Botulinum

Botulinum injections are particularly useful for minimising expression lines caused by muscle movement. These dynamic wrinkles are particularly visible in the upper half of the face. Botulinum works by blocking impulses from nerves to the facial muscles responsible for expression lines.

Botulinum is particularly useful for treating winkles in three areas:

Botulinum can also treat other wrinkles such as those on the side of the nose (bunny lines). Lines and creases in the lower half of the face can also be treated, but the potential for side effects is greater due to the close proximity of many muscles around the mouth.

Botulinum injections in the armpits can even be used to treat hyperhydrosis (the medical term for excessive sweating).

Botulinum injections have been safely used for many decades for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions including chronic muscular spasticity and pain, migraine and tension headache, abnormal facial movements and tremors.

It has been used cosmetically for over ten years. When properly administered, by an appropriately trained medical practitioner, there is no risk of toxicity as the botulinum irreversibly binds to the neuromuscular junction between a nerve and muscle. There is no chance of it entering the bloodstream and causing side effects.

In rare cases, the botulinum can spread to areas beyond the muscle being targeted. Spread to the wrong muscle can cause side effects such as a drooping eyebrow or eyelid. This can be easily corrected, but even left untreated it will resolve within a few weeks.

The injections themselves are mildly painful, with many describing them as feeling like a minor ant bite. On occasion slight bleeding at an injection site might cause some temporary bruising, which can be easily concealed with make-up.

The results of the treatment will not be apparent for a few days, and it can take up to two weeks for a maximum effect. Initially the treatment effect will last no longer than three months, but as the muscles weaken with repeated treatments, wrinkles can be smoothed for up to six months.

It is helpful to use the muscles that cause the treated wrinkles for a few hours after treatment. It is also advisable to not lie down for four hours after having a botulinum injection.

There is usually no downtime after an injection, with most people returning to work or normal activities immediately following treatment. It is however best to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a day. It is imperative not to have any other cosmetic procedures such as facials or laser treatments for two weeks following a treatment. After this period of time all the botulinum will have irreversibly bound to the neuromuscular junction and there is no risk of spreading it beyond the muscle group being targeted.