By using facial muscles repeatedly, the skin becomes creased in areas of greatest use. The ageing process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin and as we get older, the areas of over-use become damaged and lines become permanent.
If we reduce the movement of muscles in these overused areas, the skin stops becoming creased and is allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften and possibly even fade away. Botulinum toxin works by temporarily making these muscles inactive, during which time you can break the subconscious habit of overusing these muscles.
- What is involved?
- How safe is botulinum toxin?
- How long does the treatment take?
- After Care
- When will I see the results of my treatment?
- How long should I wait until I return to normal activities?
- How long does each treatment last?
- Are there any side effects?
- The science behind the treatment:
Your consultation will involve a full assessment and detailed discussion with a qualified doctor specialising in skin and aesthetic treatments. A full medical history will be taken and if you decide to go ahead with the treatment, consent will be obtained ensuring that you have a full understanding of the procedure. Before and after photographs are taken in order to measure results and record improvements.
The doctor will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work. An extremely fine, short needle is used to inject the botulinum toxin into the appropriate area.
The areas injected and the amount of toxin used is recorded to ensure that your treatments are consistent.
Our aim is to produce a natural, refreshed and youthful appearance.
If a patient has any concerns prior to or after the treatment, our experienced staff are on hand to help and answer any questions.
At ESS Clinic, we consider your safety our top priority. Botulinum toxin is injected in small doses and therefore has a high margin of safety. When performed by a skilled specialist, botulinum toxin is a very safe treatment. All of our doctors are qualified, experienced Dermatologists and have undertaken extensive training in aesthetic medicine.
We use products that are fully approved medical products that have been trialled and tested worldwide.
Following the initial consultation/discussion, the treatment takes approximately 15-30 minutes depending on the area of the face being treated.
Following treatment, all patients receive verbal and written after care advice and are offered a review appointment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact ESS clinic on 0208 989 2004.
You will begin to see results within 5-10 days of having the treatment but this may vary slightly depending on each individual.
You will be fine to continue with normal activities immediately following your procedure.
The effects of botulinum toxin vary depending on each individual, however on average will last between 3-5 months. During this time muscle contraction will gradually strengthen and fine lines and wrinkles will gradually reappear. In order to maintain optimal results, it is advised that you return every 3-4 months for repeat treatments.
The effects will last longer and treatments will be less frequent as more treatments are administered, and consequently wrinkles and lines appear less pronounced as the muscles are trained to relax.
Side effects are rare. Occasionally a temporary drooping of the eyelid can occur. This may last a few weeks but will always resolve. In extremely rare cases, patients have developed an allergy to the treatment, while others have shown resistance (with little or no effect).
Botulinum toxin type A is a bacterial toxin that prevents nerves from functioning normally. When injected into a muscle it causes it to become weakened or inactive.
Botulinum toxin acts by preventing muscle contraction by temporarily preventing nerve signals from reaching the muscle. Acetylcholine receptors are blocked and consequently acetylcholine is released but is unable to bind to the muscle. In turn, the muscle is unable to contract so weakens and relaxes. By reducing the movement of muscles in these areas, the skin becomes less creased and can recover. This causes fine lines and wrinkles to soften and become less pronounced.
