Treatments
Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments (Botox®)
Botox® injections can be used to treat lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox® is paticularly used on the upper face but has multiple other uses. To reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles small volumes of Botulinum Toxin A (Botox®) are injected into muscles – this causes temporary muscle relaxation by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product is used?
There are various different manufacturers of “botox”. We use Botox® for our Wrinkle Relaxing Treatment, which is manufactured by the Allergan Corporation and has been subject to stringent trials to ensure its safety.
Is it safe?
Wrinkle Relaxing Treatment has been successfully used to treat patients for a variety of conditions for over 20 years. Allergan has done extensive testing of Botox® and deems it safe to use for cosmetic purposes.
Does it hurt?
It may sting slightly when the injection is administered but that will wear off quickly.
When will it start to work?
You will see the results from Botox® within 3-4 days of treatment, but the effects can continue to improve for up to a month.
How long will it last?
The Botox® will last for approximately four months. Once the effect has worn off if you you discontinue treatment, lines and wrinkles will re-appear and look as they did prior to treatment. Research has shown that prolonged use of Botox® Treatment can lead to the effects lasting longer.
Are there any side effects?
As with any medical procedure, Botox® can cause side-effects. The risks associated with having Botox® are small and would be discussed in full prior to receiving treaatment. The most common side-effects are bruising/pain at injection site, swelling/redness/bleeding at the injection site, and headaches. To minimise these risks avoid alcohol and blood thinning medication prior to attending for Botox® injections.
Areas for treatment
Frown Lines
There are 3 different muscles which are involved in making us frown. When we frown thee muscles pull downwards resulting in brow depression. By relaxing these muscles, Botox® is able to lead to an improvement in lines and wrinkles at this area and also lift the brow upwards.
Forehead Lines
There is one large muscle in the forehead which when contracted results in an elevation of the brow. By relaxing this muscle, Botox® is able to lead to an improvement in forehead lines. To avoid the brow appearing heavy only small volumes of Botox® should be used at this area. For people who have hooded eyelids or an existing heavy brow, this treatment is not advised.
Crow’s Feet
When we smile or screw up our eyes, a large muscle surrounding the eyes contracts leading to the appearance of crows feet. When this muscle contracts the outer brow is also pulled downwards. By relaxing this muscle, Botox® is able to lead to an improvement in lines and wrinkles at this area and also lift the brow upwards.
Facial slimming injections/ treatment for bruxism (teeth grinding)
Botox® can be used to weaken the masseter muscles which are involved in the process of chewing. When this muscle is particularly strong it can result in a heavy square-shaped jawline, or for some people can lead to bruxism (grinding and clenching of the teeth). By relaxing this muscle, Botox® is able to result in a slimmer facial appearance and improved dentition by breaking the grinding cycle.
Gummy smile
When we smile there are various muscles which contract leading to an elevation of the upper lip. In some people this can result in the upper lip appearing thinner and a large proprotion of the upper gumline becoming visible. By relaxing these muscles, Botox® is able to provide a lovely aesthetic outcome and improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
Brow lift
All of the muscles in the upper face move in different directions when they are contracted. By administering Botox® in a tailored fashion to individual clients, it is possible to relax some muscles which can result in the appearance of an elevated brow.
Cobblestone chin
With ageing, the muscle in the chin can become vey strong leading to a “cobblstone” or “orange peel” appearance. Botox® can be used to relax this muscle leading to an improved aesthetic outcome.
Bunny lines
When we “scrunch our nose” the nasalis muscles contracts and lines can appear on either side of the nose. By relaxing these muscles, Botox® is able to lead to an improvement in the appearance of lines and wrinkles at this area.
Other Areas
Nefertiti neck lift
Running down our necks are several muscles called platysmal bands. When these muscles contract they can pull the neck and lower face downwards. By relaxing these muscles, Botox® is able to give a more youthful appearance to the lower face by elevating it. This treatment is not suitable for all clients.
Drooping nasal tip
Some people find when they smile that a small muscle under the nose contracts leading to the nasal tip drooping. This can also start to occur at rest with increasing age. By relaxing this muscle, Botox® can result in straightening of the nasal tip.
Upper lip wrinkling
A large muscle runs around the lips. As we age this muscle becomes tired and lines can start to emerge around the lips. For most women, the injection of small volumes of filler will give a good aesthetic outcome, however, in some cases, Botox® can be used to relax the muscle which can lead to an improvement in lines and wrinkles at this area.
Hyperhydrosis (underarm sweating)
Botox® can be injected into the armpit to stop excess sweating. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the sweat glands which leads to a temporary reduction in sweating.
