Anti-Wrinkle injections, commonly referred to as Botox®, consist of a Botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is a purified protein. It works by temporarily weakening and relaxing the muscles that cause frown lines and wrinkles, resulting in a younger looking appearance.
Botulinum toxin blocks the nerve impulses to the facial muscles that have been injected. This reduces the activity of the muscles and therefore softens the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
The time taken to notice effects varies from person to person. The effects can be noticed from as early as 2-3 days; full effects take up to 2-3 weeks following treatment. We review the results at this point to ensure you are happy with the results.
You can initially expect full effects to last around 3-4 months after which the effects slowly fade. The results have known to last much longer the more treatments you have. When used over a period of time it can prevent the occurrence of new lines. If you decide to stop treatment, any lines and wrinkles will gradually reappear
The treatment is virtually pain-free. If any discomfort is experienced it is usually minimal and short–lived. There is therefore no need for local anaesthesia.
- frown lines between the eyes
- worry lines across the forehead
- ‘crow’s feet’ around the outer eye area
- brow lift
- Asymmetric brows
- Bunny lines
- Chin
- Marionette lines or labio-mental creases
- Square jaw/ facial slimming/ masseter hypertrophy
- ‘Gummy’ smile
- Platysmal neck bands
Treatments are also available to reduce underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis).
Millions of people worldwide have had these injections and the safety of the product is well established. Botulinum toxin has safely been used since as early as 1980, for many medical conditions, such as Cerebral palsy; Focal spasticity associated with stroke; Blepharospasm; Hemifacial spasm.
Although rare and uncommon, a few side effects have been known to occur. You may experience mild bruising, numbness, or tenderness at the injection site. Some people may experience a mild transient headache. There is a very small risk, less than 1%, of developing a temporary drooping eyelid when injecting close to the eye. If this occurs drops can be used to lessen the effect until it wears off naturally.