muscle relaxants / wrinkle injections

Botulinum toxin A treatments require a prescription from a medical professional and at ReNu Medical Aesthetics your treatment will always be administered by a doctor. These treatments can be used to reduce wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, around the eyes, chin and neck. 

· Procedure time: approximately 30 minutes 

· Possible side effects: redness and slight swelling at injection site, very rarely eyelid or  

   eyebrow drooping which reverses after a couple of weeks. 

· Anaesthetic requirement: none 

· Recovery time: immediate

What are wrinkles?

Wrinkles are part of the natural ageing process. They can be attributed to sun damage, effects of gravity (natural sagging) and muscle contraction resulting from facial expressions.

Wrinkles caused by muscle contraction such as frown lines (between the eyebrows), forehead lines and crow’s feet (around the eyes), can be improved with muscle relaxing treatments. Wrinkles caused by natural sagging of tissue with age are generally only improved by surgical tightening procedures.

In addition, toxin treatments can be used to slim the face, reduce teeth grinding, help with migraines and stop excess sweating in the armpits and palms of hands.

How does botulinum toxin work?

The toxin treatment involves the use of botulinum toxin A. It blocks a chemical called acetylcholine, that is responsible for transmitting the electrical impulses that cause our muscles to contract. This results in temporary muscle paralysis when injected into the muscles that are responsible for expression wrinkles, giving the face a more relaxed and smoother appearance. When a gradual fading of treatment effect is noticed, you may return to have another treatment. However, it is not recommended to have a treatment more frequent that 3 monthly to avoid resistance to the treatment.

Toxin treatment results are seen after 10 days and lasting for 3-6 months. After this time, they require repeat treatment to maintain the benefit gained. Two weeks after the procedure, if optimal results have not been achieved a “top up may be required”.

What can you expect at the time of your procedure?

Botulinum Toxin is injected directly into the muscles that cause the wrinkles, using a very small needle. Several injections are usually needed at specific injection sites, depending on the area treated. Localised discomfort and bruises can occur. No local anaesthesia is generally required. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after.

What are the limitations?

Whilst the toxin is an effective way to reduce wrinkles due to muscle contractions, it has little effect in reducing the fine lines on the face (see skin boosters), and lines due to sagging of facial skin. In those clients with very heavy lines, repeated treatments may be needed for maximum effect.

Too frequent or excessive dosing of the toxin may lead to a client’s resistance to treatment due to antibody formation. Treatment may also exaggerate any natural facial asymmetry and make the face look more lop-sided.

Who should not have Botulinum Toxin A treatment?
The use of Botulinum Toxin is not recommended for:

· People with neuromuscular disorders such as Myasthenia Gravis

· Those who are taking certain medications; muscle relaxants, antibiotics such as aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin).

· Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

· Those with infection or inflammation at the proposed site of injections.

· People who have bleeding disorders.

Is Botulinum Toxin A treatment safe?

YES. No severe complications after cosmetic use of Botulinum Toxin A have been reported in the literature. Very rarely excessive weakening of the target muscles and paralysis of adjacent muscles can occur (1:100), resulting in temporary facial weakness until some of the toxin wears off.