Wrinkles are part of the ageing process. They can be attributed to sun damage, effects of gravity and muscle contraction resulting from facial expressions such as frowning and laughing. Wrinkles caused by muscle contraction such as frown lines, forehead lines and crows' feet, can be improved by Botox treatment.

 

Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating of the armpits and palms of the hands. A full list of where Botox can be used is listed below. 

 

Botox treatment is minimally invasive. It’s considered a safe, effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles around the face.  

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Results are not instant and can start to take effect anywhere between 2-14days post treatment. This is because the product has an onsetting period where it will start to work. You will see full result by day 14. every patient is invited back fro a review and top up between day 14 and 21 post treatment. 

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What is Botox?

Botox is the trade name for Botulinum toxin, produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Several types of toxins have been identified, but type A, which is used commercially, is the most potent. Botox acts by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that cause muscle contraction. This results in muscle paralysis. The resultant paralysis, however it is temporary. As the new growth of nerves will re-innervate the muscles. Botox was first used in 1978 to weaken over active muscles in the eye, followed by other neurological conditions such as dystonia and hemifacial spasm with good effects and little side effects. Botox was first used cosmetically in 1990, to reduce facial wrinkles arising from muscle contraction.

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What can you expect at the time of your procedure?

Botox is injected directly into the muscles that cause the wrinkles, using a very small needle. Several injections are usually needed at specific sites, depending on the area treated. When used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the armpits, Botox is injected directed into the axillary skin. No pain just a mild scratch is felt, slight redness in the area treated for up to 1 hour and for most people no bruising but they can occur.  No local anaethesia is generally required. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.

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What are the results?

Botox usually takes effect 24-72 hours after injection, with maximum effect at about 1 to 2 weeks. Its effects generally last for approximately 3-4 months. When injected into the muscles that are responsible for expression wrinkles, it gives the face a more relaxed and smoother appearance. Sometimes longer lasting effects (9-12 months) are seen after treatment of excessive sweating. When a gradual fading of treatment effect is noticed you may return to have another treatment.

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Areas it can be used:

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Frown Lines are the vertical creases that appear between the eyebrows, generating a tired or angry look.

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Forehead lines, also known as forehead wrinkles or ‘surprise lines,’ become more apparent as we age. Excessive lines on your forehead can give the face and skin an aged appearance. If you’re starting to see traces in your late 20s or early 30s it is best to consider exploring preventative treatment options. The more you wait to address your forehead wrinkles the more difficult it will be to achieve the best possible results.

Horizontal forehead lines are mostly due to genetic ageing. Sun damage or smoking can also result in the formation of creases that are deeper and more difficult to treat. 

 

 

‘Bunny lines’ are the creases that appear when the nose wrinkles up; for example, when we sniff or smell something.

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Crows feet, around the eyes. The appearance of fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes, and their presence even when you’re not smiling, is often associated with ageing. These can be treated with anti wrinkle injections. You will still be able to smile and your cheeks will still raise and fall when making facial expressions. contrary to popular belief.

 

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Smokers lines, the fine lines around the mouth become more apparent with age are another ageing concern. Using a small amount of  botulinum toxin in this area can soften and prevent. 

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Chin to treat dimpling or over active pilling from the chin muscle. If you would like the area around your chin and bottom lip to appear smoother or if ageing is creating a dropping appearance at the corners of your mouth we can treat it with Botox. Sometimes the chin muscle can create a dimpled, puckered appearance. It can be used to relax these muscles, thereby smoothing and reducing the overall dimpled effect.

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Gummy smile. Injected in the area between your upper lip and nose to temporarily freeze the muscles that contract or elevate when you smile which allows you to smile without showing your gum.

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 Lip flip, botulinum toxin A is injected into the upper lip to create an illusion of a larger lip. It relaxes the muscles above the lip, resulting in the upper lip “flipping” slightly upward. Although the procedure makes the lip look more prominent, it does not increase the size of the lip itself.

 

Botulinum toxin in the masseter is typically used for:

• managing teeth grinding

• reducing jaw tension, pain, and clenching

• relieving headaches

• contouring a square jaw

• creating a balanced face shape

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Armpits for excessive sweating.

 

What are the risks?

No severe complications after cosmetic use of Botox have been reported in the literature. Very rarely excessive weakening of the target muscles and paresis of adjacent muscles can occur, resulting in facial weakness. This is self-limiting. When injecting above the eyebrows, upper eyelid ptosis or slight drooping may occur but only 1:100. This can be corrected with eyedrops but will also improve as the effects of the Botox wears off.

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