| BTX | Botulinum Injections |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Dynamic (=temporary) lines in the face are caused by facial muscle action wrinkling the overlying skin. Neurotoxin injections improve these lines for about 3 months. It is less effective in patients over 60 years or in patients where these lines are more static (=permanent). This treatment is best for frown lines, forehead lines and crows' feet. Neurotoxin smoothens the skin, lifts and reshapes eyebrows and makes facial impressions appear more friendly if frowning is a problem. The procedure is typically done in a clinic appointment. The treatment starts to work after about a week. |
| Scars | None |
| Operation time | No surgery - Procedure time 30min |
| Anaesthesia | None |
| Hospital Stay | None |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness), Bruising, Swelling, Redness, Discomfort, Headache, Nausea, Tinnitus, Dizziness, Syncope, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Delayed onset (about one week), Recurrent or remaining lines (Neurotoxin injections last about 3 months), Aesthetic imperfections, Eye injury, Droopy eyelids or eyebrows, Double vision, Corneal exposure, Flu-like symptoms, Problems with breathing / swallowing / speech, Allergic reaction. N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Pregnancy, Breast feeding, Local infection, Certain antibiotics, Allergies, bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Chemotherapy, Neurological disease (e.g. myasthenia gravis) or cardiovascular disease (affecting nerves, heart and blood vessels), non-advised massage and manipulation |
| Optimising factors | After the injection, it is advisable to exercise the injected facial muscles. Touching, massaging and lying down for the 4 following hours should be avoided. |
| Discomfort | Not significant |
| Bruising | Unusual, 1 week if present |
| Recovery | 4 hours |
| Acceptable appearance | After 1-2 weeks |
| Final result | After 1 week for about 3 months |
| Alternatives | No injection, Relaxation exercises, Make-up, Brow lift surgery |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
