A toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum weakens and relaxes the muscles and prevents sweating. Originally used by ophthalmologists to treat nervous twitching of the eyelids, it has been used successfully for facial wrinkling since 1982.

In very high doses it causes botulism. In very small doses it only affects the muscles that are treated. The relaxation of the muscle flattens the wrinkles.

The toxin was originally introduced for the safe and effective treatment of muscle spasms. In patients treated for facial spasm it was noted that facial wrinkling decreased over the treated muscle.  This experience led to the use for the treatment of facial wrinkles. People often dislike their central frown line, which is caused by concentrating, squinting, or frowning. The muscle relaxing injections can successfully reduce its prominence.

The frustrated, tired and angry look on the face will disappear. The horizontal forehead lines can also be dramatically improved by the relaxing injections.

It can also be used to lessen crow's feet and other expression lines around the eyes. This results in smoother and younger looking skin around the injected areas.

The Procedure for Botulinium Toxin as a treatment for Frown Lines, Horizontal Forehead Lines, Crow’s Feet:

Ms Kavouni performs the procedure after the area has been numbed using a local anaesthetic cream to minimize discomfort. Tiny quantities of the toxin are injected directly into the affected muscles. It takes three to five small injections between the eyebrows to treat the frown line.  It takes around 10 days for the treated muscles to slacken.

Most people do not notice anything but simply become aware that they are no longer able to contract the frown muscles. They can still lift their eyebrows normally and blink without problems.

You should avoid taking aspirin or vitamin E a few days before the treatment. Arnica tablets help to minimize any bruising. It is important to remain upright and avoid exercise for 3-4 hours after the injection. You can frown as often as you like in the first day or so, but the treated areas should not be touched, pressed or massaged.  Don´t have a facial massage or a peel for a week after the treatment.

The effect starts wearing off within a few months but re-treatment is not usually needed for three to four months. Treatment can be repeated as required as the wrinkles gradually re-appear. Many people find after three or four treatments that they have broken the bad habit that led to the frowning or squinting originally. With repeated injection the effects tend to last longer.

Side effects and risks:

There have been no reports of permanent damage caused by Botulinium Toxin injections. While allergy to any medicine is possible, it is rare in this occasion.

Some people have a slight headache after treatment for several hours; it is safe to take paracetamol to relieve this. A bruise at the site of injection is possible.  Find a good, competent administrator to keep the risk of complications low.  The most significant complication, which is rare, is a drooping of the eyelid caused by the toxin tracking into the eyelid muscle. It generally lasts just a few days, but more prolonged weakness is possible. Eye drops can be prescribed to lessen this effect. While a small amount of brow droop is possible, it is also rare and can usually be avoided by not treating the area just above the outer portion of the brow. If it does happen, it goes away by itself.

Botulinium Toxin cannot be used in pregnancy or when breast feeding. It is contraindicated for sufferers of neuromuscular diseases.

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