Stafford Skincare

providing specialist dermatology care

Botulinum Toxin injections for wrinkle relaxing: Botox®, Vistabel®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, Azzalure®

Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) is a naturally occurring product that has been used since 1987 to relax wrinkles. Botox® is now one of the most common aesthetic (cosmetic) procedures carried out worldwide, with over 3 million Botox® procedures carried out in the USA alone in 2005. There are several different types of Botulinum toxin – most people have heard of Botox®, but others include Vistabel®, Xeomin®, Dysport® and Azzalure®.

Botox® works by temporarily blocking the nerve impulses to treated muscles, causing the treated muscle to relax. The initial effects of treatment become visible within 2 – 3 days, but it usually takes 1 – 2 weeks to reach full effect. After Botox® treatment, the muscle remains relaxed for between 3 – 4 months allowing wrinkles to soften and smooth out.

Attempting to frown, before and after treatment with Botox®

Botox® works best for frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles, although it can also be used on the lower parts of the face and neck – such as treating dimpled chins, neck wrinkles and prominent muscle bands in the neck. The treatment is given by injection using a sterile disposable syringe with a very fine needle. Only tiny amounts are injected and most people feel no discomfort during treatment. Although the treatment itself takes only a few minutes, the first visit will take up to half an hour, as a full and detailed medical history will need to be taken prior to any course of treatment.

Side effects of Botox® for wrinkle relaxing treatment are very rare. Some people may get bruising at the site of injection or may have a feeling of tightness for the first day or two. Less than 1% of people treated with Botox® will develop a temporary and slight droop of the eyelid or eyebrow.

Crow's feet before and after Botox®

As studies have not been carried out in pregnant or breast-feeding women, it is best to avoid Botox® until later. People with certain neuromuscular transmission diseases should also avoid Botox®.

FAQs

Q. Does it hurt – I’m frightened of injections?
A. The needle is very fine, and the amount of Botox® injected is so little, that it is very unlikely that you will feel any pain.

Q. Which treatment is best for my wrinkles - Botox®, Dermal Fillers or surgery?
A. As a general rule of thumb, if your skin is saggy and baggy – surgery will be best. Botox® works best as a treatment for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that are made worse by using muscles such as frowning). Dermal Fillers will help to correct deeper lines that are visible even at rest in more mature skin.

Q. Do I wait until I have deep wrinkles before having Botox®?
A. This is a personal choice. My personal opinion is that Botox® has two uses – to help reduce visible wrinkles and more importantly, to help prevent wrinkles. With careful assessment and technique, a very natural appearance can be achieved where you can still frown and crinkle up your eyes without developing deep wrinkles.

Q. Can treatments be combined?
A. Yes - Compared to 10 years ago – nowadays people want less wrinkles, but they also want to look natural with fresh, vibrant skin. Younger people often need only Botox® to treat fine wrinkles. More mature skin may need a combination of Botox® and Dermal Fillers as lines become deeper and more fixed. The complexion can be brightened by Chemical Peels, Laser or Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Skin Rejuvenation to give a younger, fresher look.

Q. How long does Botox® last?
A. It depends on the area treated, but usually 3 – 4 months initially. Repeated treatments have been shown to last longer.

Q. What happens at my first visit?
A. You will have a thorough medical assessment during which your concerns will be discussed. If I am able to help you, we will fully discuss each treatment option, possible side-effects, how often you would have to return for more treatments and the costs involved before you decide if you wish to proceed.

Q. What can and can’t I do after treatment?
A. Life carries on as normal after treatment with Botox®, except that you are asked not to take part in vigorous exercise or lie down flat for 3 hours.

Q. What happens if I don’t repeat the treatment?
A. Your skin will gradually go back to the way it looked prior to you having any treatment.

Q. What are the side-effects of Botox®?
A. It is rare to have any side-effects from Botox® but occasionally problems will happen. The most common side-effect is bruising at the site of injection, slight tightness of the skin for 1 – 2 days or mild drooping of the upper eyelid. All side-effects are temporary.

Q. What happens after my first treatment with Botox®?
A. You will be asked to return in 2 – 3 weeks’ time to assess your response to Botox®. It is very unlikely that there will be no response to treatment – however, should this happen, you will be offered a free “top-up”.

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© K.A.Ward 2009