About Botox
Botulinum toxin, commonly known as 'Botox' (the brand name) or ‘anti-wrinkle injections’ has been utilised in the medical field for over 3 decades to treat various conditions such as muscle spasms, eye squints, and bladder disorders and has been approved for aesthetic treatments in the UK since 2006.
Botulinum toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which is naturally occurring in the environment, where it is found in an inactive and non-toxic form.
There are different brands of botulinum toxin, such as Botox®, Azzalure® and Bocouture, which is the brand used at Look Natural Aesthetics.
This is the first neurotoxin treatment to be approved by European regulatory authorities to treat areas of the upper face.
It is important to note that botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine which can only be prescribed after a consultation by a qualified medical professional.
Botulinum toxin A, also known as anti-wrinkle or muscle relaxant injections, is specifically used to treat wrinkles on the face. This treatment works by temporarily relaxing the muscles, resulting in smoother skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It also helps prevent the formation of new lines.
If lines become too developed (particularly frown lines) then hyaluronic acid filler is the best way to smooth them out.
Fillers add support to the underlying tissues and may well be used in conjunction with botulinum toxin to prevent reoccurrence. Despite the muscle relaxation, you will still be able to smile and frown, but the skin in the treated areas will wrinkle less.
This treatment not only improves the appearance of existing wrinkles but also helps maintain the integrity of the skin, preventing the formation of new lines. It is a safe and virtually painless procedure.
The administration of the treatment takes only a few minutes, and there is minimal recovery time (you need to allow 4 hours for the product to bind to your muscles). Rubbing your face in that period can increase complications, and excessive exercise or alcohol can reduce its effectiveness due to increased blood flow, washing it away from its site of action.
The effects of the treatment become visible within 4-10 days and typically last between 3-4 months before gradually wearing off.
The effects of the treatment become visible within 4-10 days and typically last between 3-4 months before gradually wearing off.
When we observe our facial expressions, we can gauge the strength of a muscle by examining the depth of the lines on our skin.
These lines are formed because there is a muscle beneath that is pulling or contracting. For example, let's consider the forehead.
When we raise our eyebrows, the muscle in the forehead contracts, causing the skin above it to wrinkle, similar to a roman blind. Botulinum toxin type A specifically targets muscle activity. Over a few days, the toxin inhibits the action of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter necessary for a nerve impulse to reach the muscle fiber. Without acetylcholine, the impulse cannot bridge the gap and stimulate muscle movement.
Anti-wrinkle injections are commonly used on the upper part of the face, including the forehead, frown lines, and crow's feet. However, they can also be used on the mid and lower face and even the neck.
Before & After:
Before & After:
TREATMENTS
Frown lines and wrinkles
Used on the upper face, botulinum toxin softens wrinkles and helps smooth out the skin. Used properly, it still allows some movement for a more natural appearance. It is possible with higher doses to achieve a ‘frozen’ look but for most people this is not usually desirable.
Within the forehead hundreds of tiny muscles control natural facial expressions. Repeated muscle contractions can cause the development of unwanted lines and wrinkles.
Horizontal lines across the forehead start to become visible at rest, and glabellar (frown lines) appear between the eyebrows. Crows feet can also develop next to the eyes.
TREATMENTS
Gummy smile
A gummy smile occurs when the upper lip lifts too much while smiling or laughing, revealing an excessive amount of gum tissue. This can make some individuals feel self-conscious about their smile, considering it unattractive. A small amount of botulinum toxin can correct this.
Before & After:
Before & After:
TREATMENTS
Nefertiti neck rejuvination
Named after the iconic Egyptian queen known for her elegant and elongated neck, the Nefertiti Neck Lift involves botulinum toxin injections to create a more sculpted and lifted neck profile.
The muscle in the neck, known as the platysma, tends to separate into bands as we age. Small amounts of toxin are strategically injected into specific points along the jawline and neck. This relaxes and reduces the size of the platysma bands and allows the opposing muscles to pull upwards and create a lifting effect.
This helps to redefine the jawline, smooth out neck bands, and restore a more youthful contour to the neck.
Improved results can be achieved by combining the traditional Nefertiti Lift with PDO thread lift, jaw line filler, Profhilo, jawline slimming and other treatments.
TREATMENTS
Smokers lines, perioral lines and barcode lines
Also known as lip lines, these are the wrinkles that appear on the upper and sometimes lower lip. While they are commonly associated with smoking, it is important to note that these lines are not exclusive to smokers.
The repetitive actions of smoking can exacerbate the appearance of these lines, but anyone who frequently purses their lips can develop them as well. Applying lipstick can further emphasise the problem as it tends to bleed into the lines. A small amount of botulinum toxin can reduce the appearance of these lines.
TREATMENTS
Pebbly / bumpy chin and upturned chin
As we get older, the skin on our chin can start to change in texture, becoming rough and bumpy, resembling an orange peel or dimpled surface. This change in appearance can make us look older and may be considered unattractive. By using muscle relaxant injections in the chin area, we can restore its youthful appearance and smooth out the bumpy texture.
An upturned chin can create a horizontal line on the chin. Botulinum toxin can be used to relax the muscles in the chin, which can help improve the pulling effect that causes the chin to point upwards. This can lead to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing profile.
TREATMENTS
Bunny lines
Also known as nasal scrunch lines, these are the wrinkles that appear when you scrunch up your nose while frowning, laughing or smiling. These lines can be horizontal, diagonal or vertical and are located near the top of the nose on both sides. While some people may find bunny lines endearing, others may feel that these wrinkles make them look angry, worried or older than they truly are.
A small amount of botulinum toxin can soften these lines.
Medical treatments with Botulinum Toxin
The medical use of botulinum toxin is regulated by the CQC.
Any practitioner offering these treatments should be a medical professional with CQC registration.
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating can be a distressing issue for both men and women. It can lead to embarrassment and discomfort in social and professional settings. Botulinum toxin injections can be used to significantly reduce the amount of sweat produced in the affected areas.
This treatment is particularly popular among individuals with careers that involve close proximity to others, such as waitresses or cabin crew. By targeting the specific muscles responsible for sweat production, muscle relaxant injections can effectively control excessive sweating and provide relief.
If traditional antiperspirants have not been effective in managing your hyperhidrosis, please book a consultation to discuss this treatment.
Muscle dystonia
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder. People with dystonia experience involuntary muscle spasms and contractions.
When botulinum toxin is injected into muscles affected by dystonia, it blocks the neurotransmitter chemicals that signal the muscles to contract and spasm excessively. The muscle is weakened and therefore relaxes, reducing the dystonia.
Prior to the introduction of botulinum toxin in the United States during the 1980s, there was essentially no treatment for focal dystonias, and generalized dystonias were managed with oral medications and irreversible brain surgery.
Botulinum toxin injections are usually recommended by a neurologist, and if you are unable to access them on the NHS we can assess and treat you.
Masseter muscle injections – teeth grinding
Botulinum toxin is widely used to reduce masseter muscle bulk.
People who grind their teeth frequently develop bulky masseter muscles (bruxism), which in turn promotes more teeth grinding. Injections can weaken the muscles, breaking the viscous cycle.
Whilst botulinum toxin works from 2 weeks at most sites, it usually takes 6 weeks to produce a significant muscle slimming response and reduction in teeth grinding/pain.
Migraine treatments
Botox for migraine
Botox is licensed for the treatment of chronic migraine, which is defined as 3 months or more of at least 15 days of headache a month, of which at least 8 days have features of migraine (such as nausea, light or noise sensitivity, pulsating or lateralised pain).
It is thought that the botulinum toxin gets into the small nerves that carry pain from the head to the brain, known as C-fibres. This reduces the amount of chemicals released from the nerve ending, reducing migraine and headache.
The goal is not to become completely free of headache or migraine but to improve quality of life, and to convert migraine from a chronic condition to an episodic one.
According to the national migraine centre roughly:
25 per cent of patients will see a good response to the first or second set of injections
50 per cent see some improvement after one or two sets of injections, but need further to get a good response
Botulinum toxin injections for migraine are usually recommended by a neurologist, and if you are unable to access them on the NHS we can assess and treat you.