Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

Botox™

Anti-wrinkle injections (botulinum toxin injections) are used medically in tiny doses to alleviate unwanted muscle spasms. They can be used for the treatment of facial wrinkles and lines around the forehead, eyes, lips, chin and neck to remove or soften them.

At iSIGHT our Consultant Ophthalmologist, Miss Carmel Noonan, also uses Botulinum toxin for the management of some types of squints, which may remove the need for surgery and for a condition called "blepharospasm" which results in an involuntary eyelid closure. The injections can also be used to enhance the results of cosmetic eyelid surgery. Carmel’s particular expertise means she has a deeper understanding of the eye and the muscles surrounding it. This is a significant advantage when administering muscle relaxing injections to the upper facial region

Botulinum toxin injections can also be used to improve the appearance of the mouth. A single small injection can be given to the outer aspects of the chin to weaken the muscle which draws down the outer aspect of the mouth. This can be combined with filler injections e.g. Restylane

How does Botox wrinkle relaxing treatment work?

Tiny amounts of wrinkle relaxant are injected, using a disposable syringe, into the muscles that cause the skin to crease and furrow. Because a very fine needle is used, most clients find that there is only mild and temporary discomfort. The entire procedure usually takes no longer than a few minutes.

What results can I expect from line and wrinkle smoothing injections?

In general, the initial effect of the injections is seen within three days. The maximum effect is seen one to two weeks after treatment. Each treatment lasts approximately three to four months and can be repeated indefinitely. Some patients notice a longer lasting effect after a few treatment sessions and may only need repeat treatments twice a year. Some patients prefer regular injections at 3-4 monthly intervals to maintain the effect.

At repeat treatment sessions the dose can be increased where necessary as each person responds differently to a standard dose. The very first treatment session is undertaken very conservatively to avoid any risk of over-treatment and top-up injections are given if required 1-2 weeks later.

Botulinum toxin should be avoided in the following situations:

In people with a known allergy to any ingredient of the formulation
In people with any generalised muscle weakness disorder e.g. myasthenia gravis
When amino-glycoside antibiotics are being used (e.g. gentamicin)
During pregnancy or when breast feeding

Side Effects

Side effects may occur from misplaced injections of botulinum toxin, but these are temporary. Higher doses may cause paralysis in nearby muscles. It is for this reason that a low dose is used initially and increased later depending on the response.

As with all injections, bruising may occur but the risk of this is minimized by applying firm pressure immediately after the injection. Because of this it is important to inform your surgeon if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you are using anti-coagulants e.g. warfarin, aspirin or arthritis medications such as ibuprofen.

Allergic reactions to the toxin itself have not been recorded but extremely rarely a skin rash or localised swelling can occur. This usually settles a few days after.

Follow-up

No follow-up appointments are usually required. The patient telephones iSIGHT to arrange further injections when required.

For more information or to make an appointment for a free initial consultation please contact us or phone 0845 602 2517