Frown Line treatment using Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX)
What is BOTOX?
Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX) was first used to treat muscle spasm. It was soon found to be an excellent way to reduce wrinkles in the face.
BOTOX is used in minute amounts to produce a mini face lift in 15 to 20 minutes. It works by knocking out the muscles pulling on the skin, forming wrinkles. The effect is that the wrinkles simply disappear.
Is BOTOX treatment effective for all wrinkles?
Not all wrinkles are caused by muscles pulling on the skin. Some wrinkles need treatment with fillers such as Collagen / Hylaform etc. For optimum effect patients may want to complement, where necessary, BOTOX treatment with fillers.
BOTOX works best on the frown lines and forehead lines above and between the eyebrows. It can also be used to help the appearance of "crow's feet" and certain other expression areas, such as down-turned corners of the mouth.
How is BOTOX administered?
BOTOX is administered using very fine needles inserted into the muscles. It takes about five to ten days to obtain the full effect. The patient can still blink when it is used on the forehead but frowning becomes more difficult, then stops altogether. The effect lasts for three to four months. Further treatments may extend the period by several months. The muscles are weakened and the frown habit can be broken leading to a long term improvement in cosmetic appearance.
How does it work?
BOTOX works by blocking acetylcholine, which is a substance produced by nerve impulses that cause the muscles to contract.
Is the treatment painful?
Several small injections are required in the forehead and to the sides of each eye to treat "crow's feet". There is a tiny prick when the very fine needle goes in but generally people report only mild discomfort.
As with any medical treatment, you may experience some unwanted side-effects following injections with BOTOX: -
1 Occasionally a small bruise may appear at an injection site - this is minimised by applying pressure for a little while after each small injection.
2 A slight headache can sometimes affect the patient for a few hours after treatment - paracetamol helps to reduce this.
3 Droopy eyelids may result from movement of the BOTOX into surrounding tissues. It is important to avoid massaging the treated areas, to remain upright for four hours, and to vigorously squint or frown as often as possible for a few hours after treatment. A droopy eyelid usually lasts for only a few days but if it persists eye drops can be prescribed.
4 The muscles may not be sufficiently weakened - in this case more BOTOX can be administered safely.
5 Contraindications for use are diabetes, pregnancy, nursing mothers, patients with neuromuscular disorders and heart problems and certain antibiotics that interfere with neuromuscular transmission such as aminoglycoside antibiotics.
6 Occasionally, antibody formation is experienced, which may reduce the effect of further injections at a later date.
If you notice any unwanted effects that are not listed then consult your doctor immediately.
How much does BOTOX therapy cost?
|
Item |
Price |
Notes |
|
Consultation |
£40 |
£20 refunded against cost of first treatment |
|
New
Patient: First treatment (one area) |
£190 |
|
|
Second area (same day) |
£355 |
|
|
Third
area (same day) |
£520 |
|
|
Subsequent treatment: One area |
£175 |
|
|
Second area (same day) |
£340 |
|
|
Third
area (same day) |
£500 |
|
|
Hyperhydrosis |
£377 |
|
|
BOTOX party (minimum 6 people) |
poa |
Consultation fee is waived |