MUSCLE RELAXING INJECTIONS
WHAT ARE WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS?
Wrinkle relaxing injections using botulinum toxin have been used by doctors in medical practice for over 15 years. In aesthetic medicine it is successfully used to treat facial lines and wrinkles. In South Africa, the only product that has a licence to treat frown lines (glabellar area) is BOTOX™. However, it is left to the doctors discretion to treat other areas of the face and this can be done by using botulinum toxin in an off label manner.HOW DOES BOTULINUM TOXIN WORK?
The Botulinum toxin reduces the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine thereby reducing muscle contraction. The action on the muscle is temporary.WHERE CAN WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS BE GIVEN?
Around the eyes eyes to reduce crow's feet; on the forehead and brow to reduce frown lines;at the corners of the mouth mouth to treat down turned mouths and on the neck to treat neck bands and lift the jowl line.
HOW DOES IT WORK TO REDUCE FACIAL LINES?
Injections are given into the muscles, temporarily causing them to relax for a period of three to four months. The aim of the treatment is to break the habit of frowning or squinting and so reduce the appearance of the lines and also reduce the development of further facial lines.After your treatment it will take 7-10 days for the effects to start to be seen reaching its maximum effect at 10-14 days. The treatment may last from to 3-4 months. With ongoing treatment the effects may last longer.
The Botulinum toxin will make it difficult to frown and squint and therefore reduce facial lines. However if you try very hard you will be able to move the muscles a little. This does not mean the treatment has not worked.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
The side effects are minimal and are temporary. Common side effects are redness and swelling at the injection sites that usually disappears after an hour or so. There is also a small risk of bruising at the injections sites. You may experience transient headache and numbness at the treatment sites.There is a very small risk of eyelid drooping (ptosis) and slight puffiness following treatment. In the unlikely event that this occurs, it is always temporary and usually settles after 2-3 weeks.
