Wrinkle Fine Line Relaxation Management (BOTOX®).
BOTOX® is just one of the brand names used for Botulinum toxin type A; others currently in use include Vistabel, Dysport and Neuronox. In February 06, a license was given for the use of Botox® for some cosmetic treatments. Since then it has been rebranded as Vistabel. In the UK the only product that has a license to treat frown lines (glabellar area) is Vistabel. Other areas of the face can be treated ‘off license' and this has been done safely for over 10 years. Botulinum toxin type A blocks impulses that cause the facial muscles to contract. The action is never permanent. Facial lines are caused by repeated use of the facial muscles of expression such as squinting and frowning. Therefore reducing the amount of facial muscle movement causes lines to be softened.
Doctors have used Botulinum Toxin type A in medical practice for over 15 years for treatment of muscle spasticity in conditions such as cerebral palsy, dystonia and facial spasms. Botox® has also been shown to improve headaches such as migraines when areas in the upper part of the face are treated.
Data shows treatments are safe with a few short term side effects such as minimal bruising at the injection sites and minor headaches which are short lived.The optimum result softens and removes lines but retains some natural expression. The effects can last up to three to five months gradually the effect wears off restoring the muscle to its original condition.
Popular treatments I perform include:
• Frown reduction
• Forehead line reduction
• Crows feet smoothing