By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout a lifetime, the skin becomes creased in the areas of greatest use. The ageing process causes the slow down
of collagen and elastin production in the skin ie the healing process, so that as we get older, these areas of over-use become damaged and the lines become permanent.

By reducing the movement of muscles in these areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften or even fade away.
In the areas treated, Botox® is injected into the muscle, using extremely fine needles. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve endings, which supply these facial muscles, thereby relaxing them.

During this time, the patient can also break the subconscious habit of overuse
of these muscles e.g. frowning. This results in a softening of the facial lines, which include:

• Facial lines on the forehead
• Lines between the eyebrows (glabellar area)
• ‘Crow’s feet’ lines extending from the outside corners of the eyes
•‘Turkey neck’ - lines on the throat

Good results are obtained after a single injection, which usually lasts between
3 to 4 months, after which repeat treatment is recommended.
On the basis of clinical evidence, most practitioners would now recommend
an initial course of treatment every 3 to 4 months for the first year.

It now appears that after this, the time between future injections may lengthen, with practitioners reporting that some patients may only need to return once
or twice a year to maintain results.

Although you might have read the words ‘poison’ or ‘toxic substance’ used to describe Botox®, this is usually just the work of sensationalist journalists who
are not very well informed. There is now a huge amount of clinical and practical evidence that has been generated over the last 15 years in support of the
effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin in all its uses.

The overall effect of botulinum toxin or Botox® injections in reducing the appearance of wrinkles over a period of time will depend upon the depth and extent of wrinkles before treatment.

If lines are already deep and engrained, you may find that a combination of other procedures are recommended instead of, or in conjunction with this treatment, such as the use of dermal fillers.

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