Botulinum toxin (for which Botox is a specific trade-marked brand) is a natural occurring chemical that causes relaxation of muscles. When botulinum toxin is injected just beneath the skin into the muscles causing wrinkles, the muscles relax and cause less wrinkling of the overlying skin. Botulinum toxin has been used in both medicine and aesthetic medicine for decades and its safety record is well established.

For deeper wrinkles or wrinkles that have become permanent static lines on the skin,  it is sometimes necessary to use dermal fillers to soften or remove these.

The effects of botulinum toxin take between 3-7 days to reach its peak effect and this will last for between 3-4months. Initially, it is better to be cautious in the amount of toxin used, so as to produce a natural look that does not leave you without any facial expressions. However, 2 weeks following your initial treatment, you will be invited for a review and at that point if there are top-ups required, they are done free of charge.

Areas in which patients generally notice wrinkles they wish to reduce are: Forehead horizontal lines, Frown (Glabella) vertical lines between the eyebrows and Crow’s-feet lines or Laughter lines around the eyes. Other areas include around the mouth and neck bands. Treatment involves the injection of small quantities of the botulinum toxin, just under the skin, with exceptionally fine needles, into several places per treated area.

Dermal Fillers are made of a naturally occurring substance in all our bodies called hyaluronic acid that holds water and moisture in the skin and deeper tissues promoting its softness and fullness in youth. This substance also stimulates collagen formation that supports the structure of the skin and reduces the signs of ageing. As we age our body produces less of this substance and our skin loses its volume and moisture. By injecting dermal fillers, lost volume can be replaced, and the skin appear more youthful and rejuvenated. By injecting slightly larger volumes of filler, it is also possible to recontour parts of the face, giving you a preferred or enhanced appearance.

Typically, the effects of dermal fillers are seen immediately, and their effects can last for 9 to 18 months. Following your initial treatment, you will be invited back for a review after 2 weeks and at this time any further fillers or modifications can be added.

Commonly patients will have fillers to enhance their lips and cheeks – areas that commonly lose volume as we age. However, fillers are also used to smoothen deep wrinkles and groves, such as Nasolabial folds (the grooves between the nose and corner of the mouth) or Marionette lines (the grooves from the corner of the mouth that extend downwards to the jaw). Additionally, dermal fillers are used to soften or re-contour the jawline and chin, restoring the smooth classic V-shape of the face.

Through a combination of both dermal fillers and botulinum toxins it is possible to achieve non-surgical face lifts, that avoid the risks of surgery and anaesthetics at a much cheaper cost.