Surgery procedures

Botox (Botulinum Toxin Injections )

(Botulinum toxin is commercially available as Botox® or Dysport®. However, these injections arecommonly referred to as 'Botox injections' whichever product is actually used. This leaflet will therefore refer only to 'Botox injections').

Introduction

Download the Botulinum Toxin Injections pdf

Wrinkles are part of the ageing process. They can be attributed to sun damage, effects of gravity and muscle contraction resulting from facial expressions such as frowning and laughing. Wrinkles due to the effects of gravity represent natural sagging of tissue with age and are generally only improved by surgical tightening procedures. Wrinkles caused by muscle contraction such as frown lines, forehead lines and crows' feet, can be improved by Botox treatment. The various wrinkles caused by facial muscle contraction are illustrated on diagram 1. Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating of the armpits and palms of the hands.

Diagram 1

What is Botox?

Botox® and Dysport® are the trade names for Botulinum toxin, produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Several types of toxins have been identified, but type A, which is used commercially, is the most potent. Botox acts by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that cause muscle contraction. This results in muscle paralysis. The resultant paralysis, however, is temporary, as the new growth of nerves will re-innervate the muscles. Botox was first used in 1978 to weaken over active muscles in the eye, followed by other neurological conditions such as dystonia and hemifacial spasm with good effects and little side effects. Botox was first used cosmetically in 1990, to reduce facial wrinkles arising from muscle contraction.