Botulinum Toxin Injections

This is a neurotoxin extracted from the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum and purified for medical use. It produces its effect by temporarily paralysing the muscles injected preventing them from contracting. As the action of the underlying muscles is the main cause of wrinkles, the treatment smoothes these out. Botulinum toxin is mainly used to treat frown lines, forehead creases, laughter lines, and neck jowls and recently been found to be very effective in the treatment of the excessive sweating of the armpits. The injection of Botulinum Toxin® is a fairly minor procedure with very few side effects. The commonest side effect is bruising. Other side effects may include drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid but these occur in less than 1%of cases. The effects of the injection initially last from 3-6 months with a longer duration of action after a course of 4 or 5 injections. Treatment of armpits is effective for 6-8 months. The areas most commonly treated by this method are: frown lines, forehead wrinkles, laughter lines, sneer lines, upper lip lines, lifting the eyebrows and to lift the corners of the mouth.

Treatment costs is one area £150.00, two areas £250.00, three areas £300.00 areas for the face. Treatment for the armpits costs £400 and lasts a whole summer. 'Top up' treatment at four weeks, if required, is free of charge. More information available from Botox.