Anti-wrinkle Treatment With Botulinum Toxin Type A

WHAT IS BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A & HOW DOES IT SMOOTH OUT LINES & WRINKLES?

Cosmetic injectable treatment with Botulinum Toxin type A is the most commonly used non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the western world. This purified protein is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is used cosmetically to smooth out lines and wrinkles. Botulinum Toxin reduces signs of ageing by preventing over active use of the facial muscles. This product has a long safety record and has been used since the 1980s for cosmetic purposes with no known long-term side effects.

People of all ages are turning to this popular treatment, not only to treat facial ageing but also for facial contouring and as a preventative anti-ageing measure.

The face is made up of a complex structure of muscles which in combination produce an endless variety of facial expressions. If you tend to frown a lot or raise your eyebrows frequently, you may develop furrows between the eyebrows or vertical lines across the forehead. Over time, constant movements create permanent lines in the skin, making the face look old and tired, and in some cases stressed.

Even if the person’s disposition is a happy one, their lines and wrinkles may project a more negative outlook. By targeting specific muscles with small amounts of Botulinum Toxin type A, facial lines that are a result of squinting or frowning can be reduced or eliminated, and permanent creases can be prevented from forming. After regular treatments, these subconscious facial expression habits may be broken and progressively you will require fewer treatments to keep these signs of ageing at bay.

Many people are worried about the possibility of the ‘Hollywood frozen faced’ look. When Botulinum Toxin is correctly administered by an experienced doctor, your expression remains natural with no signs of having had the treatment other than leaving you looking rejuvenated and refreshed. While muscle movement is reduced by this treatment, normal feeling and sensitivity is not affected.

A skilled cosmetic doctor can achieve dramatic results with facial reshaping such as brow lifting, correction of a gummy or crooked smile, lifting of the jowls, a reduction of neck bands and jaw reshaping.

Generally speaking, initial consultations for facial rejuvenation in Brisbane are free. Be sure to also check who is performing the treatment as the anti-wrinkle product can only be prescribed by a doctor. It is also best practice for the treatment to be performed after consultation with the doctor who prescribed the product.

HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT TAKE?

Wrinkle relaxing injectable treatments take around 15 minutes to perform and the results gradually appear over 7 – 14 days. Facial contouring procedures may take up to 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas required to be treated. As the effect of Botulinum Toxin type A is not immediately obvious, many patients visit the clinic during their lunch breaks for their cosmetic injectable treatments.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Over the first 2 years you may need a treatment every 3 – 4 months before the effect fully wears off each time. The interval between treatments may increase as the effects tend to last longer when your muscles are ‘trained’ to relax.

AREAS THAT CAN BE TREATED

LONGEVITY & RESISTANCE

Over time patients have noticed that if they keep up with their anti-wrinkle treatments of Botulinum Toxin type A, the results last longer than their first treatment. For example one patient has reported that after a year of regular use, he now only returns once a year for a top up. Read Brett R’s story here

At the opposite end of the scale, some patients find that the product doesn’t last for as long as they’d like. This could be due to lifestyle or a natural resistance. This can only be determined by having the treatment and monitoring the results. This possible resistance to wrinkle treatment is rare but will be discussed at consultation stage.

MEN & WOMEN

Men tend to require more product to smooth out their lines and wrinkles than women as their muscles are stronger.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Whether you have received anti-wrinkle treatment before or it is your first time, if you are preparing for a special occasion, we strongly recommend you receive treatment as early as possible – at least 2 weeks before the event takes place. Please advise the Doctor at consultation stage of any up coming events that may affect the timing of your treatment.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST

Treatment of lines and wrinkles is priced by the amount of product used. At Cosmetic Image Clinics, Botulinum Toxin type A is priced by each area made up of 20units. Treatments start from $380 per area (20 units). One area, for example might refer to the frown lines or the forehead lines. However if you require less than 20 units of Botulinum Toxin, the price is around $19 per unit.

Where multiple areas are required to be treated the cost per area reduces. The amount prescribed is completely dependent on the patient’s individual requirements, which will be discussed at consultation stage with the doctor.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER USES FOR BOTULINUM TOXIN

Botulinum Toxin Type A is also commonly used to control excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in such areas as the palm of the hands, soles of the feet and underarms.

Therapeutically, it can be used to provide relief of migraine or tension headaches.

The product can also be used to treat a gummy smile or to slim the face by relaxing a strong jaw line.

For more information on these treatments visit the Cosmetic Image Clinics non-surgical website links below:

• Treatment of sweating
• Treatment of a gummy smile
• Facial slimming

THE RISKS

Before having any cosmetic treatment it is important to consider the risks. With Botulinum Toxin type A there is minimal risk of bruising, however if this occurs, make-up easily covers any temporary reaction.

Seeking treatment from a skilled practitioner will avoid instances of eyelid or brow droop.

Temporary side effects can also include headaches, tingling, an itching or aching sensation, skin tightness and nausea. However these side effects are a rare occurrence and are temporary.

Botulinum Toxin type A should not be injected if the patient is allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the formulation, or if there is an infection in the muscle where it would normally be injected. If you have any muscle disorders including myasthenia gravis, Eaton Lambert syndrome or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, treatment with Botulinum Toxin type A should not be attempted.