Anti-Wrinkle Treatment FAQ

What is Botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin (traditionally know as its trade name Botox™, ™, or Bocouture™) is a powerful neurotoxin, which when injected into specific muscles, it temporarily blocks the nerve signals to that muscle & reduces movement.  Botulinum toxin has many uses within medicine and anti-aging including muscle spasm, excessive sweating and reduction of muscle contraction preventing the onset of lines and wrinkles.  Botulinum toxin is a Prescription Only Drug (POM) & should only be administered by suitably qualified medical professionals.

Where can Botulinum toxin be used?

There are many areas where Botulinum toxin can be used, such as forehead, frown lines (in between the brows), nose (bunny lines) and around the mouth (smokers lines).  They can also be used for brow lifting, Jawline width reduction and reducing sweating under the armpit.

How long will Botulinum toxin injections last for?

It's not permanent – it usually lasts for around 3 or 4 months.  The reduction in muscle movement may start after 2 or 3 days following injection and 2 to 3 weeks for the full effect to be seen.  The results vary between individuals but with weeks and months that pass by lines and wrinkles will fade. 

Are anti-wrinkle injections painful?

Any injections can hurt, however these needles are small short needles and are relatively painless. It is possible to add a local anaesthetic cream or a cold pack to slightly numb the area before injecting.

Are there any side effects to Botulinum toxin injections?

Possible side effects of Botulinum toxin injections are pain where the injection was made, slight inflammation, swelling, bruising, redness, bleeding and infection. It should be noted that other symptoms may indicate and allergic reaction to the Botulinum toxin such as wheezing, asthma, rash, dizziness and faintness, in which case you should seek a doctor immediately. Botox can spread to other nearby tissue areas of the injection site that may cause unwanted effects. The main example would be when an injection is made close to the eye brow or upper eyelids it could cause a temporary eyelid droop. Our trained practitioners will know the best areas to inject to help avoid this side effect.

Is it safe?

Botulinum toxin is an injectable drug made from botulinum toxin type A. This toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum is purified for clinical and cosmetic use and in small doses is regarded as safe, provided that it is carried out by a suitably medically trained aesthetics practitioner. Here at Skin Lab Aesthetics, our qualified advanced aesthetics practitioners have been trained by ‘Derma Medical’ a worldwide training centre of excellence and the UK’s number 1 aesthetic training provider, so you know you are in safe hands.

How does the anti-wrinkle treatment work?

Once injected into the muslce, the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin is to cause a temporary muscle paralysis through inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from motor nerve terminals. This prevents muscle contraction and hence creates the desired cosmetic effects, so that any lines, which were present before treatment will start to soften. Having periodic treatment with botulinum toxin will prevent or slow down new lines from developing.

What does Botulinum toxin feel like when it starts to work?

Most people tend not to feel anything as the botulinum toxin begins to take effect usually within 3/5 days after treatment. Some people however, have reported that they are aware they no longer can frown. Occasionally people experience a dull headache, which tends to subside after 24 hours.

How Long does it last?

On a cellular level the botulinum toxin completely disappears from the muscles after 12 weeks. Movement of the muscles begin to return and subsequently the lines and wrinkles gradually return. Having regular treatment as advised by your practitioner will help keep those lines and wrinkles at bay for longer. In Addition, using SPF and wearing sunglasses on sunny days will help reduce muscle movement.

Can you have this particular anti-wrinkle when pregnant or breastfeeding?

You are not permitted to have botulinum toxin treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding. You may restart treatment after 6 weeks of giving birth as long as you are not breastfeeding. You should also let your qualified medical practitioner know if you think you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.

Is Botulinum toxin vegan?

Botulinum toxin is obtained in a laboratory from bacteria and does not contain any animal product. It is therefore considered vegan however, like all other prescription medication it must be tested on animals to be sold legally. Some manufacturers are pushing for the legislation to be changed and have reduced their animal testing as a result.