Anti-wrinkle injections given by Aesthetic Doctors are commonly talked about as "Botox injections". This is actually a brand name for one of the botulinum toxins available. Other brands include Bocouture, Azzalure and Dysport. Here at The Cosmetics Doc, we use the brand Botox based on Dr Becky's experience of the toxins and their licensed use. Very fine injections may be used to provide excellent non-surgical results for smoothing lines and giving younger-looking skin. Dr Becky will only provide this treatment, if appropriate and safe, after an anti-wrinkle consultation.
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
As we get older, our skin has an increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These wrinkles/lines can be described as "static" or "active". Static lines are the wrinkles that develop and don’t go away when your skin "rests". Active wrinkles are those associated with movement or expression such as smile lines round the eyes, and forehead lines from frowning.
These wrinkles appear due to multiple factors including decreased production of collagen and elastin in the skin, skin dehydration, genetics, sun exposure and, of course, ageing. To improve the inevitable appearance of wrinkles in the skin, there are several solutions to improve the skin condition and decrease the lines.
One of those solutions may be the use of anti-wrinkle injections, more commonly known as Botox injections. These have been a revolutionary procedure in the Aesthetics industry and have continued to increase in popularity.
What are Botox injections for?
Medical professionals have been using botulinum toxins for various medical purposes for many years; we have experience and clinical evidence of the safety and effects. People worry about side effects but we know that all the effects of Botox injections are temporary.
When the Botox is injected into the skin, it helps to prevent the production of acetylcholine temporarily. This chemical substance, found in the body, helps our muscles to contract. By blocking this substance, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are reduced as the muscles relax. How much of the substance is needed is determined by your Doctor after a full clinical assessment.
Before and after photos showing the removal of active lines in eyebrow raise and frown two weeks after receiving Botox treatments:
When should Botox injections be used?
People wonder when they should get Botox, especially since there have been lots of young celebrities talking about getting this treatment in their early twenties. Many practitioners advise waiting until you can see wrinkle/fine lines even when your skin is static – for many people this is in their thirties.
This is a personal decision however, and Dr Becky is always willing to discuss the benefits and risks whenever you feel you need anti-wrinkle treatments. After a clinical assessment of your face though, Dr Becky may well suggest other treatments which are more appropriate, or may advise that Botox is not clinically needed at this time.
Please see The Cosmetics Doc website for more information regarding anti-wrinkle treatments, or feel free to contact us if you have any questions.