What is it?
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is the material used to minimise the appearance of frown lines, crow's feet, laughter lines and other so-called dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle contraction, which happens when we smile, laugh or frown, and the skin is repeatedly folded in the same place. Botulinum is injected into these muscles and works by relaxing them, allowing the skin crease to soften. It can take up to two weeks for the Botulinum to take effect.

Is it safe?
Botulinum Toxin has had a very bad press over the last few years with many people unsure about ‘injecting poison’ into themselves. In fact it should be thought of as a pure protein used in a very small dose to have a precise controlled action on specific muscles. It has been used for medicinal purposes for many years, the anti-wrinkle effect being discovered by accident when patients being treated for an eye complaint returned for review, without wrinkles! The American Opthalmic Surgeons who discovered this now solely treat aging, and lecture all over the world.

How is it done?
We use an anesthetic cream to numb the skin and use very fine needles to apply the botulinum. It is a painless procedure. You may have some redness where the injection is applied, and occasionally bruising can occur later although this is rare.

Are there any side effects?
There have been reports of side effects such as eyelip drooping due to the Botulinum acting on adjacent muscles, but this is rare if certain areas are avoided. Historically it has probably occurred due to the procedure being carried out by unqualified people. Asymmetry of facial expression is the most common ‘side effect’ and can be easily corrected at review by topping up whichever side needs more. The risk of side effects depends on the muscles injected. As Botulinum Toxin is completely reversible, any side effects related to excessive weakness are temporary, usually only lasting a number of days.

How will I look?
Botulinum helps to maintain a younger appearance, by softening the dynamic wrinkles. The effect may take up to two weeks to appear. It works really well on the wrinkles around the eyes and bridge of nose, and on the forehead.  It will not soften the static wrinkles caused by skin sagging through loss of collagen. These wrinkles require more collagen to be added to the skin to soften them.
Botulinum used repeatedly seems to cause the muscles to lose some of their contraction memory and this means that over time its effects last longer. It will however eventually wear off completely.