Muscle relaxing injections to reduce lines and wrinkles
Frown lines, worry lines and crow’s feet are caused by smiling, laughing or frowning – and the more expressive you are, the deeper the lines will become! As we get older our skin’s repair mechanism slows and so the problem accelerates. Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX®) is a very effective non-surgical way to treat the condition.
What is BOTOX®?
It is a purified protein produced by the clostridium bacterium and is used in extremely small amounts to relax dynamic wrinkles caused by the contraction of muscles.
Is it safe?
Treatment is widespread in medical practice and in trained medical hands is proven to be safe and effective. BOTOX® is used in much higher doses to treat migraines and excessive sweating disorders than in cosmetic procedures. Treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Very rarely a temporary drooping of the eyelid may occur but this usually resolves quickly. Occasionally some asymmetry may develop, but this is easily rectified with further small injections.
How does BOTOX® work?
BOTOX® attaches itself to the nerves that control the muscles and prevents the nerve from sending its chemical signal to the muscle, so in turn preventing the muscles from contracting. The result of this temporary paralysis of the dynamic facial muscles that are responsible for wrinkles is a reducing or eliminating of the lines when we frown or smile. Because the movement of the muscle has been reduced and the creases are not being continually formed, the skin can gradually recover causing the lines to soften over time.
Does it hurt?
An anaesthetic cream is applied before treatment to numb the area so discomfort is minimal. There may be a mild stinging sensation during treatment which uses a very fine needle and tiny amounts of BOTOX® are injected into specific areas according to the placement of lines and the severity of the condition, and a transient headache has occasionally been reported following treatment.
What areas can be treated?
The most common areas treated are the frown lines between the brows, the forehead and crows feet around the eyes.
What can be expected following treatment?
Effects can take 3 – 10 days to become visible and will generally last 3 to 6 months depending on the treatment and individual response. Effects may last longer with repeat treatments.
Are there any side effects?
No serious side effects have been reported when used for cosmetic treatments. Immediately after treatment there may be a little swelling or redness, but this usually subsides within a few hours at most. Occasionally there may be some bruising at the injection sites.
What precautions should be followed after a treatment?
Don’t touch the treated area for 4 – 6 hours after treatment
Don’t lie down for 4 – 6 hours after treatment
Don’t drink alcohol for 4 – 6 hours after treatment
Don’t do vigorous exercise for 4 – 6 hours after treatment
Exercise the muscles by relaxing and contracting the area treated, as this helps the BOTOX® to reach the target muscles
Facials and massage treatments should be avoided for 3 days after treatment
Is this treatment for everyone?
Men and women who would like a more relaxed appearance will enjoy the benefits of BOTOX®. There are very few restrictions, but treatment will not be given in pregnancy, breastfeeding and certain neurological conditions.