Botox® treatment for lines and wrinkles

Botox® is a commercial preparation of Botulinum Toxin.  It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including muscular spasms, rapid eye blinking (blepharospasm), excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and, of course, frown lines and wrinkles.

Lines and wrinkles around the eye and forehead result from the activity of muscles in these areas. Botox® temporarily relaxes these muscles, causing the lines to diminish, as the muscles no longer function to produce them. Shallow lines and wrinkles will disappear completely. Deeper lines, however, may require other treatments in addition, such as fillers.  These can be administered two weeks after Botox®.

Botox® takes away a stressed or anxious appearance, making you look fresher and more relaxed. If you start regular treatments with Botox® before permanent lines start, then you will delay and possibly prevent wrinkles appearing, helping to maintain a youthful appearance.

How safe is Botox® ?

Botox® treatment has been used worldwide to treat various conditions safely for well over 15 years. The dose used for cosmetic patients is significantly lower than the dose required for these other conditions.

Botox® treatment is not recommended if any of the following apply:
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding
- If you have a history of neuromuscular problems
- If you are taking antibiotics
- If you are taking calcium channel blockers (clarify this with the treating doctor)
- If you are allergic to albumin or botulinum toxin

Possible side effects

Most side effects experienced by patients are short lived and are linked to the injections e.g. discomfort on injection, redness, swelling etc.

Very rarely, drooping of the eyelid may occur. This effect is temporary and the risk is minimised by accurate dosage, correct placement into the relevant muscle group and by keeping upright for 4 hours after the procedure.

Will the treatment hurt?

The needles used are very fine so most people experience only mild, temporary discomfort.

How will I look after the treatment?

Immediately following the injections there may be mild swelling and redness around the injection sites. This can be easily covered with make up following the procedure and usually subsides quickly. Occasionally mild bruising occurs around the injection sites. Please refrain from taking Aspirin 24 hours before and after the procedure, as Aspirin will increase the risk of bruising.

How long will the effects of Botox® last?

You may start to notice an effect after 1-2 days. However, this varies from patient to patient. The full effect can take up to two weeks following treatment.

Some patients with very strong muscles may not see a complete relaxation of the treated area, but subsequent injections will further weaken them.

In rare cases, some patients need a repeat injection within three weeks if there has been little response. There is no additional charge for this ‘top-up’.

The duration of the effect varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity of the condition being treated. The effect should last for at least three months, but for many patients, it persists for much longer. Repeat treatments are usually performed every 3-6 months.