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.
