Gillian Lamb
Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner,
RGN, Bsc Nursing, Independent Prescriber.
Wrinkle Reduction Treatments | Dermal Fillers and Botox | Medical Skin Needling and Skin Peels
Quick Links - [Takes you quickly to the section you require]
- What is wrinkle relaxing treatments?
- How it works?
- Who should administer Botulinum Toxin?
- Why do we get wrinkles
- Medical Advice
- Possible Side Effects
- Who cannot have Botox injections?
- After Care
Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments
Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It has been in use since 1978 to treat a variety of therapeutic areas such as eye squints, muscle spasm, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm and cerebral palsy.
How it works?
When Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) is injected into the muscle it stops the muscle from functioning by blocking the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle. If the skin is unable to crease, wrinkles are not able to further develop. However, the effect is temporary and function will return within 3-4 months.
Who should administer Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum Toxin Type A is a prescription only drug and has to be prescribed by a registered prescriber, i.e. Medical Doctor, Dentist or a Nurse Independent /supplementary prescriber.
1 - Glabellar
2 - Forehead
3 - Crow's Feet
Why we get wrinkles
Ageing is accompanied by the appearance of facial wrinkles; these are caused by muscle activity and loss of volume. Movement like frowning, raising the eye brows and squinting cause lines in the upper face. Some people are very expressive in their facial movement and this can accelerate the development of wrinkles as too can smoking and sun exposure.
How much does it cost?
Professional people such as Nurses, Doctors and Dentists are restricted by their Codes of Conduct on how they can advertise. Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) is a prescription only drug (unlike Dermal Fillers) and therefore restrictions apply. However, at your Free consultation you will be made aware of the price and given time to consider your options.
Forehead
The aim of the treatment is to decrease forehead wrinkles.
Gummy Smile
The aim of treating gummy smile with Botox is to avoid gingiva showing at rest and reduce excessive gum exposure during a smile.
Crows Feet
Reduce the appearance of laughter lines (crows feet) extending on to the cheeks.
Glabellar
The aim of the treatment is to reduce the vertical lines as well as the horizontal lines.
Cobblestone Chin
The aim of the treatment is to reduce the cobble stone pattern on the chin.
Medical Advice
Possible Side Effects
As with any other medicine there is a risk of side effects with the injection of Botulinum Toxins, although not everyone gets them. Any side effects usually occur within in the first few days of injection and are temporary.
The most common side effects are
Bruising, redness, itching, localized pain, burning and tenderness at the sites of injection, localised muscle weakness, headache, drooping of the eyelid and raising of the eyebrows.
Uncommon side effects
Infection, feeling sick, dry mouth, muscle twitching, fever, flu symptoms, swelling, eye pain, visual disturbance, inflammation of the eyelid.
Very rare side effects
• Hair loss, noises in the ear, decreased hearing.
• Allergic reactions: hives, rash, itching, severe swelling of the face and airways causing wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
• Adverse reactions: possibly related to the spread of toxin distant to the site of injection have been reported (e.g. muscleweakness,
difficulty swallowing and speaking) when used for other uses.
In the event of an allergic or adverse event medical advice should be immediately sought.
Who cannot have Botulinum Toxin injections:-
• If you have ever suffered an allergic reaction to any Botulinum Toxin product.
• If you have a skin infection.
• Have a muscle or nerve conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motor neurone disease), multiple sclerosis (without
approval from your neurologist), myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, as you may be at increased risk of serious
side effects including severe dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and respiratory compromise (difficulty breathing).
• If you have plans to have surgery; had surgery on your face; weakness of forehead muscles, such as trouble raising your
eyebrows; drooping eyelids; any other abnormal facial change.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed (it is not known if Botulinum Toxin
Cosmetic can harm your unborn baby or if it passes into breast milk).
• Contraindications if you are older than 65 years
• If you have had Botulinum Toxin injections less than 3 months ago.
You should inform your practitioner if you are taking any of the following medication:-
• Muscle relaxants.
• Clindamycin (antibiotic).
• Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salts).
• D-penicillamine or Cyclosporin (Immunosuppressants).
• Quninadine (Heart medication).
• Aminoquinolones (Antimalarial treatment).
• Anti-platelets: aspirin, clopidogrel etc.
• Anti-coagulants (blood thinners): heparin, warfarin, etc.
• Do not start any new medicines until you have told your doctor that you have received Botulinum Toxin injections.
Aftercare
• Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours after treatment.
• Do not apply make-up for 12 hours following treatment.
• Avoid alcohol, aspirin and ibuprofen for 24 hours which can increase the risk of bruising and swelling.
• Avoid any tiring physical exercise.
• Avoid further facial treatments for 2 weeks.
• Avoid extreme sun exposure, sunbeds, freezing temperatures and saunas for 2 weeks.
Click here for frequently asked questions about Botulinum Toxin.