Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botulinum toxin)

What are they?

Commonly referred to as botox, wrinkle relaxing injections are used to smooth lines and wrinkles for a younger more rejuvenated look.

Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. The toxin blocks the transition of chemical messages sent from the nerve to cause the muscle to contract. Without these messages, the muscle stays in a resting state until the ‘messengers’ recover. This recovery takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks on average.

Licensed brands of botulinum toxin A include, Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Xeomin®, and Dysport®. All botulinum toxins are prescription only medicines (POM) and can only be prescribed by doctors, dentists, prescribing nurses and pharmacists with a prescribing qualification, following a face to face assessment and consultation with the qualified prescriber.

Which wrinkles can be treated?

The best facial regions to treat are the forehead, frown and crows feet areas. Wrinkle relaxing injections allow the precise and selective reduction in certain muscle movements and because the skin is not being continually scrunched up, the lines and wrinkles in treated areas gradually fade. The result: A younger, fresher looking skin with fewer deep lines and wrinkles!

How is the treatment carried out and how long does it take?

An initial consultation with Kelly, a nurse prescriber is essential to ascertain whether you are a suitable candidate for Botox®. This will take approx 30 minutes, no treatment can be given at this appointment as botulinum toxins are prescription only medicines. The consultation is vital to establish your suitability and if there are any treatment contra-indications. It is important to ensure botox is the right treatment for you.

Do the injections hurt?

Tiny fine needles are used to inject Botox® into the facial muscles, small pinpricks may be felt and a little discomfort as the fluid is injected.  Most clients find the treatment very tolerable and virtually painless.  For those not so good with needles, a local anaesthetic cream is available but this needs to be applied around 30 mins before treatment to be effective. 

Following treatment, there may be a little redness and swelling at the injection sites, this usually resolves within 24-48hrs. Bleeding can occur but this is usually minimal.

Possible side effects?

Immediately following treatment there can be slight bleeding, swelling, redness and some bruising.  Infection at the injection site is rare, we suggest the use of a simple antiseptic cream to help prevent this. 

Some clients experience a transient mild headache, nausea or skin irritation. If this occurs it will improve after a day or two.

Other side effects are directly related to the action of the Botox® injections. Ptosis (eyelid or eyebrow droop) and Diplopia (double vision) are rare but possible and can take a few weeks to settle completely if they occur.  Muscle atrophy or wasting can occur with regular treatments.   

Developing a resistance to wrinkle relaxing injections is possible if you develop antibodies against the toxin. Higher doses and too frequent treatments can increase this risk.

Who can be treated?

Men and Women over the age of 18 may be treated.  

Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Not suitable if any allergy to Botox® ingredients.

Not suitable for clients with chronic breathing conditions or swallowing difficulties.

Not suitable for clients with neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis or Eaton Lambert Syndrome.

Clients taking prescribed and/or over the counter medications must tell the nurse at consultation as some medications should be avoided with wrinkle relaxing injections (examples being, muscle relaxants, anticoagulants and some antibiotics).

How long does it take to work?

Clients can return to their normal routine immediately following treatment. Treatment does not interfere with normal life at all. There is some aftercare advice provided following treatment.  The effect is not immediate but gradually takes effect over the first few days.  Most of the movement reduction takes place over the first week but can take up to 2 weeks to have optimal effect.  All clients receiving wrinkle relaxing injections have the opportunity to make a free review appointment between 2-4 weeks after treatment, this gives an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have.

How long do wrinkle relaxing injections last?

The effects typically last 3-4 months following treatment and occasionally longer.  Some movement may start recovering after 8 weeks, frequent treatments at intervals less than 3 months is not recommended.

Can wrinkle relaxing injections be combined with other treatments?

Dermal Fillers can compliment wrinkle relaxing injections. Although they can be administered at the same time, it is best practice to leave at least 2 weeks between wrinkle relaxing injections and dermal fillers. The practitioner can then accurately determine the correct amount of filler to use. 

Available at Faversham & Ramsgate clinics.