NEUROTOXIN INJECTIONS
The gradual development of facial wrinkles is inevitable and generally represents the early sign of ageing. The most common areas of wrinkling include the forehead, the brows and the outer corner of the eyes (crow’s feet). This is mainly related to muscle activity which can be effectively dampened by the use of botulinum toxin, which is a naturally occurring bacterial toxin. This type of treatment to paralyse muscles selectively and reduce wrinkles is commonly known as ‘Neurotoxin Injections’ treatment. Neurotoxin Injection is a trade name, and other similar preparations may also be used for this purpose.Botulinum toxin was initially used in the 1970s for treating patients with hyperactive muscles around the eyes. Currently, it is widely used for cosmetic reasons, such as wrinkle reduction and a wide variety of other medical conditions related to dysfunction of muscles.
CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT
During consultation a detailed medical history is obtained by your surgeon and assessment of the facial wrinkles is carried out to determine the exact areas of muscles that require the injection. An appropriate dose of neurotoxin is then injected into the muscles using a tiny micro needle. Following the treatment with Neurotoxin Injections, the skin over the muscles remains smooth and even. Injected muscles are paralysed in about 2-3 days while untreated areas continue to work as normal.
As the needle used is very fine and small quantities are injected, the pain is minimal and therefore no anaesthetic is required. You may experience some discomfort over the treated area immediately after treatment.
You may resume normal activities immediately however any strenuous activity and massaging the area should be avoided. You must follow the post injection instructions carefully to avoid any untoward effects. Some patients may experience mild headaches in the first week or so following the injection which resolve spontaneously, and the use of mild painkillers such as paracetamol is recommended to relieve the headaches.
NEUROTOXIN SAFETY
Neurotoxin is a safe drug and when injected by an experienced facial plastic surgeon the incidence of side effects is extremely low. The most common side effects are temporary and localised bruising, slight redness of the skin and occasionally slight swelling at the injection site. The side effects of Neurotoxin Injections are completely reversible and are temporary, lasting only a few hours and occasionally up to one or two days.
Rarely unintended paralysis of muscles may result in troublesome cosmetic imperfections such as drooping of the eye brows. The incidence of such side effects is injector dependent and settles with time.
FAQ's
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
The effects of Neurotoxin Injections usually last for three to four months after the first treatment. The effects fade gradually, at which point wrinkling begins to reappear and you may return for re-treatment. Generally, with repeated injections, the effects last longer and the frequency of injections gets lesser. The duration of effect varies from patient to patient and may be less effective in older people.
Neurotoxin Injections can reduce the signs of aging by reducing the muscle activity and wrinkles of the eyebrow and forehead. It is especially effective in reducing frown lines. Neurotoxin (Dysport or Neurotoxin Injections) Injections: Removing Fine Lines
Neurotoxin injection is a useful means of improving specific wrinkles. Is can be used to refine other cosmetic procedures as well. It is most helpful in improving vertical furrows between eyebrows and creases about the lips and eyelids. Neurotoxin Injection is a medication which is injected directly into the muscles to weaken the activity of the muscle. This in turn will result in a smoother appearance on the skin surface.
POST SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS
- Usage:
Neurotoxin Injections are used for the improvement of fine lines and wrinkles caused by aging, heredity, gravity, sun damage, and muscle action.
- Risks and Complications:
Side effects experienced by patients who have had Neurotoxin Injections include: headache, bruising, pain during injections, asymmetry (one side different than the other), twitching, numbness, and temporary drooping of eyelids or eyebrows.
- Pregnancy:
Patients who are taking aminoglycoside and antibiotics, penicillamine, quinine, and calcium channel blockers can not have Neurotoxin Injections.
- Treatment:
Injection of a very small amount of Neurotoxin Injections into the specific muscle causes weakness or paralysis of that muscle. This results in relaxation of the muscle and improvement of the lines that the muscle action has formed.This response usually is seen 2-6 days after injection. Typically, the muscle action will return in 3 to 5 months and a repeat treatment can be done.
- Post-operative Care:
Stay erect; do not lie down for at least 4 hours.
- Do not massage the area. During the next 2 to 4 hours, squint and raise the eyebrow area as much as possible.