Anti Wrinkle Injections

It is a purified protein produced by bacteria in laboratory conditions. It works at the point where the nerve connects to the muscle, stopping the muscle from working. A number of brand names of botulinum toxin are available such as Xeomin® and Azzalure. Dr Mayoni uses Botox®.

It was first used in 1978 to treat squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle. Since then it has been used to treat a wide range of medical problems such as tics, facial spasm and cerebral palsy to name but a few. In more recent years, the use of this approach for cosmetic therapy has become more widespread.  It is used in very small doses.

It can be used on many areas of the face:

• Horizontal forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Droopy eyebrows
• Crows’ feet
• Bunny lines
• Droopy mouth corners
• Neck bands and sagging jawline

No: botulinum toxin is a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles that are associated with movement (dynamic lines). However when a wrinkle is more deeply engrained it cannot be erased with a single treatment. Regular treatment will help to iron out these creases, but for a more immediate result other treatment options such as dermal fillers may be a better option. This will be discussed in full with Dr Mayoni at your initial consultation.

Other treatments such as chemical peels and micro-needling can provide benefit in treating wrinkles resulting from sun exposure and UV damage.

Premature treatment can make someone look older rather than the more youthful look desired. Whether or not treatment is appropriate is always decided on an individual patient basis, and this would be discussed in full at your initial consultation.

Most people describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful, but this will depend on your own pain threshold. Some factors may make it feel more painful such as stress or hormonal fluctuations. The use of an ice mask prior to injection, numbing the area can make treatment more comfortable. The treatment is administered using an extremely fine, short needle. The area may have some redness and swelling, which normally resolves within an hour or two. You will also be given full after care instructions.

Treatment with botulinum toxin normally starts to take effect after between four and 14 days after the procedure. This can vary between individuals. The effects last between two and six months. After this time you may notice your face muscles move a little more freely. You will be offered a complimentary two-week follow up appointment to check you are happy with the results.

If you fall into one or more of the following groups, botulinum toxin will not be suitable for you. Alternatives can be discussed in full at your initial consultation:

• Pregnant women or breast feeding mothers
• Patients with certain conditions affecting the connections between nerves and muscles (such as Myaesthenia Gravis and Eaton-Lambert Syndrome)
• People with a previous allergic reaction to botulinum toxin, or with allergies to egg or human albumin
• People taking aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin)
• Anyone with a skin infection in the area to be treated

Caution should also be exercised in any patients taking blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin and Clopidogrel, simply due to the possibility of severe bruising.

You can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment. Avoid bending forwards or lying flat for prolonged periods in the first four hours after treatment.

Do not massage the treated areas as it is possible to spread the product to other areas causing unwanted effects. This also means being cautious during your normal skincare routine, and avoiding any other facial treatments for two weeks following treatment.

Avoid extremes of heat for the first two days after treatment – no strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms or sun exposure.

Avoid alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) for 24 hours after treatment, as these can increase your risk of bruising.

Most people find the injection causes some mild discomfort and local swelling which subsides after 48 hours. Bruising around the injection sites is also common. Some people experience a headache which is related to having injections into the facial muscles. Paracetamol will help ease this but avoid ibuprofen or aspirin since they can increase bruising.

If the substance migrates to unwanted sites it can cause weakness and drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid, or facial asymmetry. This is very rare.

In most people the effects last for three to four months. Some patients find the effects last longer. Different factors such as sun exposure, dietary factors and activity levels can all affect the duration of results.

Botulinum toxin treatment cost is dependent on the number of areas being treated. Please also note that treatment prices for men may vary according to muscle tone. To find out more, book your initial consultation at our online booking portal in the menu at the top of this page.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.