Wrinkle Reduction Treatments

Why do we get wrinkles?

Wrinkles and facial lines result from ageing, muscle activity and your genetic predisposition. In addition, sun exposure, alcohol consumption and smoking can also increase the evidence of wrinkles. Use of the facial muscles creases the skin when we frown, smile or raise our eyebrows. As we get older, these creases become deeper and more pronounced through constant use.

What is Botulinum Toxin Type-A?

Botulinum Toxin Type-A (more well known by the ‘brand’ Boto®x produced by Allergan, has been in use for over 20 years as a treatment for squints and nervous ticks. The substance is produced by bacteria, and is then highly refined, purified and diluted.

This treatment is probably the most popular cosmetic medical treatment for facial lines and wrinkles in the UK and can be used successfully in combination with other rejuvenation treatments.

 

How does Botulinum Toxin work?

It temporarily relaxes the muscles under the skin so that when you frown or smile, the treated muscles stay relaxed and don’t crease the skin.

 

What can Botulinum Toxin be used for?

Softening lines in the facial area, i.e. the forehead (horizontal forehead lines); eyes (crows feet); frown lines between the eyebrows; neck area; under eyes; chin. It is also very successful at treating excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis), which can be a problem for some people.

 

Who is Botulinum Toxin treatment suitable for?

Subject to initial medical screening, both men and women of any age can benefit from the treatment.

You should NOT have treatment if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

 

What happens during the treatment?

A very small amount of Botulinum Toxin is injected into the muscles in the face using a small needle. Depending on the area being treated, there may be a series of injections.

 

How long does treatment take?

In most cases, the treatment will take between 10 and 20 minutes for a single area.

 

Is it painful?

A local anaesthetic is not required. Most people only experience mild discomfort and this can be minimised by the application of an ice pack. There is sometimes a slight swelling and redness straight after treatment, which settles within a few hours.

 

When will I notice a difference?

The effect starts to work in about 4-5 days, with the greatest effect being seen after about 2-3 weeks.

 

How long will the effects last?

A 3-5 months depending on each person’s response. Repeat treatments have been shown to have a longer lasting effect.

 

How many times can I be treated with Botulinum Toxin?

Treatment with Botulinum Toxin can typically be carried out indefinitely.

 

What happens Pre and Post-Treatment?

You will need to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure there are no reasons why you cannot receive treatment. After your treatment you will be given an after-care leaflet which tells you what to do in the first few hours after treatment. You will normally be able to return to your usual daily activities after treatment.

You will be asked to book a follow-up appointment approximately 2 weeks following treatment. The object of this follow-up appointment is to assess the results of treatment. In some cases, a top-up may be required.

 

Are there any adverse effects?

In a small number of cases there may be some localised bruising, slight swelling or redness at the site of the injections.

A temporary drooping of the eyelid has also occurred in some patients, but this resolves with time.

 

Do the effects of this treatment look artificial?

No. Unlike some surgical procedures, this treatment works on specific muscles. All other muscles and face tissue are unaffected.