Anti-wrinkle injections
Why choose Barstable Medical Clinic?
Rated one of the best clinics in Essex for anti wrinkle treatments, we have a wealth of injecting experience. Many think that administering Botulinum toxin (commonly known as the brand name Botox ®) is simple, however to get the best, long-lasting and natural results, every patient’s individual anatomy has to be taken into account. This helps avoid the ‘botoxed’ appearance, or potential side effects such as a droopy eye lid.
Here at Barstable Medical Clinic, our experienced team will conduct a thorough assessment of your facial muscular structure, the extent of lines requiring treatment and formulate an individual treatment plan for you. This will ensure unique and expert results. Anti-wrinkle injections are not a ‘one size fits all’; what might be right for one person’s face may not be right for yours, and therefore every patient at Barstable Medical Clinic is treated individually based on their unique needs.
Finally, please remember Botulinum toxin MUST be injected by a medical practitioner. We are constantly seeing unhappy patients who have had negative results after having anti-wrinkle injections from non-medical beauticians, nail technicians or hairdressers. Botulinum toxin is a prescribed medicine (similar to antibiotics or morphine) and therefore patients need to ensure it is administered by a medical professional. At Barstable Medical Clinic, our doctors and nurse are extensively qualified and highly medically experienced.
About Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin type A has been in use for medical purposes since about 1990, around 20 million people have been treated worldwide. It is injected into muscle to reduce unwanted muscular contraction. The medication partially weakens the nerve to the muscle for four to six months. The cosmetic use (anti-wrinkle) of the injections came about when it was noted that lines and facial wrinkles were dramatically reduced.
The cosmetic use of botulinum toxin has dramatically increased in recent years and is now its most popular use. A safe and highly effective anti wrinkle treatment, it diminishes forehead lines (horizontal lines across forehead), frown lines (vertical lines between the eyes), crows feet (laughter lines at edge of the eyes), neck lines (Nefertiti lift) and vertical ‘lipstick’ lines. It eliminates surface wrinkles, resulting in a refreshed, smoother, line-free appearance.
If you are uncertain about any aspects of anti wrinkle injections we will be pleased to arrange a free consultation to discuss your questions
Botox® before and after
Botox® - frequently asked questions
Very small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the required areas using a tiny micro-needle. This acts by blocking the impulse of the nerves to the muscles which relate to the lines and wrinkles. The muscles are then relaxed preventing contraction. Following treatment with botulinum toxin the skin over the muscles remains smooth and even, while all untreated areas remain unaffected.
Because the needles are so fine and the quantity of botulinum toxin so small the pain is minimal. No local anaesthesia or sedation is required, although there may be some itchiness over the treated area immediately afterwards.
It may take 2-3 days to notice any initial effect, however within a week the improvement is dramatic. The maximum noticeable effect occurs up to 30 days later and will last for 4-6 months, when the effects begin to wear off. As most patients are happy with the effects of botulinum toxin, a top up injection will be required after this period of time to maintain the skin smoothing effects.
This varies from person to person, but can last up to 6 months. You will notice a gradual fading of its effects at which point it is time for a new treatment. Early clinical studies indicate that over time less frequent use of injections are required, but that also the benefits of botulinum toxin may be less effective for those over 65.
Botulinum toxin is not harmful. There may be some temporary localised bruising following injections, or slight swelling at the injection site, but this disappears quickly in 1 or 2 days.
No! It has been used safely and effectively for almost 20 years in the treatment of many medical conditions including neurological disorders. It is now used more popularly for cosmetic purposes.
Some patients ask if they will have a mask-like appearance or lose facial expression after botulinum toxin injections. The answer is no, not when the procedure is done properly. Selected muscles are weakened not totally paralysed, whilst nearby muscles are unaffected. In this way, extreme movements of the forehead and eyebrows, which create the wrinkles, will be prevented, but other muscles in the face will not be affected and will move the face as normal.
A wide range of patients benefit from botulinum toxin therapy. Botulinum toxin is ideal for younger people (25-60) who are just starting to develop wrinkles. Botulinum toxin treats existing creases, as well as potential creases before they start. After taking a detailed history and discussing your expectations you will be advised of the most age-appropriate and effective treatment for your individual needs.
- Pregnancy; although there have been no reports of birth defects with this medicine, no pregnant patients will be treated.
- Breastfeeding; similarly, there is no evidence that botulinum toxin is expressed in breast milk but it is best avoided if breastfeeding.
- Patients with a history of neuromuscular disease (multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis) or other types of diseases involving neurotransmission should avoid this medicine.
- Known allergy to human albumin or botulinum toxin; currently there are no documented cases of allergy to botulinum toxin.