What is Botulinum Wrinkle Reduction?
Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. In a purified form, as is the case with many drugs/medications such as Penicillin, Botulinum toxin is a very safe, effective treatment not only used in cosmetic clinics, but also for a number of medical conditions, including migraine and excessive sweating. Botox® is the trade name for Botulinum Toxin and has been used for over 35 years in the NHS for the treatment of a number of muscular problems. More recently, it has been licensed for excessive sweating and also migraine. It is a prescription only medicine. Our nurse, is a fully qualified as a nurse prescriber. The clinic is happy to administer any of the leading brands of Botulinum Toxin including Botox®, Azzalure®, or Bocouture®, following a medical assessment and consultation to determine whether treatment with botulinum toxin will best meet your expectations.
What does Botulinum Toxin treatment involve?
Tiny injections are administered into the superficial muscles causing the unwanted lines. This is not a painful procedure and doesn’t take very long.
For a very short time the injections sites may be a little bit red or raised, looking a little like insect bites. This usually settles within 30 minutes. The injection sites should not be rubbed or massaged for 12 hours.
Patients will be advised to make the expression being targeted frequently for one or two hours after the treatment. Patients are advised NOT to lean forward or lie down for two hours. If this advice is followed it is unlikely that any problems will be experienced.
The full effect of the treatment develops gradually over the next 7-14 days. A 2-3 week follow up and review appointment is recommended post treatment. We encourage new patients in particular, to attend this review appointment to assess the results, occasionally further treatment is required to ‘tweak’ and perfect the result.
The length of time between appointments will vary person to person. The muscle will begin to recover some movement by about 6-8 weeks but the lines will take longer to return. We recommend repeat treatment every 3 or 4 months. Most people maintain results with between two and four treatments per year.
Who is Botulinum Toxin suitable for?
Each individual patient’s needs will be assessed; we will discuss the treatment options comprehensively with patients at their initial consultation.
Many lines and wrinkles are caused by the repeated creasing of the skin caused by expressions. If we can rest the skin by not making those expressions, then the creased skin recovers and the lines soften if not disappear. Botulinum Toxin is an ideal treatment for crow's feet and those expression lines on the forehead. The muscles can be put into hibernation quite safely. Botulinum Toxin can also be used on younger skins to prevent lines developing. We do not recommend Botulinum treatment for anyone under the age of 25.
We will check patients' medical history before the treatment, but we will certainly not be able to treat those with muscular or neurological disorders, anyone taking antibiotics and pregnant/nursing mothers. Botox® is a very safe treatment. Possible side effects are very rare and in the large part can be avoided if the advice given by the nurse is followed. At consultation any possible risks and complications will be explained.
