Anti-wrinkle or Facial line softening injections can be used for the temporary improvement of expression lines around the forehead and eyes.
What are anti-wrinkle injections?
As we grow older our skin becomes less elastic and the signs of muscle movement become more apparent on the skins surface. As the muscles contract with normal movement wrinkles and fine lines appear particularly around the eye area, between the brows and on the forehead. Rather than undergoing surgery more and more people are turning to injectables to help reduce the appearance of these lines.
Botulinum Toxin is one of the ways this can be achieved. This injectable is produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum and is used in very small doses. The toxin is injected into the small muscles of the face that cause the formation of the wrinkles. The toxin reduces the ability of the muscle to contract by blocking nerve conduction. This results in the smoothing of the wrinkles and fine lines in the overlying skin and reduces their appearance.
How quickly does it work and how long will it last?
The effects of the injections usually come on over 3-14 days though this varies from person to person. These effects initially will last for 3-4 months before a repeat treatment is required, however with regular treatments effects can be seen for up to 6 months.
What are the products used?
There are many different versions of the Botulinum Toxin available, produced by different pharmaceutical companies. At TK Aesthetics we use the original BOTOX® produced by Allergan® or Bocouture® from Merz®. These products have been around for many years and have been used for decades in medical practice with a significant amount of research published about their efficacy and safety.
Are they safe?
Botulimum Toxin injections are a prescription only medication and as with all medications carry the risk of some side effects (see here). BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A) has been in medical use now for over 20 years and has one of the best safety profiles of all of the Botulinum Toxin products.