The Aesthetic Skin Clinic: Botulinum Toxin

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Botulinum Toxin

Muscle Relaxing Injections To Reduce Lines And Wrinkles

As a result of the natural ageing process, and environmental and physical stresses, worry lines, frown lines, crow's feet and other wrinkles caused by laughing and frowning will begin to form permanent lines and scars. There is an effective way to treat them using Botulinum Toxin.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

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. The popular brand names used in the UK include, BOTOX (reg trademark symbol), DYSPORT and Vistabel.

Is it safe?

Treatment is widespread in medical practice and in trained medical hands is proven to be safe and effective. Side effects are minimal and severe allergic reactions to injections do not occur. Botulinum toxin is used in much higher doses to treat migraines and excessive sweating disorders than in cosmetic procedures, and has an extensive medical safety record, having been used for more than 20 years to treat neurological and ophthalmological disorders. The treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How does Botulinum Toxin work?

Wrinkles and frown lines are the result of muscle activity and contraction. Tiny injections are administered very precisely into specific muscles. This blocks the nerve impulse from reaching the body of the muscle causing relaxation. The overlying skin becomes smooth and unwrinkled.

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, and a transient headache has occasionally been reported following treatment. You can request the doctor to apply the topical anaesthetic for a longer period if you have previously felt the injections to be uncomfortable.

What areas can be treated?

The most common areas treated are the frown lines between the brow, the forehead, crows feet around the eyes and less commonly the mouth and neck

What can be expected following treatment?

Effects can take 3 to 10 days to become visible, and will generally last 3 to 6 months. Your doctor will offer to review your results after treatment to ensure that the optimum results have been achieved. If you decide to discontinue treatment your wrinkles will gradually return to the way they were before treatment.

Possible side effects

Occasionally a small bruise may occur at the injection site, which can be covered with makeup. Some patient's report a mild headache and a temporary wooden feeling which passes quickly. In rare circumstances a temporary brow or eyelid droop may occur which may last a few weeks. The physician will assess each patient prior to treatment and based upon the clinical examination is able to advise who would be most at risk of these events and alter treatment plan accordingly.

Precautions following treatment

Exercise should be avoided for 4 hours after treatment, and the area should not be massaged for three days. You should remain in an upright position for 4 hours following treatment to limit the spread of substance at the injection site. Facials and massage of the area treated should be avoided for three days after treatment.

Is this treatment for everyone?

Men and women who would like a more relaxed appearance will enjoy the benefits of botulinum toxin. There are very few restrictions, but treatment will not be given if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have certain neurological conditions.


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