Every time we frown, squint
or smile the skin is creased in the areas of greatest use. The more
expressive you are the deeper the lines become. These expression lines
include crow's feet, worry lines and frown lines. As we age, collagen
production slows down and the problem accelerates as we are less able to
repair the damage.
How does it work?
Botox® temporarily blocks the nerve endings to the facial muscles relaxing
them. By reducing muscle movement, the skin stops being creased and is
allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften and fade away. Over time the
patient can retrain the facial muscles to be less expressive by breaking the
habit of subconscious overuse.
Is it safe?
The cosmetic benefits of Botox® were discovered in 1990 and it has been
used effectively and safely ever since.
What happens during treatment?
The treatment involves injecting very small doses of Botox® via an
extremely fine needle into the appropriate area. This sometimes causes a
brief stinging sensation. Discomfort is so mild that anaesthesia is not
required. Normal activity can be resumed immediately after the procedure.
Are there any side-effects?
No serious side effects have ever been reported, when using Botox® for
cosmetic treatments. Minor side effects occur in a small number of patients
and are always fully reversible within a few days to a few weeks.
Immediately after the injection there may be mild swelling and redness which
subsides within a few days.
Bruising at the injection site may occur, this can be covered with makeup if
needed. Rarely a temporary drooping of the eye lid may occur, this resolves
within a few weeks. Very rarely following repeated injections the patient
may develop antibodies to Botox®. This makes subsequent treatments
ineffective.
Home