Table Of Contents
Botulinum Toxin (for frown lines, crow’s feet)
How does botulinum toxin make my wrinkles disappear?
This is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected in very small controlled amounts into a particular muscle, it paralyses that muscle only. Thus, after injection into small groups of muscles which cause frowning and wrinkling, the frown lines and wrinkle lines will disappear.
Which areas can be treated?
- Vertical frown lines (mid forehead, in between the eyebrows)
- Crow’s feet (side of eyes / cheeks)
- Horizontal wrinkle lines on the forehead
- Vertical and horizontal neck lines
- Bunny lines on the bridge of the nose
- Puckering of the chin
How long will the treatment take? Is it painful?
It takes only a few minutes and is a relatively painless procedure. There is minimal discomfort from the needle pricks.
What must I do after the injection?
You should remain upright for 1 – 2 hours after treatment. Try to move the muscles that have been injected as much as possible to maximise the effect of the toxin on the muscle. Do not rub the skin or muscles on or around the injected site.
How long will the effect of botulinum toxin last?
The anti-wrinkling effect sets in within a few days after the injection. By the second week, full paralysis of the wrinkling muscle will take place. The effect lasts about 4 months, varying between individuals. Wrinkles will reappear gradually and a repeat treatment is necessary to maintain the desired results.
Are there any side-effects?
This is a relatively safe procedure with uncommon side effects. There may be slight discomfort from the needle prick and a small chance of a bruise developing around the injection site. Slight drooping of the eyelids may occur but this is uncommon and transient. Transient headaches may occur. There are no permanent side-effects.
Fillers
Fillers are substances injected under the skin to “lift and fill in” facial lines and creases, temporarily restoring its youthful and plumped-up appearance.
What do fillers treat?
They can improve the appearance of the skin’s contours, fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, sunken cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars.
As one ages, hyaluronic acid decreases in the skin, resulting in a loss of volume and poor water retention. Hyaluronic acid fillers are able to bind water and fill out certain wrinkles and creases, improving the facial appearance. The body then gradually and completely clears the hyaluronic acid over 9 to 12 months.
What can I expect from filler injections?
Fillers are temporarily and not permanent as they are broken down by the body. Factors which may affect durability of the fillers are age, genetic background, lifestyle and injected site in an individual. As a result, a repeat procedure or in some cases a “top-up” may be required to restore facial contours after some time.
When will I see results?
Some results can be seen almost immediately, and the best results can be seen in about 2 weeks.
Is it safe?
The injection of fillers is safe when performed by an experienced and qualified dermatologist. At times, individual patients differ in their responses to “foreign substances” and some outcomes may not be predictable. There may be initial redness, minor swelling and bruising which will resolve in a few days. More long-term risks include infection, lumpiness and nodule formation.