Botulinum Toxin
(Brand Names Include Botox®, Vistabel®, Dysport®, Neurobloc®)
Botox®, Vistabel®, Dysport® and Neurobloc® are all trade names for the injection Botulinum Toxin A®. Originally the chemical was used for medical purposes to treat eye spasms and disorders of the central nervous system but has been used by the cosmetic industry for a couple of decades to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Botulinum Toxin® can also be used to reduce sweating by injecting it into the underarms, feet and hands.
What does the procedure involve?
Every time we laugh, smile or frown we crease our skin. After a time wrinkles or lines appear where the skin creases. Botulinum Toxin works by paralysing the small muscles that create these facial movements thus reducing the amount of creases on the face. The protein in the injection binds to the nerve endings preventing the muscle from working.
Botulinum Toxin is administrated using a very fine needle, in some cases a local anaesthetic cream will be applied to the area first. When you go to see the doctor or person administrating the injection they should examine your face first to identify the main areas which need the work.
What are the benefits and what are the risks?
Benefits
The main benefits of Botulinum Toxin are that it is quick to administrate and patients can go about their daily activities straight away, there is little pain and results are more or less instant. By freezing the muscle into which it is injected, the muscle relaxes and lines and creases soften. However, the main benefit of Botulinum Toxin is that further lines are prevented from being formed and existing furrows are not deepened because the muscles which create facial movements, and therefore the creases, are ‘frozen’.
Risks
Botulinum Toxin is widely regarded as a safe procedure. With over one million Botox injections being performed every year the chances of anything going wrong is very rare. However, in some instances Botulinum Toxin injections can cause drooping of the brow or eyelid, which can occur if the substance has been injected in the wrong place or the wrong amount has been used. If administrated badly your face can be left looking unnatural and expressionless much like it has been ‘frozen’. The treatment may also cause headaches or numbness in some people. As such it is important to seek a professional and well experienced administrator.
Is it the right procedure for me?
Botulinum Toxin does not eradicate wrinkles or lines on the face altogether though it does soften and smooth some expression lines. To make the appearance of lines and wrinkles disappear dermal fillers or a face lift may be the most appropriate treatment. Botulinum Toxin is mainly used for preventative purposes, slowing down the ageing process by paralysing the muscles that cause the creases on the face. The effects of Botulinum Toxin are not permanent because the nerves grow new connections to the muscles after about three to six months so the muscles become active once more. As a result people who have Botulinum Toxin injections have to undergo regular treatments.
How long does the procedure take?
The treatment is very quick and only takes about 10 minutes to administrate so it really can be a lunchtime fix-me-up. Make-up can be worn immediately.
What happens after surgery?
Treatment is quick and no medical aftercare is required. As such you can go about your usual activities straightaway. You will however be advised not to massage or rub the area for twenty-four hours after administration. You will also have to remain upright for four hours afterwards to reduce the spread of the Botulinum Toxin from the site of injection. Some very slight bruising or redness may occur in some people at the site of the injection but this should fade quickly. It can take forty-eight hours for the first results to be seen and up to one week before the full effect is evident.
How much is it likely to cost?
Prices may vary between £200 and £250 per area treated.
Responses to Botulinum Toxin
Ask an Expert about Botulinum Toxin
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joanne on 17.06.2007 at 17:38 (Reply)
Me and my sister both have the same problem, we tend to sweat from our armpit alot, its not sweat as such it more wetness. We have tryed all the deodrants etc but nothing works.Could you tell me how we go about the botulinum injection, and how much this costs
Hi Joanne, sorry for the late response. I have contacted Christine Davis, an expert from MYA Cosmetic Surgery. This is what she has had to say.
“Botox is used very successfully in the treatment of hyperhydrosis. You need to find an experienced non – surgical practitioner. The result will usually last between 3 – 6 months and cost is approximately £500 per treatment. Hope this helps.”
Karen Miele on 06.07.2007 at 12:23 (Reply)
after each botox treatment has worn off I get severe headaches, is this normal or should I just stop injections ?
Hi Karen,
Botox is used for patients who suffer from migranes. Have you ever suffered with these in the past?
umapathee on 01.10.2007 at 18:58 (Reply)
Is Botox licenced for cosmetic use in the UK. I had paralysis of my eye lids after a bad injection else where. Where do I go to to get compensation?
Hi,
The Visabel brand of Botox is licenced for use for cosmetic treatment in the upper face. We would suggest that you go back to the place where you had it done and speak to them.
Sophie
Biko on 04.10.2007 at 20:59 (Reply)
how old do you have to be to be able to have botox? also, do you offer collagen injections for lip augmentations?
Hi Bilko,
You need to be over the age of 18 but you should not need Botox at that age. We do not use collagen for the lips instead we use a dermal filler.
Sophie