BOTOX INJECTIONS
If you want to considerably reverse the ageing process, anti-wrinkle injections are one of the non-surgical ways to achieve that. Botox injections contain an ingredient called botulinum toxin, which can temporarily block the release of neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement. The result is softening of wrinkles for younger looking skin.
When you smile, laugh or frown, you develop dynamic wrinkles, which are natural. These continuous movements of the muscle under the skin cause the skin to become gradually weaker as we grow older. Also, as we age, we develop less collagen and elastin. They play a crucial role in keeping the skin young and tight. As a result, dynamic wrinkles become visible on our faces. Once the skin loses its elasticity, it cannot spring back into place as easily as it did. Afterwards, dynamic wrinkles become static and permanent. Static wrinkles are visible even if your face is relaxed. Botox injections are an ideal method to reverse this ageing process and reduce appearance of wrinkles.
Botox is suitable for all areas of the face. In particular:
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Glabellar lines – the vertical forehead lines
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Crow’s feet
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Frown lines
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Masseter muscle (jawline)
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Chin dimples
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Platysmal bands – the vertical neck bands (Nefertiti lift)
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Lipstick line called a ‘Lip Flip’
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Bunny lines or many more.
BOTOX METHODS
UNDERARM (EXCESSIVE SWEATING)
Botox can block the nerves that supply the sweat glands, which stop them from producing sweat. The result can last 6-8 months.
MASSETER MUSCLE (FACE SLIMMING)
When injected into a masseter muscle, the jawline muscle can be reduced and softened. As a result, you will have a V-like shape. More contour can be given by dermal fillers, such as a jawline or chin filler.
GUMMY SMILE
Some people have visible gums when they smile. Botox injections can stop the muscle that causes the upper gum to be visible. The result can last up 6 months.
BROW LIFT
As we age, eyelids can look heavy or sagged. Botox injections to relax particular muscles can enhance the eye and brow areas.
CHIN DIMPLES
Sometimes we may have an overactive chin muscle, which can make skin on the chin hard and dimpled. Botox injection into that muscle can relax it and make the skin smoother.
LIP FLIP
This technique can flip your lip to make them look larger. This can transform your lips when combined with a lip filler.
NEFERTITI LIFT (NECK BOTOX)
We have platysmal bands that appear vertically across our neck, which become more visible as we age. Botox injections will reduce the strain on these muscles to smooth the neck area.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What does it involve?
The process begins with a consultation where we will discuss your reason for treatment and determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
We will make a series of injections to administer the substance. We can apply a topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. The unit will vary depending on the size of the area and the severity of the concern. You may feel a very slight scratch as the injections enter the skin.
In some cases, we may inject a lower dosage than initially expected – this is standard practice when treating forehead wrinkles, particularly if you have a small forehead. It is important to evaluate how your muscles react to the treatment to avoid eyebrow or eyelid drooping. We will discuss a follow-up appointment to administer the rest of the Botox.
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- Who is it suitable for?
Botox is suitable for those who have
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Tried topical skincare products with no success
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Fine lines or wrinkles
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Dimpling of the chin
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Mildly hooded or sagging eyelids
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Asymmetry of the eyebrows or want to improve the shape of their eyebrows
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Excessive sweating
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Large jaw muscles
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Downturned mouth corners
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A gummy smile
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Thin upper lip (we sometimes combine a ‘Botox lip flip’ with fillers to enhance the lip shape and size)
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Platysmal bands
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- How does it work?
Botox treats wrinkles by targeting the underlying muscle that wrinkles the overlying skin. It restricts the contraction of the muscle, so the overlying skin appears smooth. By inhibiting this movement, the toxin can create many other positive aesthetic effects or have health benefits.
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- When can the results be seen?
It can take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect of Botox depending on the size of the area treated and the condition. For Botox to the masseter muscle, it can take four weeks before you see results.
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- How long will it last?
It varies from patient to patient, but usually, Botox starts to wear off after around 12 weeks. Its longevity also depends on the strength of the muscle.
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- What is the downtime?
There is no downtime, but you may experience slight bruising at the injection site.
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- How many treatments are required?
Depending on the area, you can usually achieve the desired aesthetic outcome within one treatment, but this varies from patient to patient. For example, when treating forehead wrinkles on a patient who has a small forehead, we may start with a low dosage and see how the patient reacts to the treatment and to avoid unwanted side effects.
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- How often should I have it?
You may desire to repeat the treatment when you see your cosmetic concerns returning. For wrinkles, this may be every three-six months.
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- How long does it take?
Botox takes approximately 5-20 minutes. For other techniques, the treatment time may be longer.
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- Is it painful?
Each patient’s pain threshold varies, but generally, most patients don’t find this treatment painful. You may feel a slight sting as the needle enters the skin. The treatment doesn’t usually require a topical numbing cream. Botox for sweating may be more uncomfortable as the treated areas are very sensitive.
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- What are the risks?
We will discuss the associated risks and side effects with you during your consultation. Some risks include:
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Possible headache for 24 hours after the treatment
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Bruising and redness at the injection site
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Potential migration of the substance, poor injection technique or overuse of the toxin could cause drooping eyelids or eyebrows. It would be best if you avoide exercise and rubbing the area for 24 hours after the injection.
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Resistance over time to the treatment with ongoing use, making it less effective
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Tingling or other sensation at the injection site.
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