What Is Botulinum Toxin?
We are living longer than ever before and as we continue to age we begin to see an increase in the number of wrinkles. Injection of botulinum toxin is the commonest way to reduce these wrinkles.
Who Is It Suitable For?
Those with fine wrinkles or best suited to this treatment and the areas where botulinum toxins are commonly used include the frown lines, crows’ feet, forehead furrows and the skin bands of the neck. It may be combined with other cosmetic procedures both surgical and non-surgical.
What Is It?
Botulinum toxin type A and type B are purified substances, derived from bacteria. Injections of this substance blocks muscular signals, which then weakens the muscle so that it cant contract and diminishes your unwanted wrinkles.
How Much Do Anti Wrinkle Injections Cost?
This depends on the number of areas required and the amount of botulinum toxin required to obtain the desired effect. Costs are determined on the basis that a new vial of botulinum toxin will be used for every patient. Costs will also be based on a potential return visit within the following two weeks and further botulinum toxin injections at that time.
How Is The Treatment Given?
Injection of botulinum toxin is both an art and a science. Treatments are individualised by patient needs. There are over 40 muscles in the face and different effects can be achieved depending on ones concerns and the anatomy of your muscles. The key is to determine which muscles to weaken and use a dose that will give the desired effect without causing any side effects. A small needle is used to inject the botulinum toxin and the number of injections depends on the effect required. The time to complete the injections is often less than 15 minutes and no anaesthesia is required. You will not see an effect for a couple of days and you will find that the effect will begin to lessen over 3-4 months.
What Are The Risks?
Botulinum toxin has been used for many years and we are currently not aware of any long-term side effects of its use. Immediately following the injection one can experience bleeding at the injection points and swelling. Usually these settle. Infection, haematoma and direct damage to nerves and blood vessels are uncommon but have been reported. Reactions to botulinum toxins have also been reported but are exceedingly rare.