BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTION

Facial lines are caused by the repeated use of the facial muscles in a particular
manner. Facial lines form wherever we frown, squint or smile. Some people have a
distinctive facial habit – raising eyebrows, using one side of the face more than the
other and they will in time see a set of facial lines appear which reflect this individual
habit.

Botulinum toxin injections is a preventative treatment to help reduce the

appearance of wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes.
When you smile or frown, this is a result of a nerve signal from your brain to your
muscles causing them to move. Botulinum toxin is a purified protein that blocks this
signal from brain to the nerve endings. Injections are given to temporarily put the
muscles to sleep for a period of three to six months, although the results can last
longer with repeated treatments. This freezing of the muscle is always temporary
and can never be permanent so Botulinum toxin is sometimes called “The
Hibernation Treatment” as the muscle “hibernates” for a few months. The aim is to
break the habit of frowning and educate the patient in his or her facial movement so
that one “forgets” how to frown. Usually patients have several of these injections
over a year or two until the frowning habit is broken.

The positive benefits of botulinum toxin injections are that while the muscle is
temporarily immobilized, the frown line is not being created or reinforced. Most
patients notice that their existing frown lines do soften because the forehead is
completely relaxed. Some people have a markedly lopsided face due to an
overactive muscle on one side. This treatment can be used to weaken an
overactive muscle thereby balancing the face.

The botox injection takes approximately 15 minutes. The surgeon will clean your skin
and then small amounts of botulinum toxin will be injected into the area to be
treated. He will ask you to frown, this is so he can see the exact pattern of the
forehead and frown movements in the individual patient. The injections are slightly
uncomfortable. Afterwards you may have some tiny red marks where the needle
was inserted, these may last up to 24 hours. The effect of the botox gradually
takes effect over a week to ten days. After two weeks the muscle will completely
“sleep”.

Cornerstone Polyclinic LLC

4th Floor, Grosvenor House Tower 1, Al Emreef Street, Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates
Mobile No. 050-494 6377 / www.cornerstoneclinics.ae
 BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTION

Very occasionally you may require more than the usual injection amount; if the
muscle does not go to sleep you may have to have a top up injection. Also patients
who have well-exercised and developed frown muscles (more common in men) may
need a second injection. It is better to inject a conservative amount of the
substance and add more if required.

It must be emphasized that the injection is intended to make it difficult to frown, we

all frown subconsciously, this treatment prevents inadvertent frowning.

The substance that is injected is Botulinum toxin. The substance cannot cause any
permanent damage or travel inside the body because it attaches itself to the
muscle and cannot migrate from there. The injection technique that is used ensures
that the substance cannot pass into the bloodstream.

Although Botulinum toxin has been used cosmetically since 1987 it is at present not
licensed for cosmetic use in the UK and is administered at the surgeons discretion.

There is a very small risk of eyelid or eyebrow droop, slight puffiness and occasional
bruising following the injections. In the unlikely event that this occurs, it is always
temporary, and may be treated with eye drops for a short period of time.

In some older patients because of the poor tone of their muscle they may feel
heaviness over the eyebrows. This lasts 2-3 weeks. Usually in older patients a
lower dose is injected to prevent this happening.

After treatment, please avoid micro dermabrasion, electrolysis, laser treatment and
any electrical beauty procedures for up to one week after the injections. In the first
four hours after your procedure do not shampoo your hair, have a scalp massage or
any facial treatment and avoid wearing anything tight around your head. When
cleansing the face do not apply pressure and avoid leaning forward or lying on the
treated area. Please do not take vitamin E or alcohol and avoid strenuous exercise
and yoga.

Cornerstone Polyclinic LLC

4th Floor, Grosvenor House Tower 1, Al Emreef Street, Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates
Mobile No. 050-494 6377 / www.cornerstoneclinics.ae