A You may have heard of products such as Botox or Dysport. These are brand names for the injectable agent Botulinum Toxin. Used routinely to disperse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by the action of facial muscles on the architecture of aging skin, Botulinum Toxin injections are now in fact the single most commonly used cosmetic procedure with worldwide many millions of treatments already safely performed to lessen the changes associated with the effects of aging.

A It can be used to restore, smooth or redefine facial contours such as the forehead where wrinkles often occur, frown lines between the eyebrows, crows feet lines at the sides of the eyes, smokers lines wrinkling the skin above the lips.

More advanced techniques with Botulinum toxin can be used to non-surgically improve neck wrinkles, sagging jowls and gummy smiles. We can also now non surgicalically lift eyebrows. This helps to open up the eyes to make them appear brighter and more youthful. Likewise we can also correct some eyebrow or other facial asymettries.

Often we can use anti wrinkle treatment in conjuction with Dermal Fillers to further achieve your desired goals.

The overall result is the reduction or even elimination of lines and wrinkles and hopefully restoration of more youthful contours to the skin.

Even more interesting is the use of Botulinum Toxin for the control of Axillary Hyperhydrosis better known as embarrasing underarm sweating. Treatment helps control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don't receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops.

Q How does Botulinum Toxin work?

A The agent inhibits the transmission of neurotransmitter chemicals from nerve endings to muscle tissue, this then diminishes the ability to contract those muscles fully. Within a few months the nerves cells will have generated new nerve endings and the muscle activity returns as neurotransmitter chemicals reach it again.

Q How are Botulinum Toxin treatments done?

A The treatment is done by injection often without the need for any anaesthesia as the needles are very tiny.

Side effects very rarely occur but may include localized temporary bruising that can be reduced by the use of ice after the injection and some swelling or local irritation may be possible but again very rarely. There will be a thorough discussion of the process and side effects when you meet for your consultation prior to the procedure. At that time you may ask any questions that you may have.

Q How long does the treatment last?

A 3 - 4 months is the normal expected observed longevity. However research suggests that if such anti wrinkle treatments are started early in life development of deep creasing in these areas later in life can be diminished.

Q Is the treatment painful?

A Actually with good technique and the tiny needles required this treatment is no more uncomfortable than acupunture.

Q How long does the procedure take?

A On average it takes about 30 minutes for the treatment and the results are typically visible after one week. As the result cannot be seen immediately we would normally wish to schedule a review appointment so that we can see the results at one week and touch ups can be done where necessary.

Q Is the treatment safe?

A It is very safe. In fact Botulinum toxin anti wrinkle treatment is now the single most commonly used cosmetic injectable material in the world with millions of succesful cases recorded.

Q What are the possible side effects?

• Mild bruising, which can be minimized through the use of ice packs after the procedure.
• Transient redness, swelling, itching or discomfort may occur,

• and Infections of the skin have been reported and are usually treatable with antibiotics.

Q How much does treatment cost?

A The cost of the treatment is largely dependent on the amount required for the areas that you select for treatment. Often Dermal Fillers are used in conjuction with anti wrinkle treatment with Botulinum Toxin. Therefore a quotation on the actual cost will be provided at the consultation once we have a chance to consider together all your treatment goals.