Anti-Wrinkle Information

What is Botulinum Toxin? Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In its purified form, like many drugs such as penicillin, botulinum toxin is a very safe and effective treatment. It is used not only in cosmetic clinics but also for several medical conditions, including migraines and excessive sweating.

All botulinum toxins are prescription-only medicines (POM) and can only be prescribed by doctors, dentists, or nurses with prescribing qualifications, following a face-to-face assessment and consultation with a qualified prescriber.

Botox is a licensed brand of Botulinum toxin A. Other licensed brands include Azzalure, Dysport, and Bocouture.

How Does it Work? The toxin blocks the transmission of chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle, keeping the muscle in a resting state for an average of 15 to 20 weeks. This may result in either a partial reduction in movement, allowing some muscle activity, or a full block, depending on the amount administered and the location of the product. Treatment can be tailored to suit your individual needs, and your expected outcomes will be discussed during the consultation.

Does it Hurt? A very fine needle is used, and most people do not describe this treatment as painful. It is generally well tolerated without any anaesthetic. However, if you're nervous about needles, you can request anaesthetic cream or ice.

Uses of Treatment The licensed treatment aims to significantly reduce the movement of muscles that cause expression lines (dynamic lines), specifically the frown lines, crow's feet, and worry lines on the brow. In some cases, off-label treatments may be used. While treatment can reduce the appearance of expression lines, it may not completely eliminate them, especially when making extreme expressions. Botulinum toxin is not as effective for lines that are present without expression (static lines). Your practitioner will provide specific advice.

Advanced and off-label treatments include horizontal brow lines, lip lines, chin 'popping', and muscles in the lower face and neck. These treatments can lift the mouth corners, improve the jawline, and enhance the neck's appearance. The 'chewing muscle' may also be treated to soften a square jaw or prevent teeth grinding or jaw clenching at night.

Before Treatment It is important to inform your practitioner about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking, as some may affect the efficacy of the toxin or increase the risk of bruising. Supplements such as Vitamins A, C, or E, Gingko Biloba, garlic, fish oils, St. John's Wort, or painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen can increase your risk of bruising. You may be advised to stop taking them a few days before your treatment. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol the night before treatment to minimise bruising.

Make-up will need to be removed prior to injections, and it is recommended that you do not reapply it for 12 hours to reduce the risk of infection or irritation at the injection sites. Additionally, ensure that you can follow the necessary aftercare advice in your schedule.

After Treatment You will be advised to keep the target muscles active for a few hours and avoid extremes of heat or cold, vigorous exercise, lying down, or leaning over for 4-6 hours. Improvements are typically noticeable within 2 or 3 days, though for some, it may take longer. Full results are generally seen at 2-3 weeks, and you will be invited to attend a review appointment during that time to assess the treatment's success and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.

How Long Will It Last? Results typically last 3-4 months, with movement beginning to recover after 8 weeks. Frequent treatments at intervals of less than 3 months are not recommended. Repeating treatments as movement recovers will deliver optimal results over time, and the frequency of treatments may reduce depending on your skin's quality and response to treatment.