Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin Treatment
Botulinum Toxin injections are a medically administered aesthetic procedure that uses a purified neurotoxin to temporarily relax targeted muscles. This treatment is widely recognised for its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of dynamic facial lines and wrinkles and for improving facial balance and contour.
What Is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum toxin refers to a class of protein-based neurotoxins derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. When administered in medically controlled doses, these neurotoxins temporarily inhibit the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, reducing muscle contractions in chosen areas. By limiting muscle activity, the overlying skin relaxes, reducing the visibility of dynamic wrinkles, lines that form from repetitive facial expressions.
This mechanism does not address static wrinkles (lines present at rest). In such cases, combination treatments, such as dermal fillers, may be recommended for optimal outcome.
How Botulinum Toxin Works
Muscle Targeting: Small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected directly into specified muscles responsible for dynamic movement.
Neurotransmission Block: The toxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle contraction.
Result: With reduced muscle activity, wrinkles soften, and the skin surface becomes smooth. Effects typically develop within 3–7 days, with full results visible around 2 weeks.
The effects are temporary because nerve endings gradually regenerate their ability to signal muscles, usually over a period of 3–6 months, depending on individual physiology and dosage.
Common Cosmetic Indications
Botulinum toxin is most widely used in aesthetic medicine to address dynamic lines and to refine facial contours. Typical treated areas include:
Forehead lines
Frown lines (glabellar lines)
Crow’s feet (around the eyes)
Bunny lines (nose creases)
Lip lines and smile lines
Chin dimpling or cobblestone texture
Brow lift for a refreshed appearance
Jawline contouring (masseter reduction)
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the underarms or palms
Benefits of Botulinum Toxin
Non-surgical and minimally invasive: Treatments are typically quick and require no general anaesthesia.
Visible improvement in facial lines: Dynamic wrinkles reduce without significantly affecting natural expression when properly dosed by an experienced injector.
Facial contour refinement: Strategic injections (e.g., masseter muscles) can soften a square jawline and enhance facial balance.
Little to no downtime: Most patients resume regular activities immediately after treatment.
Complementary: Botulinum toxin pairs well with dermal fillers and other aesthetic procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
What to Expect During Treatment
A detailed consultation will assess your facial anatomy, muscle activity, and aesthetic goals.
A topical anaesthetic may be applied to minimise discomfort.
Micro-injections are administered with fine needles into selected muscles.
The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Aftercare and Recovery
Mild redness, swelling, or bruising around injection sites is common and usually resolves within a few hours to a day.
Avoid vigorous exercise, rubbing, or facial massage for the first 24–48 hours to prevent unintended spread of the toxin.
Results typically last 3–6 months, after which maintenance treatments can help sustain desired outcomes.