How does wrinkle treatment with botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox) work?
Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium. When it is injected, it blocks the electrical impulses that cause muscles to contract. If used in the facial muscles, temporarily blocking the signal will cause the muscle to relax, preventing repeated movements thus minimising wrinkles and helping to prevent the formation of new ones.
Treating wrinkles with botulinum toxin is a minimally invasive procedure, simple and straightforward. It does not involve incisions or general anaesthesia and has minimal downtime.
Anti-wrinkle injections with botulinum toxin are most commonly used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet or smile lines.
What is botulinum toxin used to treat?
Botulinum toxin is most commonly used to treat forehead lines (such as those made ‘worse’ when you raise your eyebrows), frown lines (sometimes referred to as 11’s), crow’s feet/eye wrinkles or smile lines.
It may also be used to improve underarm sweating, for jawline slimming and to improve the appearance of neck bands. Other uses include a neck lift, nose tip lift, reduction of a gummy smile and for the treatment of chin dimpling. There are lots of ways botulinum toxin can be used however a consultation will always be required to confirm it is the most suitable option for you.
What happens during a botulinum toxin A/Botox appointment?
The skin will be disinfected before it is injected using tiny, sterile needles. Dr Rushworth uses the thinnest needles available for this treatment in the UK. In most cases, the skin will be marked prior to treatment and pre-treatment photographs will be taken for your records. Your skin may be numbed with a cream before treatment if you are particularly nervous about treatment, though most people find it comfortable without.
How many wrinkle treatment sessions do I need?
If using botulinum toxin A to treat wrinkles, most people will only need one appointment. Following this, an adjustment may be made after 14-21 days if required.
How long do wrinkle treatment results last?
Results take up to 21 days to fully show and will gradually wear off between 6-12 weeks. For most people normal movement has returned after 12 weeks, although the benefits of treatment may last longer if the skin quality is good. Many people find that regularly maintaining their treatments every 3-6 months leads to better results. If you have a big event coming up, it is recommended you have your first treatment at least 6 months prior in order to allow for adjustments at your next appointment if needed.
Who can have wrinkle treatment?
Botulinum toxin A injections are a safe and suitable treatment for most people. It is not suitable for those who are pregnant or nursing. Please book a consultation to discuss suitability further.
What should I do before wrinkle treatment?
It is recommended that you do not wear makeup to your appointment. Please avoid using active skincare ingredients such as retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, retinoic acid) and acids (lactic acid, salicylic acid) for 7 days prior to treatment.
Avoid any chemical peels or other skin treatments at least 14 days prior to botulinum toxin A injections. You should not have a vaccine 2 weeks either side of botulinum toxin A injections.
What should I do after wrinkle treatment?
Any redness should decrease over a 24 hour period. Refrain from touching the skin with hands for the rest of the day. Do not massage the skin for 2 weeks. Skin can be cleansed using a mild cleanser. Do not scrub the skin. Pat dry with a clean towel. Avoid facial products containing fragrance for 3-5 days after treatment as these may irritate the skin.
Makeup can be applied the next day but ensure brushes and sponges are clean. Avoid extreme temperatures such as sun light, saunas and steam rooms for at 48 hours after treatment. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF30+ (ideally 50+) on a daily basis and with regular applications for a period of at least 2 weeks. Avoid electrolysis, waxing, bleaching, depilatory creams and laser hair removal for 14 days. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours after treatment. Avoid facial treatments such as chemical peels for at least 14 days.
Are ‘botox’ injections safe?
Although there are risks associated with all treatments, overall this is considered a very safe treatment with very few reported adverse reactions. It is very important to book a consultation to discuss all possible risks with the clinician prior to treatment.
Common risks: swelling, bruising, redness, bleeding, bumps, tenderness at injection site
Less common risks: infection, asymmetry, drooping for example of the corner of the mouth or the eyelid, blurry vision, heavy feeling brows
There are other risks to consider depending on where is being treated. The majority of risks (for example a droopy eyebrow) are temporary and will go away once the treatment has worn off after around 12 weeks.
What should I expect after wrinkle treatment?
After your treatment, you may have some small dots, bumps or bruises where the injections have been done. This treatment can involve 1 to 20+ injections depending on where is being treated. For most people the redness will resolve over a few hours. You can wear makeup the next day. You will be advised what products to use following your treatment. Please only use these and avoid any ‘active’ ingredients such as retinoids, acids (glycolic acid, vitamin C, salicylic acid) until all redness has resolved. Please use an SPF30 or above daily. It will take 14-21 days to see the full effects of treatment.
How much does wrinkle (Botox) treatment cost?
Subject to consultation.
For detailed prices, please use booking link to see price breakdown/options.
