Anti-Wrinkle Injections

An Anti-wrinkle treatment is simple, quick and safe and usually takes no longer than 30 minutes.

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Botox

Botulinum toxin, BOTOX has been used in hospitals around the UK since 1977. It’s often prescribed by doctors in the UK to treat medical conditions such as Cervical Dystonia, Blepharospasm (eyelid spasms), Hyperhidrosis and chronic migraines.

I have treated the above medical conditions whilst employed as a CNS in the NHS. I worked alongside two Consultant Neurologists as an injector of Botulinum Toxin for the treatment of Dystonia, Blephrospasm, Hemi-facial Spasm and Hyperhidrosis.

It was here that I gained the insight into the workings of the facial muscles, the confidence in injecting facial areas and understanding the anxiety that people experience when undergoing these procedures despite their need being purely medical. It was the remarkable effects of Botulinum toxin that excited me to learn more of its benefits and uses within the cosmetic industry.

BOTOX has been used within the cosmetic industry for over 20 years. A prescription-only medication cited as the most widely used cosmetic medical treatment for facial lines and wrinkles in the UK. It is used on over 4 million patients in the USA alone every year. This treatment can only be prescribed legally by doctors and nurse prescribers after a face to face consultation.

What you need to know

What is Botox?
Botox is a purified protein that blocks the release of acetylcholine which temporarily relaxes facial muscles that causes lines and wrinkles.
What are Anti-wrinkle injections used for?
As we get older, it is natural for wrinkles, brow furrows and forehead lines or a sagging neck to appear. This can often be due to weakened collagen in the skin because of too much sun exposure or natural gravity because of excess facial movement or genetic pre-disposition.

BOTOX can therefore be used to treat facial lines. Wrinkles can be identified in two ways: expressive or static. Expressive lines are, as the term suggests, those which are evident when expressing emotion. Static lines are those which remain evident even when the face is relaxed.

The main areas that are affected by expressive and static lines are as follows:

Glabella – Frown lines

The Glabella is the area between your brows. Over time, a deep line may appear that becomes quite prominent. The use of Botulinum toxin can not only relax the muscle to stop you overworking that area, it can also reduce the appearance of that static groove.

Frontalis – Forehead – Horizontal lines

Likewise, the forehead is an area where we tend to get both expressive and static lines. The use of botulinum toxin relaxes the area to prevent over-expression.

Crow’s Feet- Corner of the eye – Laughter lines

The area around the eyes (and lip) can be the most obvious sites for ageing and can cause a tired expression.

What is meant when asked if one, two or three injected areas are required?
During the consultation the treatment options will be discussed with you and the areas that require treatment will be identified:

One area:

Glabella (frown lines) or Crow’s feet (laughter lines)

Two areas:

Glabella (frown lines) and Frontalis (forehead) or

Glabella (frown lines) and Crow’s feet (laughter lines)

Three areas:

Glabella (frown lines), Frontalis (forehead) and Crow’s feet (laughter lines)

Other areas treated with Anti-wrinkle injections
  • Bunny Lines (scrunch lines) around the nose
  • Brow Lift
  • Smokers lines, around the mouth
  • Gummy Smile
  • Platysma bands on the neck
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) under the arms
First Consultation Free

The first visit will be a FREE consultation to assess your suitability for anti-wrinkle treatment. You will be able to discuss your expectations before undertaking the cosmetic treatment and answer any questions you may have. You will find out about the products available and what is involved in the treatment appropriate for you. If you are happy to proceed a follow up appointment will be made.

What happens during the Anti-Wrinkle treatment?
An Anti-wrinkle treatment is simple, quick and safe and usually takes no longer than 30 minutes.

A medical history will be taken and both the benefits and possible side effects of treatment will be discussed. You will be asked to sign a consent form, photographs will be taken so there is a record of your before and after images to show you how successful your anti-wrinkle treatment has been. The photographs will not be used for promotional material.

Will it hurt?
Treatments are carried out in a clinical environment. You will be asked to lie down comfortably whilst you are treated. The area to be treated will be cleaned thoroughly and an anaesthetic cream will be applied, this will numb the area and make you feel relaxed. Using a small, fine needle, tiny amounts of botulinum toxin will be injected into several points in the agreed area. The injections are relatively quick so any feeling will soon pass.
How soon will I notice results?
The results of your treatment may take up to 14 days, where maximum effect will be seen, however, most people notice a reduction in their wrinkles 4-7 days post-treatment.
How long will the results last?
You may need to repeat treatment approximately every 3-6 months, to maintain a fresh and natural appearance. It is worth noting that the first treatment may be evident for a shorter length of time, but any subsequent treatments will be longer lasting.
When would I not be suitable for anti-wrinkle treatments?
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • A diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis – a disease that affects muscle activity
  • History of Bell’s Palsy.
  • Bleeding disorders or are taking drugs that affect bleeding time (Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel)
  • Currently taking antibiotics you may be advised delaying your treatment.
What are the possible side effects of Anti-wrinkle injections?
There is no downtime following the injections, so you can assume your normal activities immediately after the procedure.

  • A Small amount of temporary bleeding or mild swelling at the injection site this will disappear an hour or so following treatment.
  • There is a small chance of bruising, which can be reduced by using Arnica Gel.
  • Occasional headache, which Paracetamol will treat, please do not take Ibuprofen products following the procedure.
  • Less than 1% risk of partial ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) this will resolve in a few weeks, an eye drop called Apraclonidine may help to speed up recovery should this occur.
  • Very rarely double vision.
Aftercare instructions following Anti-wrinkle injections
  • Help activate the Botox by gently exercising the muscles that have been treated i.e. frown, smile, angry expressions (approx. 4 times an hour for 4 hours).
  • Remain upright for 4 hours. Do not bend forward for extended periods of time or lie down for 4 hours following treatment.
  • Do not touch the area for 4 hours following treatment.
  • Do not apply make-up for up to 4 hours.
  • Refrain from exercise for 24 hours.
  • Avoid facials/saunas/hot tubs/sunbeds for 24 hours.
  • Do not take a long haul flight for 24 hours.
Products used
BOTOX (Allergan)

Bocouture (MERZ)

Prices

Price on consultation. 

 

“Never neglect an opportunity for improvement.”

Sir William Jones