Anti-wrinkle Injections

Botulinum Toxin treatment decreases muscle activity thereby preventing the appearance of "dynamic" wrinkles that are caused by repeated facial expressions. The toxin acts on the junctions between nerves and muscles, preventing the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine from the nerve endings. Tiny amounts of the fluid are injected into a specific facial muscle so only the targeted impulse of that muscle will be blocked, causing a local relaxation. This muscle blockade acts to immobilise the muscle contractions which are the underlying cause of the unwanted lines. The established lines gradually smooth out after prolonged relaxation and disuse and the muscle blockade prevents new wrinkles from forming. Only muscles that are treated are affected. Muscles needed for important functions like eating, kissing, smiling, and eye opening are not treated and their continued function helps to maintain a natural look. Although Botulinum Toxin therapy can have a dramatic effect on dynamic wrinkles, it has no overall effect on the texture of the skin. There should be no effect on skin sensation in the treated areas. 

Improvements can be seen in a few days but you may not see the final result for up to two weeks. The effect generally lasts from four to six months with the lines gradually reverting to the pretreated appearance. Some studies indicate that after multiple treatments, results can last longer in between treatments. Every person responds differently, and different areas may have longer lasting results than other areas. Some people have a lasting partial effect or memory response, whereby the lines and creases never completely return to the pre-injection appearance. 

Botulinum Toxin can be used to improve but not completely get rid of the folds between the outer part of the nostrils and the corners of the lips, and the fine lines above the lips. Vertical muscle bands in the neck can also be softened with botulinum toxin. When a small amount of BOTOX® is into specific places around the eyebrows, a "chemical browlift" can be achieved which can cause a change in the eyebrow shape (rounded or peaked) and can even create a mild lifting of the eyebrows. For deeper wrinkles, a combination of botulinum toxin and a filler is often recommended to achieve a maximum improvement.