Wrinkle Softening Treatment

Who would benefit from this treatment?

Anyone can benefit from botulinum toxin, both men and women. Botulinum is most effective in improving lines or wrinkles due to facial expressions. For example, worry lines or frown lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. This is because these lines are usually caused by overactive muscles, and the treatment stops these muscles from contracting and causing the wrinkles.

Note: You should not have treatment with botulinum toxin if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, have a neurological disease or a known hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin.

How long does the treatment take?

In most cases the treatment will take between 15 and 30 minutes. Effects will begin to appear very quickly within 48 to 72 hours, although the full extent of the treatment may not be visible for up to 10 days. Approximately two weeks after the first treatment, the effects will be reviewed with your practitioner and any further treatments can be discussed.

Is the treatment uncomfortable?

Very tiny needles are used, and only small amounts are administered. As a result, any discomfort is usually minimal and short-lived, which is why there is no need for local anaesthesia.

Are there any adverse effects?

Botulinum toxin injections are generally a safe procedure. However, in a small number of cases there may be some temporary localised bruising, slight swelling, or redness at the site of the injection. This usually disappears very quickly and can respond to the application of a cool pack to the area. There have been reports of other adverse or unwanted side effects following injections with Botulinum toxin and these will be discussed at your face-to-face consultation prior to any procedure taking place.

Do the effects of this treatment look artificial?

No, unlike some surgical facelifts, this kind of treatment is very specific and works only on those muscles that are involved in producing the facial lines that you want to reduce. Other muscles are unaffected, and this means that your usual facial expressions remain the same.

How long will the effects of this treatment last?

Initially the improvement that you receive from this treatment will last from 3 to 4 months. You will notice a gradual fading of effect, and, at this stage, you can return for another treatment if you want to. With repeated treatments, the effect lasts longer.