Botox: How Anti-wrinkle Injections Work
The medication used in botulinum toxin injections is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, known as Botox
The small, targeted doses used in facial aesthetics are considered safe. Botox works by targeting superficial muscles to block acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits electrical impulses causing muscle contractions. Consequently, muscle movement is temporarily reduced, softening the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
The aim of this anti-aging treatment is to significantly reduce the movement of the muscles causing expression lines. While it may not cause the deep set lines to disappear completely, they should be improved over a course of treatments.
In the upper face, this treatment may be suitable for reducing the ’11’ lines in the frown, smoothing the forehead, lifting the eyebrows, softening crow’s feet around the eyes, or smoothing bunny lines on the nose.
In the lower face, a ‘lip flip’ may be performed to treat a gummy smile. Botulinum toxin may also be injected into the corners of the lips to lift a downturned smile, relieve chin dimpling, and smooth lines on the neck.
Results may be visible after 3 days and will reach peak effect 2 weeks after treatment. The effects of Botox will last from 3 to 6 months depending on the individual.
This treatment is not suitable if you are taking blood-thinning medication, regular ibuprofen, have taken Roaccutane in the past 18 months, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The most common side effects of this medication are bruising, temporary headache, drooping of the brow or eyelid, and excessive watering of the eye.
Aftercare advice includes avoiding alcohol and exercise for 24 hours after treatment. Any bumps visible after the treatment usually disappear within a few hours.
Your consultation and treatment will be delivered by Laura, a Registered Nurse with 15 years of experience in various specialties. Laura is an Independent Nurse Prescriber, and her qualifications in facial aesthetics include certificates in Advanced Botox and Botulinum Toxin Complications Mastery. Laura believes in delivering a bespoke treatment that best suits the individual client’s wishes, which will be discussed during a full consultation before the treatment.
Come and visit one of our facial aesthetics clinics just outside Truro, Cornwall.
