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BOTOX: What are Wrinkle Relaxing Injections?

How does it work?

Doctors have used wrinkle relaxing injections in medical practice for over 15 years for treatment of muscle spasticity and facial spasms. They are also successfully used to treat facial lines and wrinkles.

Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger produced in our nerves to stimulate the muscles to contract. The Botulinum toxin reduces the release acetylcholine therefore reducing muscle contraction. The action on the muscle is never permanent.

How does it work to reduce facial lines? Facial lines are caused by repeated use of the facial muscles of expression e.g. squinting and frowning. By reducing the amount of facial muscle movement the lines can be softened.

Injections are given into the muscles, temporarily putting them to ‘sleep’ for a period of four to six months. The freezing of the muscle is always temporary and is sometimes called ‘The Hibernation Period’ as the muscle ‘hibernates’ for a short period. The aim of the treatment is to break the habit of frowning or squinting and so reduce the appearance of the lines and also reduce the development of further facial lines. After your treatment it will take 2-3 days for the effects to start to be seen reaching its maximum effect at 7-10 days. The treatment may last from to 3-6 months, on average 4 months. With ongoing treatment the effects may last longer.

Occasionally you may require a top-up injection at two weeks if the muscle is not fully asleep. It is always better to inject a conservative amount of the Botulinum toxin and add more if required. The Botulinum toxin will make it difficult to frown and squint and therefore reduce facial lines. However if you try very hard you will be able to move the muscles a little. This does not mean the treatment has not worked.

Where can wrinkle injections be given?

Eyes to reduce crow’s feet.
Forehead and brow to reduce frown lines.
Mouth to reduce the fine vertical lines on the upper lip or to treat down turned mouths.
Neck to treat lines and lift the jowl line.

Are there any side effects?

The side effects are minimal and all are temporary. The injections may sting very slightly but they are not painful. Other side effects are minimal redness and swelling at the injection sites that usually disappears after an hour or so. There is also a small risk of bruising at the injections sites. You may experience transient headache and numbness at the treatment sites. There is a very small risk of eyelid drooping (ptosis) and slight puffiness following treatment. In the unlikely event that this occurs, it is always temporary and usually settles after 2-3 weeks. The incidence of ptosis is about 2% but always ask your practitioner what problems they have had with treatments as this will differ between doctors.

Treatments and Prices

One facial area (glabellar/forehead/crows feet) £180
Two facial areas £240
Three facial areas £300
Advanced treatments e.g. brow lift From £300
Excessive perspiration (axilla) From £400

Purpose

To plump up fine lines, wrinkles, some scarring, and augment the lips by restoring volume and definition. To rejuvenate the skin.

The Treatment

Most manufacturers of dermal fillers recommend that treatments should only be carried out by medical professionals. Dermal fillers are currently injected by doctors, nurses and beauty therapists. Dermal fillers are made from a variety of materials. Any fillers placed on the market as medical devices must meet the requirements of the Medical Devices Directive. Such materials must be CE-marked, which indicates that the manufacturer has verified that the product will not compromise the clinical condition or the safety of patients when used under the conditions and for the purposes intended, and that any risks are acceptable when weighed against the benefits anticipated from the clinical use intended by the manufacturer.

Facial Fillers - Julie, full face - before

The practitioner injects the filler in a series of small injections and the area is gently massaged. You can expect to be a little swollen and tender for a short while afterwards. Some treatments require the application of a local anaesthetic cream, and others which are carried out by doctors or dentists may be performed using nerve block anaesthesia. The treatment time can vary between 30 minutes to an hour.

The Results

The lines and wrinkles are softened, the lips can be plumped up and given more definition. The degree of correction is dependent on the patient’s wishes and the amount of product used. Results are also dependent on a patient’s skin type and facial structure, their life style and their own perception. Effects can last 6-12 months.

The Risks

Risks can include a small risk of allergic reaction to the filler or bruising of the treated area, or nodule formation. People with a history of cold sores may experience a recurrence after treatment, although this can be minimised by the use of antiviral medicines.