Botox Botulinum Toxin

Botulinium toxin therapy for facial wrinkles and lines is an injection treatment to reduce facial expression lines. Botulinium toxin has been used for many years and is licensed for the treatment of spasticity, and various facial tics and spasms. It is being increasingly used in medicine for treatment of tension headaches, migraines, and whiplash injuries to the neck, and is now licensed for the treatment of excessive axillary sweating, known as hyperhidrosis. 

Skin ageing is associated with the development of lines on the face and is caused by the action of muscles on the skin. It can be exacerbated by sun-damage and smoking. Botulinium toxin relaxes specific facial muscles that cause unwanted lines - for example, the deep creases between the eyes, crows feet and forehead lines.

Are there any risks?
Side effects are rare and usually mild. One study highlighted that less than 3% of patients experienced a problem. However you need to be aware of the following:

Immediately after treatment, there will be some mild swelling and redness - this usually settles within a few hours, as with any injection therapy.

You may experience minor heaviness in the injected area for about 24 hours - this is also rare.