FINE LINE SOFTENING INJECTIONS-Botox- information see below
(See also Stages of Ageing Below) ; Botox Treatment for Hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating)
Fine line softening injections for wrinkle therapy are a safe and effective treatment for frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines. More recently it has been used cosmetically in the lower face for lines around the mouth (smokers lines), marionette lines and the neck.
Injections to reduce lines and wrinkles usually take effect after 3-5 days. The effect lasts variable lengths of time between 3 to 6 months (average 4 months). Patients who have had several injections often find the effect persists longer.
Allergic reactions to fine line softening injections are thought to be extremely rare. Side effects are uncommon and minimal. There may be a mild stinging sensation as the injection is performed. Mild weakness or paralysis of the eyelid (ptosis) or brow may occur with drooping of the eyelid or brow, lasting usually 2-3 weeks. Use in the lower face may have effects and Skinmedics are able to advise you in this regard.
Side effects are temporary and may not even be noticed by the patient. The incidence of ptosis is approximately 2%. The other side effects include transient headache, numbness or bruising, which are uncommon.
Botox®- Information
Botox ® which is a prescription only medication ,is the only form of Botulinum Toxin with a licence for cosmetic use. Botox ® is a neurotoxin complex formed of Clostridium botulinum type-A. Botox® has a licence for this use in the United States and several other countries .In the United Kingdom Vistabel® is the name of the only type of Botulinum toxin licensed for cosmetic use although Botox is a widely use form of this medicine.Dysport ® is the name of another form of Botulinum toxin.
This was approved by the Medicines and Regulatory Agency UK in 2006 for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (vertical 'frown' lines between the eyebrows) in adult women and men . Botox® and Vistabel®works by preventing the movement of muscles by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine from sympathetic nerve terminals on a temporoary basis which lasts on average 3 to 4 months although this can vary.
As well as cosmetic uses Botox® and Vistabel® can be used for a range of other medical conditions such as cervical dystonia,hemifacial spasm,blepharospasm, hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating) and spasticity following stroke or in some cases of cerebral palsy. It is also being evaluated in a number of other conditions such as migraines amongst others.
Botox® should not be used in patients with certain conditions affecting muscular activity such as Myasthenia Gravis amongst others. It should not be given in pregnant women or those who are breast feeding. Botox® should also not be used in those who are hypersensitive to its components or those who have bleeding disorders. Other conditions may also prevent Botox® from being suitable.
Side effects include headache ,bruising and less commonly eyelid droop (eyelid ptosis) ,diplopia(double vision) and drooping of the brow. Other side effects are also listed.
STAGES OF AGEING
The ageing process commences early. Even in the twenties collagen and elastin which maintains the skins firmness and support is starting to break down as a result of enzyme action .Certain factors which cannot be controlled such as genetics play a part but other avoidable risks such as cigarette smoking , alcohol consumption and exposure to UV radiation from the sun are significant risk factors. Consequently it is of great importance to prevent sun damage and modify other avoidable risk factors. An effective sunscreen should be applied and antioxidants used on a daily basis . Physical sunscreens such as those containing zinc are particularly effective.
In the thirties wrinkles become increasingly noticeable with the additive effect of repetitive muscle movements causing damage to the collagen/elastin support of the skin. Fibroblasts become less effective and therefore the repair mechanisms are increasingly impaired as time progresses. Age spots may start to appear as a result of pigmentation systems failing .Damaging effects of UV radiation start to become apparent as DNA damage continues at the cellular level. Significant evidence exists from research to support the use of retinoids to stimulate fibroblast function. One such product would be Retin A a prescription grade product.
As time progresses the effects of aging become very much more apparent in the forties and the additive effects of risk factors such as smoking and sun exposure come to the fore .Volume loss in the face is also much more noticeable in these age groups. It is important to undertake treatments which stimulate the skins own repair mechanisms such as encouraging the fibroblasts to adopt there repair function. Many forms of treatments are utilised more frequently at this such as potent topical agents , microdermabrasion , muscle relaxing injections and various grades of chemical peels up to full strength chemical peels. In those who have not undertaken preventative measures surgery may additionally be required. Intense Pulsed Light and Laser enhanced facial rejuvenation may also be necessary.
ACTION REQUIRED
MORNING
1.Clean/Tone
2.Antioxidant protection
3.Hydration/Lightening agent
4.Moisturise
5.Sun Protection
EVENING
1.Clean/Tone
2.Exfoliator
3.Hydration/Lightening agent
4.Moisturiser