Wrinkles &
Folds
As people age, they tend to develop facial wrinkles. Some of
these wrinkles are relatively minor and are known by such amusing
names as "crow's-feet" and "laugh-lines."
But some lines may become major crevices with age such as the
"nasolabial folds" that run from the side of the nose
to the corner of the mouth. This is one of the first signs of
aging. A great deal of research is being done to develop ways
to treat facial wrinkles by either preventing them in the first
place or by filling them in with some sort of biologic or synthetic
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| Botulinum
ToxinA(BTx-A) |
Dermal
Filler |
Botulinum
ToxinA(BTx-A)
Botox? or Dysport? is a safe and effective way of temporarily
weakening the muscles that cause wrinkling of the skin.
It has the effects of taking years of age and strain from
your face.This treatment is simple,quick and safe. You
can resume your normal activities immediately after an
injection. Many people have their treatments in their
lunch-time, for example, and return to work straight afterwards. |
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What
is the botulinum toxin typeA(BTx-A)?
Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced
by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium
makes several different types of protein which are called
type A to type F. These varying proteins cause muscles
to relax at different levels. |
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How does it work?
After botulinum toxin injections, it will temporarily
weaken the muscles that cause wrinkling of the skin
and your skin around the treated area will look smooth
and less wrinkled; but do not worry, the rest of your
face will not be affected. Botulinum toxin allows the
untreated areas of your face to move as normal and you
will still be able to laugh, smile and frown, but with
less wrinkling of the skin in the areas treated.
Botulinum toxin can be used to treat all wrinkles which
are the result of normal facial movement. It is not
suitable for permanent wrinkles caused by excessive
exposure to the sun. Botulinum toxin does not remove
wrinkles indefinitely; it is usually necessary to have
a treatment every 3 - 4 months to maintain and improve
upon the original results.
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What areas
can be treated?
The upper third of the face is where the best treatment results
are obtained, commonly for reduction in the appearance of
crow's feet around the eyes, and frown lines and wrinkles
on the forehead and between the eyebrows.
Botulinum toxin can also be used to reposition or lift the
eyebrows by a few millimetres. This is sometimes called a
"chemical brow lift". It can lessen so-called "bunny
lines" (lines along the top of the nose caused when some
people smile.)
A dimply chin caused by the underlying muscle that occurs
in some people can also be softened as can "necklace
lines" or horizontal lines around the neck.
"Platysmal bands" - bands of muscle that stand out
from the neck and make the neck look stringy in appearance
can also be softened with botulinum toxin.
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Recovery time
The whole treatment should usually take no longer than 10
- 15 minutes and you can normally drive immediately and go
about your usual activities.
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Possible risks
and complications
Most patients find that Botox injections cause little discomfort.
Many compare the feeling to a little insect bite! A small
amount of temporary bleeding or mild swelling may occur at
the injection site. In some cases more extensive bruising
may occur, especially around the eyes, but this can usually
be covered up with make-up, and is only temporary.
When botulinum toxin is injected into the forehead area, there
is a very slight possibility that it may cause weakness of
the muscle holding up the eyelid causing a "partial ptosis"
or drooping of the upper eyelid.
Sometimes, the eyebrow position may alter so that the edges
of the eyebrows become elevated. Some women like this effect,
but it is generally unwanted in men. It is easily corrected
with a small amount of botulinum toxin injected above the
raised area of the eyebrow to help change its position.
All patients should remember that because the results of botulinum
toxin are not permanent, any unwanted effects will disappear
usually within a 3 month period.
Botulinum toxin should not be used in women who are pregnant
or breastfeeding
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