Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
Toxin Injections
SUMMARY OF TREATMENT
Procedure Time
less than 20 minutes
Duration
3-5 months
Downtime
up to 30 minutes
Anaesthetic
none required
Botulinum Type A (Azzlaure or Botox)
Botulinum type A toxin is a purified protein used to temporarily reduce the contraction of muscles causing the overlying skin to wrinkle. The most common area to use this treatment is the upper face region, frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes. Botox and Azzalure are the most popular brands available.
Many patients request this treatment when frown lines become noticeable.The area treated in between the eyebrows is called the glabella. If lightly treated we can create a very natural look, where no-one can notice that treatment has been carried out. The frown line does not get a chance to embed further and over time it can come less obvious. If requested there can still be natural movement of the face and eyebrows so you look expressive and again very natural.
Crows feet can be treated delicately around the eye region. The lines can be smoothed out well and in some instance where dark circles and lines are below the eye, these can be softened. If eye bags are established, fluid filled toxin injections will not be effective. Smoothing the crows feet too much can make eye bags look more noticeable. At the consultation this will be ascertained.
The forehead muscle can be very active in some people. Lines are effectively softened in this area, it is important however to ensure the correct dosage and balance of toxin is used so we do not get a brow drop, where there is heaviness of the brow or drooping.
With expert knowledge and a precise eye this is preventable in many cases.
The specific placement of toxin injectables in the forehead allows for brows to be lifted to create arch form, or raise them to open the eye. This is more often known as a brow lift. We can also correct asymmetry where eyebrows are in different positions.
Treatments can be tailored for patients who want a very natural looks. This is common for patients who are unsure about having invasive treatments. As these toxin injections are prescription medications and being used in expert hands patients should feel confident in the knowledge they are in the best and safest care possible.
How Does it Work?
The toxin works by blocking the transmission of chemical messengers from the nerve to the muscle. This can be a mild, moderate or severe reduction in movement dependant on the individual requirements.
Does it hurt?
A very fine needle is used and this treatment does not require any local anaesthetic. Many clients find it as tolerable as waxing or threading. Patients that are concerned with pain or needle may opt for using a topical anaesthetic cream before the procedure.
Before Treatment
This treatment is not to be undertaken by pregnant or breast feeding women, any person taking anti-coagulatant therapy or certain neuromuscular conditons.
Before treatment avoid medication which may increase risk or bruising and limit alcohol intake.
After Treatment
You will be advised to keep the target muscles active for an hour and to avoid heat or cold, vigorous exercise, lying down or leaning over for 4-6 hours. The day after treatment exercise should be kept minimum, and avoid facial treatments for 2 weeks.
After treatment it is expected that you will start to see improvement within 2 or 3 days. For some people it may take longer. The full results may be judged at 2-3 weeks. You will be invited to attend a review appointment at 2-3 weeks where the success of the treatment may be assessed and adjusted to your personal treatment plan if necessary.
How long will it last?
Results tend to last 3-4 months. Movement will begin recovering after 8 weeks, Frequent treatment intervals of less then 3 months are not recommended.
Repeating treatments when movement recovers will deliver optimum results over time.
Preventative Toxin Injections
Use of toxin injections in patients with minimal lines can be beneficial. Using tiny doses of toxin can subtly soften developing lines and wrinkles giving the skin a healthy, radiant look.