Treatment Details

The aim of this information sheet is to ensure that you understand the nature of the treatment you wish to undertake.
Please read it carefully and discuss any queries with your practitioner

What Is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a chemical produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Our Line & Wrinkle Treatment is a protein derivatives of the toxin, which, when injected into a muscle causes it to become weakened or inactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission i.e. stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle. Likewise, when injected into the skin, it blocks the action of the nerves that supply the eccrine glands thus preventing them from producing sweat.

How Long Has Botulinum Toxin Been In Use?

As long ago as 1978 BOTOX® was used as a treatment for patients with eye squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle. Since then it has been used in a variety of therapeutic areas such as Spasmodic Neck, Writers Cramp, Tics, Multiple Sclerosis, Facial Spasm, Parkinson's Disease, and Cerebral Palsy to name but a few. In more recent times the use of BOTOX® for cosmetic therapy has become more widespread.

How Safe Is Botulinum Toxin?

In high concentration botulinum toxin is a potent poison. However, botulinum toxin type A used in minute doses as it is in cosmetic therapy has a very high margin of safety.

FOR LINES AND WRINKLES

How Does It Work?

By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout a lifetime, the skin is creased in areas of greatest use. The aging process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older these areas of over use become damaged and the lines become permanent. By reducing the movement of muscles in these areas, known as ‘ The Hibernation Treatment', the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover causing the lines to soften or even fade away. In the areas treated, the muscles are temporarily inactivated (always reversible) during which time the patient can break the subconscious habit of overusing these muscles. Depending on each individual and the dose used, the response to treatment can vary from a relaxation of the muscles to an inability to move the muscles.

For the first couple of years, frequent treatments are required to 're‑educate' the facial muscles. Thereafter treatments would be less frequent, as the duration of enhancement is increased with consistent use.

What Happens During Treatment?

The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The practitioner will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work. An extremely fine, short needle is used to inject the botulinum toxin into the appropriate area. This may cause some slight but brief discomfort. The area may have some slight redness and swelling which normally resolves in an hour or two. The treatment normally starts to take effect after 4 to 14 days but this may vary slightly with some individuals. The effects will normally last between 3 to 4 months when you will start to notice an ability to move the muscles more freely.

It is important that you have a realistic expectation of the treatment and are that you follow post-treatment advice.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Side effects of this treatment are rare. Occasionally a temporary drooping of the eyelid can occur. This may fast for a few weeks but will always resolve. Special eye drops can be prescribed during this time to help lift the lid back into normal position. In extremely rare cases patients have developed an allergy to the treatment while others have shown resistance i.e. it causes little or no effect on the treated muscles. There my also be an area of slight bruising at the injection site.

Botox ® Botulinum toxin type A is also used to treat excessive sweating (HYPERHIDROSIS)