Botox to reduce saliva Salivary gland injection (1286)
What is a Botox injection?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a protein. It has been used safely for many years. When injected into the glands that make saliva, it can help reduce the amount of liquid the glands make. This will help your child drool less. It is most often injected into the submandibular gland and the parotid gland.
How is it done?
Your doctor will talk with you if this can be done in the office or should be done in the operating room. If this is done in the office, numbing medicine will be placed on the skin. The doctor will have a small syringe filled with Botox. The Botox is injected into the glands. The doctor will use a fine needle to inject a small amount of Botox into the gland. The doctor uses ultrasound to make sure the drug is injected into the right place. If the procedure is done in the operating room, medicine is given to help your child relax and feel sleepy. This is called sedation. The procedure normally takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have to wait until your child is fully awake to go home.
Will my child have pain?
Most children have very little pain. Tylenol® or acetaminophen can be used to help with pain. Ibupofen (Advil®, Motrin®) products should not be used two weeks before the procedure or one day after due to the risk of bleeding. There may be some slight bruising where the injection was done. This is normal.
How long does it take for the injection to help?
You should see a decrease in the amount of secretions in 5 to 7 days. It should last about 2 to 4 months. Each child is different, so results may vary.
