Botox
The chemical
name for Botox is ‘botulism toxin’. It is produced by
a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. It is used in very tiny
amounts to paralyse the facial muscles by blocking the signals from
the brain that trigger the muscle fibres to contract.
Botox
is injected under the skin into the muscle using a very fine needle.
It is normally used on the upper part of the face to treat vertical
frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crows feet. By ‘freezing’
these muscles, lines become less noticeable and can even disappear
completely. You can expect good results from a single treatment, but
the effect is not permanent. Botox will usually last for up to 6 months
until a repeat treatment is required in order to maintain the results.
The area
to be treated is numbed with a local anaesthetic cream to cause minimal
discomfort. Immediately after the injection there may be mild swelling,
but this usually subsides within 48 hours. You can return to work
and all normal activities straightaway. The results will be noticeable
after no more than a week.
Studies
over the last 15 years have shown Botox to be safe and effective and
side effects are rare. In around 1% of patients temporary drooping
of the eyebrow may occur, although this should resolve itself within
a few weeks. Botox is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Facial
Fillers
There are other
treatments that can be used to correct wrinkles or small scars on
the face. Different substances can be injected into a line, crease
or scar to plump up the skin underneath.
Collagen is a well-known
example of such a ‘filler’ but the effects can be short-lived
and it may cause an allergic reaction. There are several other alternatives
such as Artecoll, Hylaform, Perlane or more commonly Restylane. These
are injected in a similar way to Botox and have very few side effects.
Two-thirds of the injection is likely to be present one year after
the procedure, but it will need to be repeated to maintain the results.
There may be some
swelling or tiny bruising, but this usually settles within 24 hours.
You would be advised to refrain from exercise or any strenuous activities
for 1-2 days until the best results are seen.