More and more people are turning to Cosmetic Doctors for rejuvenation techniques, to help their face reflect the way they feel inside.

One such rejuvenation technique is BOTOX® therapy. It can be used to relax the specific facial muscles that cause glabellar frown lines to form.

The following information details how BOTOX® therapy works and what is involved in the treatment.

What is BOTOX® therapy?

It is a natural, purified protein that relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles, creating an improved appearance. The active ingredient in BOTOX® treatment is botulinum toxin type A derived from bacteria in much the same way penicillin is derived from mould. It is manufactured in sterile laboratory conditions.

BOTOX® treatment is a prescription-only medicine. It is registered for the treatment of glabellar frown lines, which are the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows when you frown.

How does BOTOX® therapy work?

Many facial wrinkles occur when we use our muscles to make repeated facial expressions. BOTOX® treatments can be used to relax specific facial muscles that cause expression lines. Once the muscles are relaxed, you cannot contract them and continue to make undesirable facial expressions. Thus the lines gradually smooth and new lines are prevented from forming.

What does treatment with BOTOX® involve?

It is a non-surgical treatment whereby a small amount of BOTOX® is injected into selected facial muscles by our doctor using a very fine needle. Several tiny injections approx 5-10 per area are performed. Generally, BOTOX® treatment for glabellar frown lines takes around 10 minutes. Discomfort is typically minimal and brief, and no anaesthetic is usually required. The injection may sting for a few seconds but normal activities can be resumed soon after. After the injection, it takes 2-3 days for BOTOX® treatment to begin taking effect and about 7 days to see the full effect.

The dose recommended for the treatment of frown lines will vary depending on your individual situation and the severity of your frown lines. The doctor will know what the best dose is for you and which muscles to inject to give you the best results.

How long does BOTOX® therapy last?

The effect can last up to 4 months before lines slowly begin to return. If you have repeat BOTOX® treatments, the effect tends to last longer.

Does BOTOX® treatment cause more wrinkles to form?

BOTOX® treatment will relax the facial muscles that cause expression lines. It does not cause more wrinkles to form. If you choose not to have further BOTOX® treatments your muscles will gradually revert to their pre-treatment levels.

Will facial expression be affected by BOTOX® therapy?

BOTOX® therapy works specifically on the muscles treated. This means that any muscle left untreated, including untreated facial muscles, should not be affected by BOTOX® treatment. The doctor will determine the best dose for you and which muscles to inject to give you the best results.

Are there any side effects?

Possibly, but they are usually temporary such as bruising, redness, burning or lack of feeling.

What is the cost?

The cost depends on how much BOTOX® is used.

The 3 areas most commonly treated are:

• Glabella or frown lines
• The crows feet or smile lines
• The forehead lines

On average men pay $100 more for each area because their muscles are stronger.

The Doctor who will perform this is Dr M. Zacharia a cosmetic surgeon. See "Cosmetic Procedures"

Call 02 4254-2670 for any enquiries or appointments.