A Botulinum neurotoxin A injection (BoNT) freezes the muscles and stops them from contracting. These injections relax muscles in the facial area and stops them from giving rise to wrinkles. BoNT injections have a long safety record. However both its beneficial and side effects are temporary.

Prominent glabellar frown lines
After botulinum toxin injections

Before this treatment was adopted for cosmetic procedures it was used for many years to treat medical conditions such as excessive sweating, tics and spasms in many parts of the body and squints in the eyes.

Before this treatment was adopted for cosmetic procedures it was used for many years to treat medical conditions such as excessive sweating, tics and spasms in many parts of the body and squints in the eyes.

It is routinely used for medical conditions like Blepharospasm (involuntary blinking and closure of the eyes, Hemifacial spasm (repetitive twitching of the muscles on one side of the face) Aberrant facial nerve regeneration and gustatory lacrimation (crocodile tears) and Corneal exposure (therapeutic ptosis)

Effects are usually seen between three and five days after the injection and last for approximately three to six months.

Miss Lee regularly carries out BoNT injections privately and in the NHS and has instructed many practitioners in this technique over the years.

 

Possible side effects

Minimal bruising may occur and rarely skin irritation may occur

If the BoNT spreads this may lead to the weakness of the surrounding muscles causing drooping or sagging of the eyelids. Occasionally when Botox is injected deep around the eyelids it can spread to the muscles that move the eyes leading to temporary double vision.

All the side effects improve rapidly over a few weeks as the effects of the Botox fade. Mostly the good effects last much longer than any side effects from this treatment.

 

Note: All treatment  is preceded by a consultation and examination to establish the correct diagnosis.