Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) Injections

Minimally Invasive Wrinkle Reduction Treatment

Overview

Botulinum toxin as a medication is commercially available as Botox® or Dysport®. In cosmetic surgery, botulinum toxin injections are used to combat the appearances of ageing, and in particular, skin wrinkles. The formation of wrinkles is usually driven by the natural effect of gravity, but may also be caused by repeated facial movements involved in frowning and laughing. The appearance of wrinkles may be worsened by sun damage. The appearance of wrinkles attributed to frowning and laughing (forehead lines, “frown lines”, “crows feet”, upper lip wrinkling, “platysmal banding”/“turkey neck”) may be amenable to treatment with botulinum toxin therapy.

Injection of botulinum toxin into the tissues under the skin causes temporary muscle paralysis. By temporarily paralysing these muscles, the face is given a smoother appearance. As new growth of nerve fibres occurs, treated muscles gradually regain their ability to contract. During the treatment, several injections are used to inject botulinum toxin directly into the muscles attributed to the formation of wrinkles. Botulinum toxin injections typically take effect 1-3 days following therapy. The effect of the treatment typically lasts 3-4 months.

Following the treatment, patients may experience some localised tenderness and bruising in the area of treatment. The treatment is usually performed without local anaesthesia.

Botulinum toxin therapy may also be used in other conditions, such as excessive sweating from the palms and armpits (hyperhidrosis). Mr Anton Fries, Consultant in reconstructive plastic surgery, would be delighted to discuss botulinum toxin injection therapy with you during a private consultation.