Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
Wrinkles and facial lines form over time because the skin becomes less elastic and flexible. This is a normal part of the ageing process. However, it is important to think about how lines and wrinkles can make you look more tired, angry or older than you actually are. Lines on your face are frequently linked with negative emotions and can actually have a psychological effect on how you perceive yourself.
Botulinum Toxin Type A is a popular non-surgical procedure used to temporarily relax the muscles of facial expression to soften and reduce unwanted lines. Facial wrinkles are mainly caused by our dynamic facial expressions. By temporarily weakening the muscles responsible for these facial movements it reduces or even removes wrinkles over time as the skin relaxes over the muscle. Used correctly it smooths expressions and lines without a “frozen” appearance.
Botulinum Toxin is a purified protein isolated from the toxin of the bacterium Clostridia Botulinum which blocks signals from the nerve to the muscle. In South Africa it is known under the brand names Botox® and Dysport®.
Administered at very low doses, Botulinum Toxin has the ability to combat the signs of ageing by smoothing over creases in the face.
Common areas treated:
– Frown lines
– Forehead lines
– Crow’s feet
– Chin dimpling
– Upper lip and peri-oral lines
– Neck bands
– Jaw clenching
‘MiniTox’ is a technique used with very low doses for wrinkle prevention in younger patients, or it can be done on an initial visit to try it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used for medical and cosmetic purposes, such as reducing the appearance of wrinkles, treating excessive sweating, and migraines.
How does botulinum toxin work?
Botulinum toxin works by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This results in a temporary relaxation of the targeted muscles, which can be beneficial for medical or cosmetic purposes.
What are the cosmetic uses of botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is commonly used in cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face, such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.
What are the medical uses of botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including excessive sweating, jaw clenching (bruxism), migraines, muscle spasms, and genito-urinary disorders.
How is botulinum toxin administered?
Botulinum toxin is administered via injection into the targeted muscles. The treatment is a relatively quick and painless procedure and does not require any numbing.
When will I see results and how long does botulinum toxin last?
You should begin to see an improvement within 5-7 days, and a significant change by the 14th day following treatment.
The effects of botulinum toxin varies from person to person but typically last for three to six months and is often dose dependent. After this time, the muscles will gradually regain their ability to contract and the wrinkles may return. However, after subsequent treatments, wrinkles appear less severe and results can last even longer as the muscles are being trained to relax.
What are the possible side effects of botulinum toxin?
The most common side effects of botulinum toxin include temporary muscle weakness of adjacent muscles, bruising at the injection site, and headache.