Anti-wrinkle injections have revolutionised our approach to facial ageing, treating wrinkles and also excessive underarm sweating. They are relatively painless injections that can last 3-6 months and are increasingly popular. Botulinum toxins (e.g. Botox®) are special proteins produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. They are agents that affect the nerves at the point where they enter muscles, and therefore prevent the muscles from working. These toxins highly effective when used in minute concentrated doses to relax muscles and soften wrinkles. The effects are not permanent, and last 3-6 months. Other brand names of botulinum toxin are available such as Azzalure may also be available. At Purity Bridge we have chosen to use Botox® as our principle anti-wrinkle injectable.
Botulinum toxin is administered by an injection directly into the appropriate muscles, usually on the face. It is given with a tiny needle very precisely into various locations in the face. Most commonly it is given to the frown area in the middle of the forehead, and also to the crows feet area. The untreated areas continue to work normally.
Rather than being painful most people describe toxin treatment as being a little uncomfortable. Some factors may make it feel more painful such as stress or hormonal fluctuations.
We perform the procedure in our specialised treatment rooms at our clinic in Tunbridge Wells.
Botulinum toxin works best in people with fine lines and few wrinkles, and can reduce the amount of wrinkling of the skin. If wrinkles are deep and well-established, Botulinum toxin will not work effectively.
Regular "toxin" treatment over a period of 12-18 months will help to iron out these creases, but for a more immediate result other treatment options such as dermal fillers may be a better option.
In addition Botulinum toxin will not erase the wrinkles caused by sun-damage. Other treatments to improve the quality of the skin such as chemical peels will provide more benefit.
Regarding prevention, it makes sense that botulinum toxin can prevent wrinkle formation if it is started before fixed wrinkles establish. However there is a careful balance when deciding to treat younger patients – premature treatment can make someone look older rather than the more youthful look desired. Whether or not treatment is appropriate is always decided on an individual patient basis.
Botulinum toxin may also be used to treat conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating, often in the armpits or palms and soles).
Anaesthetic
Virtually painless so no anaesthetic needed.
Procedure Length
30 to 60 minutes
Areas
Crows feet, frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, upper lip
Frequency
3 months
Downtime
No downtime
Cost
£195.00 with a nurse and from £250.00 with a consultant
Anaesthetic
Virtually painless so no anaesthetic needed.
Procedure Length
30 to 60 minutes
Areas
Crows feet, frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, upper lip
Frequency
6 to 12 months
Downtime
No downtime
Cost
£195.00 with a nurse and from £250.00 with a consultant
Neuromodulator injections, that are also referred to as anti-wrinkle injections, are used to reduce muscle activity. This can result in changing the position of certain structures (such as the eyebrow or corners of the mouth) or due to reduced muscle contraction on the skin, can be used to soften wrinkles and lines on the face.
The injections are done without the need for local anaesthetic, but with a through skin cleanse. The agreed treatment areas are targeted with a number of injections, the precise number and pattern being tailored to you as an individual.
The results of the treatment very much depend on the individual circumstances – in some cases the lines on the face will soften, and in other situations they may be eradicated. Subtle changes to the eyebrow position can be achieved as well as treatments being able to elevate the corners of the mouth, and in certain situations to narrow the width of the face by treating the masseter (chewing) muscle.
Neuromodulator injections typically last 3-4 months, and then further injections are required to achieve the same results. In some cases they may not last that long, and in others they may last longer.
