Botox and Dysport (Botulium Toxin Type A)

Dr Brigid Lee at the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic has developed a special interest in Botox/Dysport treatments and regularly attends meetings to keep up with the latest techniques. She performs all treatments herself and does not delegate treatments to other members of staff. Each treatment is tailored to the individual client and therefore produces very natural looking results.

 

frowning before	frowning after

What is Botox?
Botox is a natural purified protein that relaxes wrinkle causing muscles creating a smoothed, rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. The active ingredient in Botox (and Dysport) is botulinum toxin type A, derived from bacteria in much the same way as penicillin is derived from mould. It is manufactured in sterile laboratory conditions.

It's a simple non-surgical procedure that smooths the deep, persistent facial lines that develop over time. One ten minute treatment - a few tiny injections - relaxes the muscles that cause those lines to form and keeps them relaxed for about 4 months.

How does Botox work?
Many facial wrinkles occur when we use our muscles to make repeated facial expressions. Botox can be used to relax specific facial muscles that cause expression lines. Once the muscles are relaxed you cannot contract them and continue to make the undesirable facial expressions. Thus, the lines gradually smooth and new lines are prevented from forming.

What does treatment with Botox involve?
It is a non-surgical treatment whereby a small amount of Botox is injected into selected facial muscles using a very fine needle. Generally, Botox treatment for glabellar frown lines (the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows when you frown) takes about 10 minutes. Discomfort is typically minimal and brief, and no anaesthetic is usually required. The injection may sting for a few seconds but normal activities can be resumed soon after. After the injection, it takes 2-3 days for Botox to begin taking effect and about 7 days to see the full effect.

How long does Botox last?
The effect can last up to 4 months before lines slowly begin to return. If you have repeat Botox treatments, the effect tends to last longer.

forehead lines before	forehead lines after

Does Botox cause more wrinkles to form?
Botox relaxes the facial muscles that cause expression lines. It does not cause more wrinkles to form. If you choose not to have further Botox treatments your muscles will eventually return to normal activity and your wrinkles will gradually revert to their pre-treatment levels.

Where can Botox be used?
In New Zealand Botox is registered for use in frown lines which appear between your eyebrows and on your forehead. This is the most common area for treatment. As part of the frown treatment, brow shape can be subtly altered if desired. It can also be used for "crow's feet" which appear around the eyes and deepen on smiling. Sometimes it may be used to treat other areas of the face as well.

In addition to its use for cosmetic reasons, botox can be used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating), cerebral palsy in children and movement disorders. Research is currently being done on its use as a  migraine treatment.

Will facial expression be affected by Botox?
Botox works specifically on the muscles treated. This means that any muscle left untreated, like those used to raise the eyebrows, are not affected and a natural expression is maintained. It will not "freeze" your facial expressions. It softens them and works where you want it to.

Is it suitable for men?
Botox is equally effective on men or women. Because it is effective for frown lines which may be cause by stress, it is popular with many businessmen to leave them looking more refreshed and approachable.

 

frown before	frown after
crow's feet before	crow's feet after

Are there any side effects?
The side effects are usually temporary and localised to the area of injection. These include soreness or mild bruising, which can easily be covered with makeup, headache, and less commonly, you may develop a heavy eyelid lasting 1-4 weeks which we may be able to treat with eyedrops. There have been no permanent side effects of Botox reported.

Botox should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for patients with a neuromuscular disease.

Choosing a Botox provider.
Botox is a prescription only medicine and as such is only available from a doctor. It should be injected only under the supervision of a registered Medical practitioner. Dr Brigid Lee at the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic has undergone specialised training in cosmetic procedures and performs all injections herself - no treatments are delegated to a nurse.

Beware of "bargain Botox" offers. If the price seems much cheaper it is unlikely that registered Allergan Botox (or Ipsen Dysport) is being used, or that the Botox/Dysport dose is too low or the product has been diluted to give a weaker effect that may not last as long. There have recently been reports of cheaper Korean and Chinese products being imported into New Zealand which have no proven safety record.

A typical frown treatment at The Skin Rejuvenation Clinic will cost around $400 - but check out our monthly specials as we often offer a 25% discount which makes it around $300 for a treatment; that's around $3.00 per day - less than a cup of coffee!

Botox(R) is a prescription medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin type A for injection.It is used for the treatment of severe primary hyperhidrosis of the Axillae. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk tp us about the benefits/risks of this procedure. Cautions: People with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at the site of injection, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include a perceived increase in sweating in areas other than the underarms, pain at the injection site, pain, hot flushes and transient arm weakness. If you have any side effects of concerns speak to us or your doctor. You will need to pay for this medicine. Note: Botox treatment lasts about 7.5 months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to us about your own situation.