Boston Clinic (UK) Ltd.

MUSCLE RELAXING INJECTIONS

As a convenient alternative to surgery, it is possible to use injections of Botulinum Toxin to reduce and relax frown lines, forehead lines and laughter lines around the eyes. The benefits of Muscle Relaxing Injections are visible within 5-12 days after the treatment and will last for 3-4 months, giving the face a smoother, more rested appearance.

HOW DO THE MUSCLE RELAXING INJECTIONS WORK?

A few drops of Botulinum Toxin are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates the wrinkle. Muscle Relaxing Injections can be combined with other treatments such as Dermal fillers or Mesolift to treat the overall facial rejuvenation. Botulinum Toxin is also successfully used to treat underarms sweating. This blocks the nerve impulses from stimulating the muscle and as a result, the muscle relaxes. As the muscle stops contracting, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the skin soften. After the treatment, the wrinkles relax along with the muscles while the surrounding untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion. This allows normal facial expressions to remain unaffected. The pain factor is minimal; you will feel a pinprick at the injection followed by a mild burning sensation that wears off in minutes. Usually the treatment takes about 15 minutes to perform.

IS BOTULINUM TOXIN SAFE?

The Botulinum Toxin in the Muscle Relaxing Injections is sterile, safe and has been used for over ten years to treat serious medical conditions. Since Botulinum Toxin is not permanent, possible side effects are temporary and localize to the area injected.

HOW WILL I LOOK AFTER THE INJECTIONS?

You may have a few tiny pink marks where the injections were made but these will disappear within two days. Most people are able to immediately return to a normal life after the treatment. Make-up can be applied immediately after the treatment.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS?

Flu like symptoms. These are mild and transient. Tenderness or bruising at the site of injection, and headaches again mild and transient. Allergy is a theoretical risk but is virtually unknown. Antibodies may be produced. Should this happen, the toxin becomes ineffective, but there are no other effects. The antibodies usually disappear with time and treatment may be successfully recommenced after an interval recommended by your practitioner. Other very low incidence of complications of Botulinum Toxin Injections includes droopy eye (ptosis), dry eye and photosensitivity. One of the more common adverse effects, ptosis, is due to diffusion of toxin from the upper eyelid injection sites to the levator muscle.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Pregnancy and lactation. Infection in the vicinity of the injection site. Current therapy with a certain class of uncommonly used antibiotics, known as the amino glycosides. Blood clotting disorders or current therapy with drugs inhibiting blood clotting, e.g. Warfarin. Diseases affecting the muscles, particularly Myaesthenia gravis. Allergy to tetanus toxoid is a potential, but not absolute contraindication. This will be detailed at your consultation.

PRIOR TO TREATMENT

Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before the treatment. Do not take aspirin 24 hours before the treatment. Tell your practitioner of any history of bronchitis, pneumonia and problems with breathing.

AFTER TREATMENT

Please refrain from touching the treated area for 3-4 hours. Remain upright for 3-4 hours. Do not have facial massage or electrical stimulation to the face for
24 hours after the treatment. Do not overstretch,bend or kneel excessively for
2 days following treatment. No shoe shopping following the treatment. Do not fly for up to 72 hours after the treatment. Recommended to avoid alcohol for
12 hours. Muscle weakening does not begin until at least 1-2 days after treatment, but sometimes takes as much as 12 days. After treatment, the effect of Botulinum Toxin usually persists for about 3-4 months before muscle activity is gradually resolved. It is recommended that you come back for more treatments at the first sign of muscle re-activation.