Wrinkle Reduction

Wrinkles are lines that appear on the face as we age due to loss of normal skin tone and elasticity. Tone and elasticity are maintained by the presence of elastin and collagen in the skin. As we age, these proteins decrease. Lifestyle choices like a poor diet, excessive alcohol, over exposure to the sun and cigarette smoking accelerates the loss of collagen causing premature ageing of the skin.

We cannot prevent the formation of wrinkles but we can definitely DELAY the signs of ageing. A healthy lifestyle with moderate alcohol, minimal sun exposure and stopping smoking will help. Once wrinkles are formed, they can be treated non-surgically with Botox® injections.

Botox® is an extract from the bacteria called clostridium botulinum. This is the very same bacteria that causes food poisoning. However, the doses used are so miniscule that the chance of getting food poisoning is nil. Botulinum toxin is used in more than 20 medical conditions and is used cosmetically to treat lines and wrinkles. Botox® is the trade name for the product by the company Allergan that manufactures it. There are other companies that manufacture the botulinum toxin but it is now recognised worldwide by the name Botox®.

The effects of Botox® has been extensively studied and has been successfully tried on millions of people worldwide. The concentrations of the botulinum toxin used are so tiny that it has been found to be a safe procedure in the hands of trained doctors.

In order for the muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the junction where the nerve endings meet the muscle cells. Botox® neutralises the acetylcholine and blocks the nerve signals to the targeted muscles disabling the muscle contraction and thus eliminating the wrinkle.

Because the botulinum extract is not derived from an animal source the chance for allergy is nonexistent. However, care has to be taken if you are allergic to eggs as egg albumin is used in the product as a preservative.

he effects of the injections become apparent within 7-10days. The effect lasts for approximately 4-6 months. Every individual is different. Repeat injections are required to maintain the effect. If the injections are not repeated the wrinkles do not get worse, it just goes back to the way it was before the treatment.

Although there are no documented problems in the above group, we do not have any information on the effects on the development of the foetus and would therefore advise against treatment at this stage.

Pain, swelling and bruising at the site of injection. However the needles used for injection are so fine that these side effects are minimal. Local anaesthetic cream can be applied to the area prior to injection if necessary. Headaches and flu like symptoms can be experienced in rare cases. Drooping of the eyelids may occur rarely. Please make sure your therapist is qualified and experienced.

Both men and women who want to soften the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles are suitable.