Botulinum Toxin injections are used to eliminate wrinkles, frown lines, crows feet, nose bridge ('bunny lines'), chin ('pebbly' chin), smoker lines, neck (vertical neck bands).

They work by relaxing the tiny facial muscles under the skin, causing the wrinkles and lines to vanish. It is a simple procedure and takes only a few minutes to administer. Anti-wrinkle injections can be used in conjuction with dermal fillers to help treat both static and dynamic wrinkles.

Dr Feldman uses both Dysport & Botox, both being brands of Botulinum available in Australia.

How do anti-wrinkle injections work?

Anti-wrinkle injections treat wrinkles caused by the contraction of facial muscles. They inhibit the transmission of neurotransmitter from the nerve to the muscle and stop the muscle from contracting and forming wrinkles. For example, they can be used to relax the muscles of the frown to prevent the appearance of a vertical frown line, or around the eyes to prevent the appearance of crow's feet. It is important to note that anti-wrinkle injections do not immediately improve static lines, or lines that are present at rest. These can be treated by adding volume with dermal fillers or through skin resurfacing. However, usually over a number of anti-wrinkle treatments, the skin that is normally creased has time to rest and recover and an improvement in static lines may be gradually seen. The fact that anti-wrinkle injections also stop the constant compression of skin helps prevent the permanent 'etching' of wrinkles in the areas treated.

What is Botox?

Botox is one brand of a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a chemical toxin that is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although this is the same toxin that causes botulism - a type of infection that can result in life-threatening muscle paralysis - Botox is safe to use as an injectable medicine because it is used in small quantities and injected directly into specific sites. Another brand of botulinum toxin type A, called Dysport, is also available in Australia. Dr Feldman uses both brands.

How are Botox injections used to treat wrinkles?

Botox injections can be used to weaken or paralyse some of the facial muscles that pull on your skin and cause wrinkles, allowing the skin to flatten out. About 2 to 7 days after the injections, the lines and wrinkles that are normally caused by certain facial expressions start to disappear. Because Botox therapy targets specific, individual muscles, the ability to form most facial expressions should not be affected.

When will I see results and how long will they last?

Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate-to-severe frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to 30 days, and results last for 3 to 6 months. repeated injections are required to maintain the effect. With continued use, the effects may start to last longer.

Will I still be able to make facial expressions?

Although the results are visible, a treatment with Botox will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you’ve “had work done.” The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is temporarily reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.

What else are Botox injections used for?

Botox injections can also be directed into the skin to block the action of the nerves that control your sweat glands. It can be used in this way to treat excessive localised sweating (hyperhidrosis), especially severe underarm sweating.

Are Botox injections safe?

Botox injections are relatively safe when administered by a medical professional who is trained in its use. As with all treatments, there are some side effects associated with its use, but most of these are mild and temporary. Botox injections should not be used in women who are pregnant or breast feeding. It's important to remember that that all medical procedures carry risks as well as benefits, and you need to discuss these with your doctor.

Is the treatment painful?

Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. area with a cold pack or anaesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 5 minutes. Most patients are in and out of the physician’s office without downtime following a Botox treatment.

Where can I get Botox treatment?

Botox therapy is only available on prescription from a doctor, and should always be given by a trained medical professional who is familiar with the correct technique. Your doctor will be able to let you know whether Botox injections are suitable for you.

DYSPORT

Dysport is made from the same botulinum toxin Type A as Botox and is injected in the same way as Botox. It is just a different brand.

Where is the toxin injected?

The most common treatment areas for Botox and Dysport are the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines and the lines around the eyes, commonly referred to as crow's feet. Other treatment areas include the upper lip, chin and neck.

Facial areas most commonly injected include:

- Forehead ('transverse' lines and vertical lines between the eyebrows)
- Eyes ('crow's feet' lines and lower eyelid fine lines)
- Mouth (upper lip fine lines or 'smoker's lines, mouth angles or 'sad corners')
- Nose bridge ('worry' lines and 'bunny' lines)
- Chin ('pebbly' chin)
- Neck ('vertical neck bands)

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects of Dysport are similar to those associated with Botox treatment. They include mild swelling and redness which disappear with in an hour, other side effects is bruising which can last a week and rarely a ptosis(droopy eyelid) and this can last for a month, however in the event this happens there are medical drops that can temporarily reverse the ptosis.