0845 0178858
CALL NOW
Botulinum toxin injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world, and have been safely used with no long-term side effects for over twenty years.
What is it and how does it work?
Botulinum toxin first began to be used in 1980 to treat many muscle disorders such as lazy eye, eye ticks and uncontrolled blinking. Cosmetics treatments were pioneered by dermatological surgeons in 1987. Now botulinum toxin is most commonly used to treat three different areas: the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and ‘crow’s feet’ or ‘laughter lines’.
Botulinum toxin is a purified preparation of botulinum toxin Type A, obtained from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into muscle tissue in small quantities, botulinum toxin causes a temporary softening of the treated facial muscles and this allows the lines to soften over a few weeks to months. By doing this, the muscles cannot contract and therefore tend to relax. When the muscles relax, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles continue to work in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected by the treatment.
Does it hurt?
We use very fine needles and a cooling device on the skin just prior to treatment to keep discomfort to a minimum.
Are there any side effects?
There are very few side effects from this procedure. Occasionally temporary numbness or a mild headache may be experienced although botulinum toxin is being used to treat migraine successfully in some patients. Minimal bruising may occur at the site of injection
In 1% of patients or less a temporary droop of the brow or eyelid may occur. While allergy to any medicine is possible allergic reactions to botulinum toxin are extremely rare.
How long does the treatment take?
Depending on the number of areas to be treated the session may take 15-30 minutes. You will be advised what to expect at your initial consultation.
How long will the effects of the treatment last?
Injections take effect about three to seven days after treatment and the effect lasts three to four months. Repeat injections will be required after this period of time to maintain the skin smoothing effects. After several treatments, the effects of botulinum toxin may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months.
What aftercare will I need?
It is advisable not to rub the area, not to bend over for a prolonged period and to use the treated muscles regularly for three to four hours after treatment. This helps avoid side effects and gives the best results.
Botulinum toxin