What Is BOTOX®?
Botox® is a purified protein that is isolated from a microorganism botulinum toxin type A. Many of the most important drugs we use today such as antibiotics were first isolated from microorganisms eg penicillin. It is manufactured in sterile laboratory conditions and sold as a finished prescription medical product.
How does BOTOX® work?
In order for a muscle to contract it requires a nerve signal. Botox® blocks this signal at the junction between a nerve and a muscle. Botox® relaxes the muscles underneath the skin that cause undesirable wrinkles.
Facial wrinkles occur as we continually use our muscle to make repeated facial expressions. Botox® relaxes the tiny facial muscles that cause expression lines, leaving the overlying skin smooth and unwrinkled. Once the muscle is relaxed, you cannot contract it. Thus the lines gradually smooth out from disuse and new creases are prevented from forming.
What to expect from BOTOX® treatment.
Your doctor will determine exactly where to use BOTOX® to achieve the best results. No anaesthetic is required, although your doctor may use ice before injecting. Treatment takes around 10 minutes.
A small amount of BOTOX® is injected into selected facial muscles using a very fine needle. The discomfort is described as an ant bite sting for a few seconds. It takes 2-3 days for BOTOX® to begin taking effect and around 7-10 days to see the full effect. Your facial expressions will become softer and fresher, giving a more relaxed appearance.
BOTOX® lasts for up to four months, depending on the individual and will wear off gradually with expression lines returning slowly. Repeat injections 2-3 times a year will help maintain the look. Studies show that with repeat BOTOX® treatment, the effect can last longer, so you may require less frequent treatment in the future to maintain the result you have come to like.
Where can BOTOX® be used?
In New Zealand BOTOX® is registered for use in the treatment of upper facial lines which include crows feet (which appear around the eyes and deepen on smiling), frown lines (which appear between the eyebrows) & forehead lines. These are the most common areas for treatment. BOTOX® is also registered for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).Other areas can also be treated as assessed and discussed by the doctor. If you choose not to continue treatments your lines will gradually revert to their pre-treatment appearance. This may take 6 to 12 months.
BOTOX® Safety
Botox® has a very good track record of safety in over 20 years of clinical use including cosmetic use and use in children with cerebral palsy to release tight muscles, blepharospasm (facial tics) and a wide range of other uses.
The most common side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. These include soreness or mild bruising, (which can be easily covered with makeup), headache and less commonly, you may develop a heavy eyelid lasting 1-4 weeks which your doctor may be able to treat. There have been no permanent side effects of BOTOX® reported.
BOTOX® is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for patients with neuromuscular disease.
Is BOTOX® expensive?
BOTOX® is quite affordable. The cost is comparable to other appearance related investments such as facials, hair colouring and wrinkle creams. It is important to beware of "bargain BOTOX" offers. If the price seems much cheaper it is likely that BOTOX® is not being used, or the BOTOX® dose is too low or the product has been diluted to give a weaker effect that may not last as long.
The cost depends on the amount administered and this can vary according to gender, strength of facial muscles treated, the degree of wrinkling and the effect of previous treatments. Our doctors will be able to advise you of the exact cost only at the time of the consultation, as each person requirements are different. As a guide, females will require about 12 to 30 units for the treatment of crows feet, and 20 to 30 units for frown lines, and from 5 to 20 units for the treatment of forehead lines. Males usually require larger doses than females - sometimes up to double the amount. The average price to have frown lines treated with 20u of Botox® is $375 per session.
Why should I choose Jeunesse Appearance Medicine Clinic for my BOTOX® treatments?
Our doctors specialise in Botox® therapy and have extensive experience in its use to create natural looking results. At the initial consultation our doctors encourage you to advise them of your aesthetic goals and use our expertise to help you achieve your desired outcome. As part of our service, we offer a free check up two weeks after your treatment, to see if any additional top-ups are required.
Ask our doctors a question about Botox®
BOTOX® is a prescription medicine containing 100 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of severe frown lines and associated ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialists about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: people with neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning sensation or redness at injection site, temporary local muscle weakness including eyelid droop, decreased sensation and nausea. If you have side effects or concerns, talk to your doctor. A charge applies. Allergan Pharmaceutical, Auckland.
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