Botulinum Toxin (Botox, Vistabel, Dysport)

What is botulinum toxin ?

Botulinum toxin (BT) is a biological product that temporarily blocks muscle contraction.

In the UK, botulinum toxin is a prescription only medication and its administration should be on the directions of a specialized doctor only.

At our clinic botulinum toxin is only administered by very qualified plastic surgeons or dermatologists.

When is botulinum toxin used in aesthetic medicine?

Botulinum toxin is most frequently used in the treatment of dynamic lines of the upper part of the face such as glabellar wrinkles (frown lines), forehead lines, crow’s feet, brow lift. It is also effective for the treatment of the lines around the mouth, lift of the nose tip, the neck area and to decrease the appearance of the lines on the décolleté.

How does botulinum toxin counteract heavy sweating?

The treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is an important way in which botulinum toxin is used other than its cosmetic applications. Hyperhidrosis of armpits, hands and feet can be decreased dramatically through intradermal injections of botulinum toxin which ox is able to temporarily block the activity of the nerve fibres connected to the sweat gland and therefore block the secretion of sweat.

How is botulinum administered?

Botulinum toxin is injected with a very fine needle in very small doses into the areas to be treated. The treatment sessions last 15-30 minutes. Treatment of areas of the face, neck décolleté and armpits is practically painless, while the treatment of palms and soles requires local anesthetic.

Patients should just be aware of the possibility of injection-related immediate effects such as bruising.

How long does the effect of botulinum toxin last?

The muscle activity is blocked for 3-6 months and muscle mobility will recuperate gradually.

Sweat gland activity is decreased for 3-8 months.

How often do treatments need to be repeated?

Every 4-6 months however, the effects of treatment do build up The longer the skin over the muscle is free from stimulation of the underlying muscle contraction, the longer it takes for the wrinkles to become deeper.

(Please see FAQ section for more details)

Fig.1 Worry lines & points of injection of botulinum toxin.		Fig.2 Result.