Whenever you laugh, frown or squint, your facial muscles contract and your skin creases. As you get older your skin loses its elasticity and those creases deepen. Frown lines between your eyes, forehead lines and so called "crow's feet" can make you look tired and angry. By temporarily relaxing these facial muscles, this treatment can smooth out those lines, restoring a more youthful, less stressed expression to your face.
What is injectable wrinkle treatment?
This treatment uses a natural protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The protein was initially used for the treatment of various kinds of neurological conditions including cerebral palsy and eye squints. When used cosmetically, it reversibly blocks the nerve impulses responsible for contraction of tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines.
Is the treatment painful?
It's very rare for treatment to be painful. Most patients experience a feeling of slight discomfort during the treatment.
How long do the effects last?
For most people, the results last 3-4 months. After several treatments the effects may last longer.
Who is suitable for the treatment?
Starting in our late twenties, facial lines and wrinkles begin to appear that affect not just your appearance, but also your self-esteem. By smoothing out those lines this treatment can help you restore a more youthful, less stressed expression to your face. It can work as well for men as it does for women.
Who is not suitable for the treatment?
Anyone who is pregnant, breast feeding or suffering from severe neuromuscular disorders or blood coagulation disorders are not suitable for treatment.
Will it interact with medication that I am taking?
You must ensure that your doctor is aware of any medications you are taking, especially aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, neomycin), aspirin, anti-inflammatories, Gingko Biloba and St John's Wort.
Are there any side effects?
Over the past several years, a large amount of clinical evidence has supported the effectiveness and safety of this treatment in all its uses. It is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic eradication for wrinkles on the face and for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive perspiration). However, side effects can occur but are rare. The most significant complication is a temporary drooping of the eyelid (<1% risk) or eyebrow. This is a result of local spread of the medication at the injection site and can be minimised by accurate dosing.
Preparing for the treatment
During your consultation with me a full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability and the benefits with potential side-effects will be discussed in full.