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Before Anti-Wrinkle Injections After
At E-Cliniq Medical, we are proud to use injectable products of the highest quality to improve the appearance of the skin and facial lines. When looking to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, anti-wrinkle injections (also known as “Botox”) can produce effective results.
Prior to receiving anti-wrinkle injections, you will be required to have a consultation with our medical practitioner, who will assess your medical history, discuss your needs, and devise a personalised treatment plan. You will also have the benefits and risks of the treatment explained to you, before deciding whether the treatment is right for you or not. Should you wish to proceed with the procedure, and are medically safe to do so, a prescription will then be written for you to receive the treatment at a convenient time for you.
- What product is used ?
- How does the Anti-Wrinkle Injection procedure work ?
- What areas can be treated ?
- Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections safe ?
- Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections painful ?
- Are there any side effects ?
- When will I see the results ?
- How long do the results last ?
- Are there any aftercare instructions ?
- Who is not suitable for this treatment ?
What product is used ?
We use a neuromodulator medication called Botulinum Toxin Type A. This a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. “Botox” is actually the brand name of just one type of Botulinum Toxin Type A medication. At our clinic we mainly use the brand Bocouture, produced by Merz Pharma. Botulinum Toxin Type A has been successfully and safely used for many years to temporarily improve the appearance of dynamic lines, supported by a significant body of clinical evidence.
How does the Anti-Wrinkle Injection procedure work ?
When a small amount of this medication is injected into a muscle, it blocks specific nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract in that area. The effect of this is that it will temporarily reduce those specific facial muscles from contracting that are causing the skin to contract and crease, therefore reducing the formation of skin wrinkles in that area.
What areas can be treated ?
A great solution for temporarily reducing the appearance of a variety of lines and wrinkles, it is commonly used to soften and improve the appearance of the lines across the forehead, around the eye area (crow’s feet) and the frown area. Where appropriate, it can also be used to improve the appearance of specific areas in the lower face, such as the jawline/masseters (bruxism), gummy smile, and the chin.
Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections safe ?
Botulinum toxin Type A is an extensively studied, naturally occurring bacterial protein. It is a prescription only medicine, with an excellent safety profile. It is long established as a safe muscle relaxant indicated and licensed for many medical uses, as well as cosmetic. At E-Cliniq Medical in Borehamwood, we ensure that all anti-wrinkle injections are performed only by our experienced medical practitioner, as patient safety is of paramount importance to us.
Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections painful ?
Our medical practitioner uses very fine needles to inject small amounts of Botulinum Toxin Type A into the specific facial muscles required, to significantly reduce the risk of bruising and discomfort. Most patients comment that the procedure is only mildly uncomfortable, if at all. Prior to the procedure, you are welcome to have a small amount of topical anaesthetic cream applied, however this is very rarely needed. You are encouraged to discuss this at your first consultation, so that we can make your treatment as comfortable as possible for you. Procedures will generally take around 15 minutes to perform once your consent has been obtained and photos have been taken.
Are there any side effects ?
Like all medications, there are several side effects that could be experienced following anti-wrinkle injections. During your consultation, our medical practitioner will discuss the full known side effects and they will be explained to you as part of the consent process. You can then decide if you wish to proceed. Minor side effects are commonly experienced with anti-wrinkle injections, such as: some redness, swelling, itching, and bruising that can appear at the treatment site, and which usually subsides within 12-48 hours.
For some, the treated areas may initially feel a little unusual as the body continues to try and contract the treated muscles. This usually settles within a week or so of taking effect. You should plan your treatments around social events in case you do experience any effects that could affect your appearance, such as mild bruising.
When will I see the results ?
Wrinkles and lines may begin to visibly soften from 3-5 days following treatment and may continue to improve for up to 2-3 weeks later. We advise all our patients to return for a scheduled review at this timeframe to assess the response to treatment and ensure that a natural and softened result has been achieved. In most cases, you can expect to see a pleasing improvement in the appearance of the dynamic lines treated.
How long do the results last ?
An initial treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A may last around 3-4 months. This can be longer depending on the individual and lifestyle choices, and it will vary from person to person Subsequent repeat treatments thereafter can last up to 4-6 months.
Once the effects of a current treatment cycle have worn off, the areas will simply return back to their previous activity and wrinkles may return.
Are there any aftercare instructions ?
Anti-wrinkle injections have very little downtime attached and before you leave the clinic our medical practitioner will ensure you have been given any relevant verbal and written aftercare instructions. To name a few:
– avoid touching the treated areas for at least 8 hours after treatment.
– do not lie down or bend over for at least 4 hours after your treatment.
– avoid high impact exercise or strenuous activity for at least 24 hours post procedure.
– do not massage the treated areas for at least 48 hours post procedure and avoid the use of saunas and sun beds for the next 72 hours.
Who is not suitable for this treatment ?
– anyone allergic to any of the ingredients: Botulinum Toxin A, Human Albumin, Sodium Chloride or under the age of 18.
– if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding (It is not known if Botulinum Toxin Type A can be harmful to your unborn child or if this passes through breast milk, unable to research this).
– skin infection or chronic skin condition at the injection site.
– anyone who has disease affecting your muscles and nerves (i.e. Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Lou Gehrig’s disease).
– also tell us if you are taking any medicines including herbal remedies, as some may be contraindicated, such as of you have recently had an injection of an intravenous antibiotic or taking muscle relaxants.