Wrinkle Treatments
As we age, our skins ability to produce and maintain collagen and elastin decreases. This is accompanied by a reduction in the size of our natural fat pads and a reduced ability to bring water into the skin. The overall effect is one of volume loss.
In areas of recurrent movement such as is required in the face for expression (laughing, smiling, frowning etc) we see the creation of fine lines. With time, these lines can deepen to form wrinkles.
A Guide To Wrinkle Treatments
Should you wish to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, there are many treatments that can contribute. At Dr Rebecca Griffiths - Medical Aesthetics I am delighted to be able offer both general advice and targeted care.
In all cases, it is important to consider the basics such as a consistent skincare regime and understanding how lifestyle factors such as UV exposure etc may be causing acceleration in the natural ageing process.
Where lines have deepened or skin laxity has affected facial definition a more invested or clinic - based treatment plan may be suggested such as dermal fillers, or wrinkle - relaxing injections (such as Botox®).
A consultation is therefore always required to determine the most suitable treatment for each and every client.
When considering the phrase ‘wrinkle -relaxing injections’ or ‘treatment for fine lines and wrinkles’ this is often suggesting treatment with Botulinum Toxin A. Brand names are often used synonymously with this and include BOTOX®, Azzulure®, Bocoture®, Dysport®, and Alluzience®.
There are many ways to provide targeted treatment including but not limited to Botulinum Toxin A and that is why a detailed aesthetic consultation is required prior to any treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does wrinkle treatment with Botulinum Toxin (e.g. BOTOX®) work?
Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium. When injected, it blocks the electrical impulses that cause the muscle to contact. When injected into facial muscles, temporarily blocking the signal will cause the muscle to relax. With this muscle relaxation comes a reduction in repeated movements, thus minimising wrinkles and in some cases helping to prevent the formation of new ones.
What is Botulinum Toxin used to treat?
Botulinum toxin is most commonly used to treat forehead lines (those caused when you raise your eyebrows), frown lines and eye wrinkles - more commonly known as ‘crow’s feet’ or ‘smile lines’.
It may also be used to improve underarm sweating and to improve the appearance of neck bands.
There are lots of ways Botulinum Toxin can be used and this is why a consultation will always be required to confirm if it is the best choice for you.
What happens during a Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX®) appointment?
At Dr Rebecca Griffiths -Medical Aesthetics, the aesthetic consultation is so comprehensive, that the actual treatment session can often be completed in a relatively short amount of time with minimal downtime. Prior to treatment the skin is cleaned with a medical grade product then temporarily marked up with a wipeable aesthetic pencil.
Pre - treatment photographs will be taken for your personal medical record. A very fine needle is used and most clients report minimal, if any discomfort. Pre-treatment with a skin-numbing cream is available if required for notably anxious clients.
How many wrinkle treatment sessions will I need?
All patients are offered two sessions as part of a single treatment. This is especially useful for patients new to the world of botulinum toxin treatments and allows a ‘low and slow’ approach. It may be unnecessary to ‘top-up’ the initial treatment at the review appointment scheduled for 14 days after the first, but if necessary, free adjustments can be made. Often, returning clients find that only a single session is required to get the desired aesthetic outcome.
How long do wrinkle treatment results last?
Results take up to 21 days to fully show and will gradually wear off between 6-12 weeks. Most clients report normal movement has returned at 12 weeks+. There are reported cumulative benefits in maintaining a treatment schedule of 3-6 monthly appointments.
Who can have wrinkle treatment?
Botulinum Toxin treatment is safe and suitable for most people. It is however, a prescription only medication and therefore important that your medical history is reviewed prior to use. It is not safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.