BOTOX treatment for facial lines and wrinkles What is Botulinum Toxin? Botulinum toxin is a chemical produced by the botulinum bacteria. BOTOX® is a protein derivative of the toxin, which, when injected into a muscle, causes it to become weakened or inactivated. This is achieved by stopping the muscle from functioning by blocking the neuromuscular transmission – i.e. it stops the chemical message from the nerve to the brain. History of BOTOX® As long ago as 1978, BOTOX® was used as treatment for patients with eye squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle. Since then it has been used in a variety of therapeutic areas such as spasmodic neck, writers’ cramp, to name but a few. In recent times the use of BOTOX® for therapy has become more widespread and is now the gold standard for non-surgical treatment. How does it work? By using the facial muscles repeatedly throughout a life time, the skin is creased in areas of the greatest use. The ageing process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older, the areas of frequent use become damaged and the lines become more permanent. By reducing the movement of muscles in these areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften and even fade away. In the areas treated, the muscles are temporarily inactivated (always reversible), during which time the patient can break the sub conscious habit of over using these muscles. Depending on each individual and the dose used, the response to treatment can vary from a relaxation of the muscles to an inability to move muscles. For the first couple of years, frequent treatments are required to re-educate the facial muscles. Thereafter , treatments would be less frequent until a yearly maintenance is normally all that is required. How safe is BOTOX® In high concentrations botulinum toxin is a potent poison. However, BOTOX® used in a minute dose, as it is in cosmetic therapy, has a very high margin of safety. Price Prices range from £175.00 to £295.00 depending on requirements. Sitemap