in approximately 1% groups.[1] The clinic stated that injecting in the wrong location could cause drooping eyelids, a crooked smile, or difficulty swallowing.
- Prohibited: Allergic reaction to botulinum toxin or its components, and infection at the injection site.[1] Please inform them of any pre-existing medical conditions, medications, allergies, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Botox resistance: In a study of 916 people with crow's feet wrinkles, the binding antibody 1.5% was found, but the neutralizing antibody was not.[1] The clinic stated that counterfeit products may cause resistance, but no supporting data has been found in the sources tested.
Fake Botox, smuggled Botox, and unlicensed practitioners.
Clinics do not recommend administering injections to those offering significantly lower prices because the person administering the injection may not understand facial muscle anatomy. CDC data (US, 2024) shows that 22 people in 11 states experienced adverse reactions after injections; 11 were hospitalized, and there were no fatalities. Symptoms included blurred vision, drooping eyelids, dry mouth, slurred speech, and difficulty breathing. All reported receiving injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals, or outside of a medical facility, such as at home or in a spa.[4] This is information from another country, but the principle is the same: get the injection from a doctor at a licensed medical facility, and ask to see the box, label, and FDA registration number of the product.
Frequently asked questions about Botox.
How does ID Code Botox differ from regular Botox?
How long does Botox last? Can I get it injected frequently?
Does Botox for the jawline really make your face look slimmer?
Can the injection cause facial asymmetry or drooping eyelids?
How can I tell if it's not fake Botox?
Consult a specialist doctor.
Interested in Botox injections, or still unsure if it's right for your face?
Inquire about brands, injection sites, and precautions via LINE @freshcodeclinic or visit Fresh Code Clinic for a medical evaluation before making a decision.
Add LINE @freshcodeclinic Consult a doctor.
- Address: 19 Sukhumvit Soi 5, BTS Nana Exit 1 (Parking available)
- telephone: 083-626-4264 / 02-253-2236
- Opening hours: Open daily 11:00–20:00
References
- AbbVie/Allergan. BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) Prescribing Information, rev. 10/2024. (Manufacturer's package insert: Indications in adults include glabellar lines, lateral canthal lines, forehead lines, and platysma bands; boxed warning regarding distant spread of toxin effect; effects last approximately 3-4 months; units are not comparable or convertible between products.) https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/botox-cosmetic_pi.pdf
- AbbVie/Allergan. BOTOX (onabotulinumtoxinA) Prescribing Information, rev. 11/2023. (Manufacturer's package insert: Medical indications include chronic migraine, severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, cervical dystonia; absence of masseter, myofascial pain, and calf reduction.) https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/botox_pi.pdf
- Nobre BBS, Rezende L, Câmara-Souza MB, et al. Exploring botulinum toxin's impact on masseter hypertrophy: a randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial. Sci Rep. 2024;14:14522. (26 Brazilian women were analyzed; 22 used Dysport 75 U per side, followed for 6 months. Funding source and conflict of interest have not yet been checked.) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-024-65395-5
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Advisory CDCHAN-00507: Adverse Effects Linked to Counterfeit or Mishandled Botulinum Toxin Injections. 23 Apr 2024. (Data from the USA) https://www.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00507.html
The information on this page is general and not medical advice. Treatment outcomes and suitability vary from person to person. Consult a doctor before making any decisions.
