BOTULINUM TOXIN / WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS

Botulinum toxin is used to reduce wrinkles caused by dynamic movements (eg smiling, frowning, raising the eyebrows). Static facial lines (those present at rest) will not respond to toxin as they are NOT caused by muscle activity. It is licensed for the temporary improvement of lines in the frown area, but we often use it off-licence for forehead wrinkles and wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet). It can also be used in the lower face for teeth grinding, gummy smile and for neck bands.

Only one treatment is needed; the effect can last 3-6 months depending on the patient and product. Further treatments are needed to maintain the effect.

30 minutes.

No.

No analgesia is needed. The skin is cleaned, and the product is injected. As with any injection it is mildly painful at the time.

No. There will be some redness at the injection site, but this will go within an hour or so unless you get a bruise- bruises can last up to 2 weeks.

Yes.

The most common side effects are headache and injection reactions e.g. redness, swelling, irritation, rash, itching, numbness, pain, stinging and bruising at the site. These can occur with or shortly after treatment. Reactions from the toxin effect itself occur later and are rare. They include- for upper face injections- heaviness of the forehead, drooping of one or both of the eyelids or double vision. These are all temporary.