Botulinum toxin anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for wrinkles. When used appropriately, botulinum toxin is a great solution for reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the face. In particular, it is highly effective in the lip, forehead and eye areas. I always undertake a detailed medical consultation to assess your general health and requirements. After which, if it is deemed safe and appropriate then I can offer botulinum toxin anti-wrinkle injections as a treatment.
What are botulinum toxin injections used for?
Botulinum toxin injections are most commonly used for:
– Frown Lines
– Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)
– Horizontal forehead lines
– Nasal scrunch or squint lines
– Lines on neck
Procedure Preparation
In preparation for botulinum toxin treatment, or any injectable procedure, bruising can be minimized by discontinuing aspirin and any medication or dietary supplement that has anticoagulant effects two weeks before treatment.
Results and Follow-Up
Partial reduction in function of the targeted glabellar complex muscles is seen by the third day after botulinum toxin injection, with maximal reduction visible two weeks after injection. Return of muscle function is gradual, typically three to four months after treatment. Subsequent treatment is advised when muscle contraction is visible in the treatment area before facial lines return to their pretreatment appearance. After multiple treatments, botulinum toxin effects may be prolonged and, for some patients, treatment intervals can be extended beyond three to four months.
Aftercare
Patients are advised to avoid lying supine following treatment for four hours. They are also advised to avoid massaging or applying heat to the treatment area, and to avoid activities that cause flushing (such as exercising heavily and hot tub use) on the day of treatment.
Botulinum toxin is also used in small amounts in a number of other areas on the face depending on the way your muscles of facial expression work. It can raise the outer part of the eyebrow if it is sagging, lift the corners of the mouth, and help to smooth out dimpled or cobblestoned chins. Generally it is not used in the lines around the mouth, usually because it might be difficult to speak and eat.