Are anti wrinkle injections Botox®?

In the UK, the products used to treat frown lines are all forms of Botulinum toxin, these includ the brands Botox®, Xeomin, Dysport, Azzalure and Vistabel. Many areas of the face can be treated and this has been done safely for well over a decade using products such as Botox®.

Doctors have been using Botulinum toxin injections in medical practice for over 15 years to treat muscle spasticity and facial spasms in adults and children. There use was then expanded into cosmetic medicine where they are now one of the most widely used and most successful non surgical cosmetic treatments in the world. In skilled hands these injections can give a very natural youthful appearance removing a wide range of lines and wrinkles safely.

What does it actually do?

Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger produced in our nerves to stimulate the muscles to contract. The Botulinum toxin reduces the release of acetylcholine therefore reducing muscle contraction. The action on the muscle is never permanent.

How does it work to reduce facial lines?

Facial lines are caused by repeated use of the facial muscles of expression e.g. squinting and frowning. By reducing the amount of facial muscle movement the lines can be softened. Injections are given into the muscles, temporarily reducing their strength for a period of 3 – 4 months. The effect on the muscle is always temporary. The aim of the treatment is to break the habit of frowning or squinting and so reduce the appearance of the lines and also reduce the development of further facial lines. Prevention is often better than cure.

Depending on the individual after your treatment it will take approximately 3-5 days for the effects to start to be seen reaching its maximum effect at 14 days. Where required top-ups are given included in the treatment charge between days 14 and 21 days. Top-ups outside of this period may be charged for. The results may last from to 3-4 months. With ongoing treatments the effects may last longer.

Occasionally you may require a top-up injection at two weeks if the muscle is not fully corrected. It is always better to inject a conservative amount of the Botulinum toxin and add more if required. The Botulinum toxin will make it difficult to frown and squint and therefore reduce facial lines However if you try very hard you will be able to move the muscles a little. This does not mean the treatment has not worked. It is most important to retain normal facial expression.

What areas can anti wrinkle injections treat?

•    Eyes – to reduce crow's feet
•    Forehead and brow – to reduce frown lines
•    Mouth – to reduce the fine vertical lines on the upper lip or to treat down turned mouths
•    Neck – to treat lines and lift the jowl line.
•    Nose – to reduce “bunny lines”
•    Stippled chin
•    Excessive armpit sweating (hyperhidrosis)
•    Excessive palm sweating
•    Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism)
•    Migraine prevention and treatment
•    And more – ask your doctor for details......

What are the side effects?

The side effects are minimal and all are temporary. The injections may sting very slightly but they are not painful. Other side effects are minimal redness and swelling at the injection sites that usually disappears in a few minutes. There is also a small risk of bruising at the injection sites. A small number of patients may experience mild transient headaches on the day of the treatment which may be treated by mild painkillers such as paracetamol.

You may have read of a few patients reporting eyelid drooping (ptosis) and slight puffiness following treatment. This is extremely unusual and only occurs in the hands of inexperienced practitioners when injecting over the outer one third of the eye brows. In the unlikely event that this occurs, it is always temporary and usually settles after 2-3 weeks. After several treatments, very rarely, some patients become resistant to the drug and it no longer works effectively. In this case changing the brand of product that we use often solves the problem.

Frequently asked questions

It is not recommended in anyone who is pregnant or breast feeding or who suffers from a neuromuscular disorder. You should make your doctor aware of any medication you are taking including antibiotics, blood thinning drugs such as warfarin or steroids, Gingko Biloba and St John's Wort.
Here is a list of questions you should ask your doctor prior to any muscle reducing treatment.

Q: What are your qualifications?(the BACD would always recommend an experienced doctor for your treatment).
A: Dr Berrisford has been a fully qualified doctor for 23 years. He has performed skin surgery and minor surgical procedures throughout all of this time. He is also a full Member of The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors having satisfied all of the requirements for this specialist qualification.

Q: Is the person providing your consultation the same one who will give your injections? If not, who is it and what are their qualifications.
A: Yes your consultation will be performed by Dr Berrisford and Miss Owen who will also perform all of your treatments

Q: How long have you been carrying out muscle relaxing injections?
A: Over 5 years.

Q: How many patients have you treated?
A: In excess of 1000.

Q: What form of Botulinum toxin do you use?
A: Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Azzalure and Vistabel.

Q: Are there any alternatives that I should consider?
A: We will discuss all alternatives treatments with you on the day of consultation.

Q: How often have your patients had "droopy eye"? (ptosis)
A: We have never experienced any.

Q: Are muscle relaxing injections dangerous?
A: Botulinum toxin itself is not dangerous when correctly used. It has been used safely for over 15 years. Any concerns that you may have read about regarding Botulinum injections are generally as a result of treatments being given by unqualified people. The Botulinum injection sticks directly to the muscles and nerve endings at the point of injection and does not float freely around the body. After 3-4 months new nerve endings are sprouted to reconnect the weakened muscles and they start to work normally again. The Botulinum toxin is broken down and excreted from the body.

Q: What do I do if I have a question about my treatment afterwards?
A: You will be given our clinic details including mobile number and email address so that you can contact us if you do have any questions about your treatment.

Q: Do you routinely follow up at 2 weeks?(this is neither a good thing or a bad thing just important for you to know).
A: All patients are given a follow up appointment at two weeks for review and the top-up may be administered free of charge if the doctor feels it is required.

Q: Do you have any patients who you have previously treated whom I could speak to?
A: This can be arranged upon request.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Click here for Price List