Botulinum treatment (or Botox as it’s better known) offers ways of reducing deep facial wrinkles without the need for surgery. This anti-aging treatment is simple, effective and low-risk, resulting in growing popularity in the cosmetics industry.
The history of Botox
Botulinum Toxin was first studied clinically in 1820 by a German medical officer named Justinus Kerner. After testing his hypothesis by conducting experiments on animals and himself, he concluded it caused paralysis in muscles, but with no loss of sensation, and so could be used to treat certain medical conditions.
It took around another century before the toxin was used by the medical profession to treat muscle spasms and involuntary movements, and in 1987 Dr Richard Clark, a plastic surgeon from California, was the first to use it cosmetically.
There are seven types of Botulinum Toxin, Types A- G, and it is Type A which is used in the cosmetics industry. Botulinum Toxin is derived from bacteria in much the same way penicillin is derived from mould. It is manufactured in sterile laboratory conditions. The two brands available in New Zealand are Botox and Dysport, both of which we use here at the Vein and Skin Clinic.
It took around another century before the toxin was used by the medical profession to treat muscle spasms and involuntary movements, and in 1987 Dr Richard Clark, a plastic surgeon from California, was the first to use it cosmetically.
There are seven types of Botulinum Toxin, Types A- G, and it is Type A which is used in the cosmetics industry. Botulinum Toxin is derived from bacteria in much the same way penicillin is derived from mould. It is manufactured in sterile laboratory conditions. The two brands available in New Zealand are Botox and Dysport, both of which we use here at the Vein and Skin Clinic.
How does Botox work?
Many facial wrinkles occur when we use our muscles to form facial expressions. The wrinkles formed during these expressions are called dynamic wrinkles. For example, when we smile our eye wrinkles become prominent, and when we frown the vertical lines between our eyebrows become noticeable.
When we are young our skin springs back to its initial position after facial expression, but as we age, our skin loses its volume as our collagen and elastin stores naturally deplete. With that, we notice fine lines, wrinkles and sagging of our skin.
Botox works by preventing the injected muscles from receiving nerve signals that tell them to tense. With prolonged use, this weakens the muscles, reducing wrinkles and in time, the lines caused by frowning may even diminish.
Botox can keep the treated muscles immobile for several months, helping people lose the habit of frowning or squinting. Loosing this habit prevents lines returning too quickly once the toxin has worn off.
When we are young our skin springs back to its initial position after facial expression, but as we age, our skin loses its volume as our collagen and elastin stores naturally deplete. With that, we notice fine lines, wrinkles and sagging of our skin.
Botox works by preventing the injected muscles from receiving nerve signals that tell them to tense. With prolonged use, this weakens the muscles, reducing wrinkles and in time, the lines caused by frowning may even diminish.
Botox can keep the treated muscles immobile for several months, helping people lose the habit of frowning or squinting. Loosing this habit prevents lines returning too quickly once the toxin has worn off.
What does Botox treatment involve?
When properly used, Botox treatment has minimal risk. It is injected into specific muscles responsible for causing wrinkles. Only tiny amounts are used, and spread of the toxin from the site of injection is very limited.
Only our experienced Doctors and cosmetic nurses will perform Botox injections. The procedure will usually takes less than half an hour, including consultation and injection. No anaesthetic is required and apart from the risk of a little bruise, you can return to work immediately.
The effect of Botox lasts for different lengths of time in different people, but most patients will require a repeat treatment every 3 - 5 months. Some people find the treatment lasts longer each time.
Only our experienced Doctors and cosmetic nurses will perform Botox injections. The procedure will usually takes less than half an hour, including consultation and injection. No anaesthetic is required and apart from the risk of a little bruise, you can return to work immediately.
The effect of Botox lasts for different lengths of time in different people, but most patients will require a repeat treatment every 3 - 5 months. Some people find the treatment lasts longer each time.
What Botox can be used to treat
There are many cosmetic uses of Botox which has been used in New Zealand for over 25 years. These include:
Botox can be combined with other treatments, such as dermal fillers and laser treatments for the best results. Dermal fillers add volume to skin and counteract the effects of aging by smoothing deep lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments effectively targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin for a smoother, fresher, younger looking appearance.
Apart from cosmetic treatments of Botox, the Vein and Skin Clinic also use it to treat medical conditions, such as excessive sweating, headaches from muscle tension and teeth grinding.
- Vertical lines between the eyes (glabellar) (Frown Lines)
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crows feet (corner of eyes)
- Droopy eyebrows
- Muscle bands on the neck (‘turkey neck’)
- Smoker’s lines (around mouth)
- Lines on the sides of the nose (‘bunny lines’)
- Down-turned corners of the mouth
- Deep lines beside the nose
- Low eyebrows
Botox can be combined with other treatments, such as dermal fillers and laser treatments for the best results. Dermal fillers add volume to skin and counteract the effects of aging by smoothing deep lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments effectively targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin for a smoother, fresher, younger looking appearance.
Apart from cosmetic treatments of Botox, the Vein and Skin Clinic also use it to treat medical conditions, such as excessive sweating, headaches from muscle tension and teeth grinding.
Talk to us about Botox Injections
If you have any questions about Botox injections or any type of anti-aging treatment, then contact us today. When you consult us, you can be sure you are receiving the best, medically appropriate care.
All our procedures and treatments are performed by highly-trained and experienced Doctors and nurses, who will be happy to address any concerns you may have.
Book a free consultation with Dr Henryk Poczwa today and let’s discuss with you the best plan going forward.
Look and feel younger again with a simple, low-risk, 30 minute procedure.
All our procedures and treatments are performed by highly-trained and experienced Doctors and nurses, who will be happy to address any concerns you may have.
Book a free consultation with Dr Henryk Poczwa today and let’s discuss with you the best plan going forward.
Look and feel younger again with a simple, low-risk, 30 minute procedure.
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