Line Softening
Thanks to advances in aesthetic medicine, wrinkles are no longer something that we are obliged to live with. It is now possible to directly combat them and to efficiently return a youthful look to your face.
A detailed consultation analyses where the wrinkles begin and their effect upon the overall expression of the face. This is done in order to selectively eliminate, reduce or to smooth those wrinkles that are not desired.
When we are dealing purely with wrinkles and not drooping facial expressions there are a number of various procedures available to us.
Wrinkle Treatment with Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin is a substance (a natural protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum), which actively smoothes wrinkles without surgical intervention. Due to its therapeutic effect this protein has been used for many years in aesthetic medicine under the name “Botox treatment” or Vistabel.
How does Botulinum Toxin work?
The “Botox treatment” works on the neuromuscular connections by blocking the acetylcholine neurotransmitter. It temporarily suspends the transmission of the nerve stimuli to the muscles and forces them to relax which visibly smoothes out the wrinkles caused by the treated muscle. This smoothing effect takes place in the first week after treatment and lasts from three to four months.
Advice & Treatment
The wrinkle treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. The Botulinum toxin is injected by the physician into those muscles identified as causing wrinkles using fine sterile needles. The injections and the preceding explanatory consultation usually take around half an hour. After treatment the patient can immediately resume his/her usual activities. This procedure can be repeated after the effect diminishes but no sooner than 3 months after the previous treatment.
Side Effects
Botulinum toxin has been researched for medical purposes worldwide for more than 20 years and has proved its effectiveness and compatibility throughout this time.
Possible side effects can be caused by the substance itself or by the injection technique. Muscle weakening is a desired effect of wrinkle treatment however the effect of the substance can sometimes overlap with adjacent areas (eg, the eyelids) and cause unwanted muscle weakening in these places too. Other temporary side effects have been observed in 1 to 10% of cases including headaches, redness at the injection site, dizziness and nausea etc.
The treatment must be carried out by a qualified physician who has been specially trained in this field of medicine and who has many years of experience. A previous consultation is essential and after 14 days a check-up is highly recommended.
