BOTOX

What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin is a chemical produced by the botulinum bacteria and Botox is a protein derivative of the toxin, which, when injected into a muscle, causes it to become weakened or inactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission - i.e. It stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle.

As long ago as 1978, Botox was used as a treatment for patients with eye squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle.
Since then, it has been used in a variety of therapeutic areas such as spasmodic neck, writer’s cramp, tics, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm, Parkinson’s Disease and cerebral palsy, to name but a few. In more recent times the use of Botox for cosmetic therapy has become more widespread.

Anti-ageing wrinkle treatments
We now know that the alternative to “growing old gracefully” is not simply a facelift. No longer just for celebrities, non-surgical treatments are safely used by millions of people worldwide. The benefits of slowing down the ageing process can now be yours.

Wrinkles are caused by excessive muscle contraction causing the skin to crease. Over time these creases deepen and become visible even when the muscles are relaxed as collagen is lost from beneath the skin surface. Using injectable treatments the muscle action can be reduced and the skin support restored.

Botox® acts by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle thus interfering with the signal for contraction. A tiny amount is injected which only acts on the muscle, not affecting the nervous system or entering the bloodstream. The muscle is temporarily relaxed and the wrinkles soften as the skin is no longer creased. The effects can last for 3-4 months, longer with repeated treatments.

Treatment with Botox® takes about 20 minutes after an initial consultation to check medical history and discuss treatment needs and options. A very fine needle is used which results in only a slight stinging sensation, mild discomfort rather than pain. The only signs of treatment may be slight redness and swelling at the injection site which quickly fades. Occasionally a small bruise can occur.

Botox® can be used on expression lines and frown lines on the forehead and laughter lines or crow’s feet around the eyes. Smoker’s lines around the lips can also be treated.

What can go wrong?
Badly carried out treatment can leave the face expressionless due to too much product being injected. The product can migrate so a drooping brow or eyelid can occur if injected in the wrong place although this is reversible. Other rare side effects are transient headaches and numbness. However, done well, Botox® can take years off your face without looking like you’ve had surgery. You should still look like you, still able to scrunch up your eyebrows and raise them, just the excessive (usually unconscious) contraction of certain muscles will be stopped. And all in a single, short easy treatment session.

Restylane fillers put back hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the skin’s collagen structure which helps to rehydrate the skin and plump out the wrinkles. Since it is a substance naturally found in the body allergic reactions are almost unheard of and over time the body breaks it down naturally so again the effects are not permanent.

The restylane gels come in a variety of consistencies and are injected into the skin under the wrinkle. Other areas that can be treated with fillers are the naso-labial folds (sides of the nose down to the sides of the mouth) the cheekbones where the skin has drooped and the lips which can be enhanced and plumped. Local anaesthetic or topical anaesthetic cream is used first to numb the skin before the injections. Swelling and bruising can occur as with any injection and the area can be sore for several days.

Sometimes a combination therapy of Botox® and fillers is advised to achieve the best result.

These non-surgical wrinkle treatments result in a more youthful appearance and with repeated treatments can slow down the development of lines and wrinkles. The result is a rejuvenated face.

Therapist

Dr. Alison Finlay BSc. BDS.
Dr Alison Finlay is a dental surgeon with a special interest in facial aesthetics. Alison trained at the Queen’s University Belfast and qualified from the School of Dentistry in 1987. She spent the following four years in hospital posts, where she gained a wide experience in all aspects of dentistry and developed a special interest in orthodontics. Since then she has worked extensively in general practice and currently divides her time between NHS practice, specialist Orthodontic practice and the Special Care Dental Service.

In developing her interest in cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics Alison has undertaken further specialist training in facial rejuvenation. She has attended cosmetic courses run by plastic surgeons and is qualified to provide Botox anti-wrinkle treatments, lip enhancements and fillers using hyaluronic acid products.