How do wrinkle relaxing injections work?

Wrinkles; a ubiquitous symptom of the ageing process, some avoid them for a time, but everyone gets them eventually. There are many factors that can increase the presence or likelihood of wrinkles; from prolonged exposure to UV rays, to constant prolonged muscle movement; such as frowning.

Many people make the choice to take a stand against the ageing process, leaving them looking less tired and more vital, restoring their confidence as well as aesthetic youth. Many cosmetic treatments are available that aim to reduce the presence of wrinkles, one of the more popular varieties utilised at botonics are wrinkle relaxing injections.

Indeed, Wrinkle relaxing injections are quickly becoming one of the most widely used elective, nonsurgical, medical treatments in the UK, with many people choosing to slow down the effects of ageing, and regain their confidence and self-esteem. Despite their popularity, and widespread use, people are often unsure of exactly what these treatments are; what they consist of and how they are used.

What are wrinkle relaxing injections?

The most common variety of wrinkle relaxing injection on the market, and the type used by us at botonics, is Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox*. Don’t be put off by the intimidating nature of the name; while Botox* is toxic, when used in the correct dosage, and applied by a correctly trained professional, Botox* is an extremely effective anti-ageing product. When applied to a specific area, Botox* relieves local wrinkles, leaving skin smoother and younger looking.

What does Botox* specifically do?

As a toxin, Botox* is a biological substance that interferes with the operation of a living organism. Botox* is useful in the cosmetic and healthcare industries because of the specific way it interacts with organisms; and in this specific case, human muscle tissue.

Human bodies rely on a neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine to activate muscle movement; when Acetylcholine bonds with muscle tissue, it begins a chemical process that results in the muscle contracting.

When a patient is injected with Botox*, the Botox* acts to prevent Acetylcholine from reaching muscles in the local area. This in turn prevents the muscle from contracting, relaxing the area around the injection. The newly relaxed area will remain smooth and less wrinkly for the duration of the Botox’s* effect; which is when the quantity of backed up Acetylcholine gets so high that it can circumvent the barrier put in place by the Botox*. This reversal doesn’t have to be permanent; another Botox* injection can quickly restore smoothness. In rare cases patients have been known to develop an immune resistance to Botox*, but generally repeat injections are an excellent way to actively combat the ageing process.

How does the procedure work?

The procedure is extremely simple; your botonics specialist will administer a series of small Botox* injections into the muscles that are causing or contributing to your wrinkles. You can get on with your day as soon as the treatment is finished, and sensitivity will generally only last for the first hour following the injections. The Botox* will have taken full effect after two weeks, though the effects will normally wear off after around four months.

* Botox is a Prescription Only Medicine and is one treatment option that may or may not be prescribed to you following a thorough, face to face medical consultation with a prescriber. Prices for Botox treatment are indicative and include both the issuing of a prescription and administration of the medicine.