Anti-wrinkle treatments are commonly referred to as Botox® and are used to smooth lines and wrinkles for a younger, more rejuvenated look. They are most often used to treat:

• Forehead lines

• Frown lines (lines between the eyebrows)

• Crow’s feet lines (lines around the eyes)

• Gummy smile

• Dimpled chin

• Teeth grinding

• Jawline slimming

• Excessive underarm sweating

Botox® is a naturally occurring protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It works by blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions, which helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by these muscle movements. Without these signals, the targeted muscle remains in a relaxed state. This effect typically lasts about 3 months before the nerve activity gradually returns.

Licensed brands of botulinum toxin type A include Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Xeomin®, and Dysport®. All botulinum toxin products are prescription-only medicines (POM) and can only be administered by qualified professionals, such as doctors, dentists, or nurses, with the appropriate prescribing qualifications, following a thorough face-to-face assessment and consultation.

After treatment, you should begin to notice improvements within 4 to 5 days, with the full results typically visible in 2 to 3 weeks. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled at this time to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to make any necessary adjustments to your personalised treatment plan.

Post-treatment, you will be advised to avoid extreme temperatures, vigorous exercise, lying down, or leaning over for 4 to 6 hours. It’s also important to refrain from consuming alcohol and applying makeup for 24 hours after the procedure.

While the treatment is designed to significantly reduce muscle movement, it may not completely "freeze" expressions, especially with strong muscle effort. The degree of muscle reduction depends on the amount of product used and its placement. Anti-wrinkle treatments are highly individualised, and your clinician will tailor the approach to meet your specific needs and desired outcomes. This will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation.

Your clinician will conduct a comprehensive medical history review and evaluate your needs and expectations to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.

• In general, this treatment is not recommended for individuals under 18 or over 65

• For optimal results, your skin should be in good condition, and the target lines should not be excessively deep. Your practitioner will assess your suitability and provide personalised advice.

• Botulinum toxin treatments are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women and are also contraindicated for patients with certain neurological disorders. Additionally, it may not be appropriate if you are taking specific medications or have previously experienced adverse reactions to botulinum toxin treatments.

Treatment may not be indicated if:

• You are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell (even a cold)

• You are taking any medications which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin

• You are currently or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (acne treatment) in the last 18 months

Caution should be exercised in the following situations:

• Upcoming Events: If you have a special event planned where any potential bruising or side effects would be unacceptable, it is advisable to discuss this with your clinician before proceeding with treatment.

• Medications and Supplements: Certain over-the-counter medications and supplements can increase the risk of bruising, as can alcohol. It is best to avoid these for at least 24 hours before and after your treatment.

All treatments carry some degree of risk. These risks and potential complications will be thoroughly discussed with you during your consultation before you agree to any treatment.

Possible side effects include, but are not limited to:

• Bruising

• Swelling and redness at the injection sites

• Asymmetry in facial expression

• Drooping of the brow or eyelid

• Headache or a sensation of tightness or heaviness

While adverse events are rare, they may occur within a few days of treatment. These effects are generally temporary and should resolve on their own within hours, days, or weeks. Your clinician will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to minimise risks and support a swift recovery from any expected side effects.

A very fine needle is used during your treatment, making the procedure generally well-tolerated and minimally painful, often requiring no anaesthetic. For patients who are particularly nervous or sensitive, topical anaesthetic may be used to help numb the skin and reduce pain.

Results tend to take full effect within 2 weeks after treatment and last 3-6 months. Movement will begin recovering from 8- 10 weeks, and frequent treatment at intervals of less than 3 months is not recommended.