Our facial expressions change because the muscles in the face contract or relax. This is caused by the brain sending a signal via our nerve endings that we want to, for example, frown or laugh. When Botulinum Toxin is injected into a specific muscle it blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscles in the face.
This means that the nerve ending cannot tell the muscle to move. This is not a permanent condition, although it will last for around 3 – 4 months.
After a while, most patients will notice that the lines and wrinkles around their treated areas will continue to become less deep and pronounced.
This is a result of continued treatment, as the new skin has a chance to grow without being repeatedly creased. Hence, it appears to be smoother on the surface because it has not been creased by constant muscle activity.
At The White House Facial Aesthetics Clinic in Edinburgh Botulinum Toxin can be used to treat unsightly wrinkles which are the result of normal facial movement.
It is not suitable for permanent wrinkles caused by excessive exposure to the sun or resting wrinkles (this will need more invasive treatment such as chemical skin peels and dermal fillers).
Botulinum toxin does not remove wrinkles indefinitely; it is usually necessary to have a treatment every 4-6 months to maintain and improve upon the original results.
It has been proven to be safe to have botulinum toxin injections at the above frequency over a period of years. Although we do recommend a small rest period of movement prior to your next treatment to prevent muscle atrophy (shrinking).
