Over time, as we naturally age, overactive muscle movement gradually wears away the collagen in our skin, causing the skin to crease and wrinkles to appear. Injections can be used to relax overactive facial muscles and reduce and help prevent the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Anti-wrinkle treatments are performed using a micro-needle where small amounts of the treatment are injected into specific facial muscles. It relaxes those muscles and stops the formation of lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful appearance. The aim of the treatment is to break the habit of frowning or squinting and so reduce the appearance of the lines and also reduce the development of further facial lines.
Why should you choose our doctor ?
Correct treatment with anti-wrinkle injections is as much an art as it is a science. As he is an ophthalmic microsurgeon, our Consultant Mr Mamun Rahman, has attention to fine detail, and a deep knowledge of the anatomy of the face. He appreciates that every face is different, and will endeavour to work with you to achieve the desired cosmetic appearance after assessing your specific facial anatomy.
What is the treatment?
The chemical is produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. It is a protein derivative of the toxin, which when injected into a muscle causes it to become weakened or inactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission i.e. Stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle. Naming the drug directly on a website is prohibited by UK Government agencies ( the MHRA).
How long has the treatment been used?
Anti-wrinkle treatments have been used safely for over 20 years for the treatment of teret syndrome (continuous squinting of the eye). The product has been used in a variety of other therapeutic applications such as spasmodic neck, writers cramp and cerebral palsy to name a few.
How are anti-wrinkle treatments used for lines and wrinkles?
By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout our lifetime, the skin is creased in areas of the greatest use. The ageing process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older theses areas of over use become damaged and the lines become permanent. By reducing movement of the muscles in theses areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover causing the line to soften or even fade away.
What will happen during my treatment?
A consultation with our Consultant, Mr Mamun Rahman, will establish your suitability for treatment and allow time to discuss the procedure in full. The treatment only takes about 15 minutes. A very fine needle is used to inject the Anti-wrinkle treatments into the target area. Slight discomfort may be felt. The area may show slight redness and swelling, but this normally resolves in an hour or two. Since the procedure is non-surgical, no recovery time is needed, and patients can return to work or other activities immediately.
Areas that can be treated - 1) Glabella Frown Lines: lines between the eyebrow when you frown. 2) Forehead Lines: the horizontal lines seen on raising the eyebrows. 3) Crows Feet: or the laugh lines, wrinkles around the eyes, most prominent on smiling.
How long will it last?
You may notice some change within the first 2 to 3 days but usually the full effect can be seen after 2 weeks following the treatment. The initial results can last on an average of 4 to 5 months. At this point, the muscles will progressively regain their strength. Further treatments will maintain the desired effect for longer periods.
When should you not have Anti-wrinkle treatments?
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, if you have a muscle disease or if you are taking muscle relaxants. During your consultation, it will be made sure that you do not have any contraindications to this treatment.
Are there any side effects?
No serious side effects have been reported using Anti-wrinkle treatments in cosmetic treatment. Rarely a temporary drooping of the eyelid can occur, but this will always resolve within a few weeks.