BTX (Wrinkles)

Botulinum toxin injections are used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles by weakening or paralyzing muscles. When used precisely and in small accurate doses, it can be used as an aesthetic treatment for facial lines.

What is BTX (Wrinkles)?

Facial expressions that are used daily like frowning and squinting contribute to wrinkle formation, a common sign of ageing. These lines may give you a tired or angry appearance. An effective and swift solution is BTX (Botulinum toxin). Botulinum toxin is derived from a purified bacterial substance, blocks nerve signals to muscles, weakening their contractions and reducing facial wrinkles. 

Botulinum toxin injections are known as a safe procedure to combat facial ageing. Additionally, to enhance results, Botulinum toxin injections can be combined with other aesthetic procedures such as Profhilo, Juvederm fillers, or Rejuran. This comprehensive approach addresses existing wrinkles and helps prevent the formation of new lines, providing a well-rounded solution for facial rejuvenation.

Common commercial preparations of Botulinum toxin include:

• Onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox)

• Abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport)

• Incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin)

People often use the term “Botox” to describe all these products, but it is actually a registered trademark that one of the companies owns.

What is the difference between Botox, Dysport and Xeomin?

	What are the main benefits of the product?	When do results start to show?	How long do results last?
Botox	Good to treat all areas, especially for small and precise areas	3-5 days	3-6 months
Dysport	Good for last minute treatments, or for treating large areas due to diffusion of product	1-3 days	3-6 months
Xeomin	Good for patients who have stopped responding to Botox or Dysport	5-7 days	3-6 months

How does BTX (Wrinkles) work?

The procedure involves using a very fine needle to inject minute amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles, administered by an experienced aesthetic doctor. By meticulously selecting particular muscles, your doctor strategically weakens only those contributing to wrinkles, preserving your natural facial expressions.

Generally completed in under 15 minutes, the number of required injections varies based on factors such as your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles. For instance, addressing crow's feet might involve two to three injections, while furrows above your brow could require five or more. With upwards of 30 muscles in your face, precision is crucial, and only an experienced doctor can accurately target the specific muscles to optimise your treatment.

Topical local anaesthesia may be applied if necessary. There is minimal downtime or recovery period, and most patients resume their regular routine immediately after the treatment.

Benefits of BTX (Wrinkles)

• Smooths out dynamic lines and wrinkles
• Provides a fresh and rejuvenated appearance
• Reduces the appearance of bulky jaw muscles
• Noticeable results after just one session
• Minimal pain and downtime
• Fast, safe, and effective procedure

What can BTX (Wrinkles) treat?

Botulinum toxin can be used as a treatment in various areas, such as:

• Crow’s feet: crow’s feet are wrinkles or fine lines that occur at the corner of the eyes. They usually appear when smiling.
• Forehead wrinkles: forehead wrinkles typically appear when we raise our eyebrows which tends to occur frequently, especially for highly expressive individuals.
• Frown lines: frown lines, also known as worry lines, are the vertical lines between the eyebrows. 
• Jaw: Botulinum toxin can be delivered into the masseter muscle or jaw area for patients with teeth grinding, jaw clenching and pain (TMJ disorder) or for patients who want to slim the jaw.

What results can I expect from BTX (Wrinkles)?

After botulinum toxin treatment, you can expect a noticeable reduction in your dynamic facial wrinkles, providing a smoother and more youthful appearance. The effects typically become apparent within a few days, reaching its full impact in about one to two weeks. 

While individual results may vary, the improvement commonly lasts 3 to 6 months. During this period, you can enjoy a refreshed look as botulinum toxin effectively lessens muscle contractions that lead to wrinkles. The treatment is tailored to your unique facial features, addressing specific areas of concern, such as crow's feet or forehead furrows. As the effects gradually diminish, muscle reactions and wrinkles may return. However, repeat treatment sessions can maintain a consistently rejuvenated and wrinkle-free facial appearance over time.

How many sessions of BTX (Wrinkles) are needed? 

The number of botulinum toxin injection sessions you need varies based on individual factors such as your facial features and the extent of wrinkles. Generally, treatments are done in a series, with the initial session providing noticeable results that last for several months. However, you can opt for only a single session and still expect noticeable results. To maintain the effects, subsequent sessions are scheduled and tailored to your specific needs. The frequency of these sessions depends on your desired outcome and the longevity of the results.

Interested in a treatment like botulinum toxin injections? Contact us today to find out if this treatment is suitable for you.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for BTX to take effect?

After your botulinum toxin injection treatment, visible effects typically appear within 2 to 7 days, with some experiencing them within 24 hours. Full results will start to show around 2 weeks later. For botox treatment of the jaw, results can take up to 1 month to be fully apparent.

Is there any post-treatment care for BTX?

After your treatment, avoid massaging or pressing on the treated area to prevent unintended spread. Refrain from alcohol, hot saunas, or strenuous exercise for at least 3 days, as these activities may impact the treatment's effectiveness.

Does BTX treatment have any side effects?

Botulinum toxin injection is generally a well-tolerated procedure with few side effects. None of the side effects of Botox are permanent. There may be mild pain during the injection. Uncommonly, there could be swelling or bruising around the injection site. Few patients develop a headache after a Botox treatment. Very rarely, there could be temporary eyelid drooping or unwanted weakness in nearby muscles resulting in facial asymmetry or an allergic reaction to the toxin.