Treatment for Wrinkles
What is wrinkle relaxing injection treatment?
Wrinkle relaxing injection treatment uses as neurotoxin produced by a bacterium called clostridium botulinum that is purified into a serotype for cosmetic use. Doctors have used this toxin in medical practice for over 15 years for treatment of muscle spasticity and facial spasms as well as for cosmetic wrinkle reduction.
How does wrinkle relaxing injection treatment work?
Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger produced in our nerves to stimulate the muscles to contract. Wrinkle relaxing injections reduce the release of acetylcholine therefore temporarily reducing muscle contraction.
How does this treatment reduce facial lines and wrinkles?
Facial lines are caused by repeated use of the facial muscles for expressions such as squinting and frowning. These lines can be softened by using botulinum toxin injection.
Injections can be used for reducing existing wrinkles. Wrinkles can also be prevented with this method.
Injections are given into the muscles, temporarily putting them to "sleep" for up to six months. The freezing of the muscle is sometimes called the hibernation period as the muscle hibernates for a short time. The aim of the treatment is to break the habit of frowning or squinting and so reduce the development of facial lines.
What areas can wrinkle relaxing injection treatment be used for?
- 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 downturned mouths
- Neck - to treat lines and lift the jowl line
What happens during the consultation for facial line reduction?
The initial consultation with the doctor will take around 20 minutes. The doctor will take a full medical history and explain the process. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions about the treatment. The doctor will ask you to frown hard so that existing patterns of facial expression can be seen. Wrinkle relaxing injections are slightly uncomfortable but brief.
Afterwards you will have some tiny red marks at the injection sites, which will fade over the next hour. You will notice the effect over the next 2-3 days, and maximum effect 7-10 days after the injection. Results last up to 4 months.
Occasionally you may require a top-up injection at two weeks if you find the muscle is not fully asleep. It is always better to inject a conservative amount of the toxin the first time, and add more if required. The injection will make it difficult to frown and squint and therefore reduces facial lines. However, if you try very hard, you will find you are able to move the muscles a little. This does not mean the treatment has not worked.
Do wrinkle relaxing injection treatments have any side effects?
On rare occasions after treatment, patients may experience eyelid drooping and slight puffiness. In the unlikely event that this occurs, it should only last a short time. You may also find that skin may be slightly bruised over the injection site. This is temporary and will resolve itself over a few days.
Very occasionally, patients may find they become resistant to the drug after several treatments, and it may no longer work effectively.
Who cannot have wrinkle relaxing injection treatment?
This treatment is not recommended for 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 Gingko Biloba and St John's Wort.