Botulinum Toxin Type A/Anti-wrinkle injections
Botulinum toxin Type A is derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. It is a purified protein found in the natural environment where it is largely inactive and non-toxic.
It is predominantly used to temporarily reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. However, Botulinum Toxin A is not solely used for aesthetic application, it can also be used to treat many different medical conditions such eye squints, migraines, excess sweating and leaky bladders.
This treatment is suitable for a variety of patients wanting to target ageing. People often ask what age they should start to have the procedure done? My answer to that would be when you begin to notice dynamic lines such as frown lines which have now become static. eg. If your frown lines are still visible even when you are not frowning and your face is at rest. This usually starts to happen in your early 30’s and when most people start to think about having treatment with Botulinum Toxin A.
The areas treated with Botulinum Toxin A are mainly on the upper face – the most common areas it is used are:
- Forehead, between eyes and around eyes (crow’s feet)
- To arch or lift eyebrows
However, it can also be used to treat:
- ‘Bunny’ lines
- Improve gummy smile, turn up lip corners
- Improve chin dimple
- Slim jaw
- Improve neck lines
Prior to treatment a medical consultation is mandatory. This is followed by a full explanation of treatment and discussion of expectations of the result. Once this has been complete and you are fully aware and consented for treatment you would be treated with a series of small injections in the area of concern. The appointment is approximately 30 minutes. The full consultation takes 20-30 minutes with the injection process itself normally only taking 5 minutes, and is relatively painless. At Dr Leah Clinics we tend to use a “sprinkling technique” to give a more natural look to the forehead - a less frozen or shiny look, and one which allows for some flexibility of expression.
This is a fairly quick procedure with no real downtime associated, it is important to note that you may encounter some slight bruising and swelling directly after treatment, due to the needle insertion. Most patients can resume their usual activities straight away. You may experience some sensitivity around the injection sites for around an hour.
Results develop gradually over approximately 10 days and typically you are required to return for a two-week review following your initial treatment to ensure you are happy with your result and at this point a top up of Botulinum Toxin A can be administered should you require it.
Results should last approximately 4-6 months.
Results vary from person to person but common side effects including infection, bruises, drooping brow, allergic reactions and swelling.
People who have medical conditions, such as damaged nerves or muscle complaints, should disclose this information during consultation, to avoid any complications. Treatment is not advisable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. While there are no clinical studies to show that the injection is harmful to the baby or mother, medical professionals advise against having treatment under these circumstances
Anti-wrinkle injections from - £199 - £250 for one treatment area, depending on treating doctor and clinic location.
“The line between the two most popular injectables - Botulinum Toxin A and dermal fillers- can sometimes seem blurred, but an easy way of determining which treatment is right for you is assessing the type of lines you want to treat and/or if it is volume you wish to restore. Botulinum Toxin A is used to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are the wrinkles you see more prominently when you animate your facial muscles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet or the lines across your forehead. Fillers are used for more static wrinkles and to enhance volume. Static wrinkles or lines are those that can be seen even at rest, such as the nasolabial fold (the deeper lines that run from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth on each side.) Filler is also used to restore volume in the face in areas such as cheeks and for enhancements such as lips.”
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