Lines & Wrinkles
Botulinum Toxin
Botox is an effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Botox is made from a purified protein that relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles, leaving you with smoother, younger-looking skin.
Our doctors at Fitzrovia Clinic can perform this quick and minimally invasive procedure on various areas, making it a popular choice for those who want to enhance their appearance without undergoing more invasive treatments.
Some common areas treated with Botox include:
- Eye Area: the fine lines that appear around the outer corners of the eyes when you smile or squint, sometimes known as ‘crow’s feet’.
- Forehead lines: the horizontal lines that appear on the forehead when you raise your eyebrows.
- Frown lines: the vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows when you frown.
- ‘Bunny lines’: the fine lines that appear on either side of the nose when you smile or scrunch up your face.
- Lip lines: the fine lines that appear around the mouth, particularly when you purse your lips.
- Chin dimpling: this can be a common cosmetic concern for many people, caused by an overactive mentalis muscle, which is found in the chin area.
Fitzrovia Clinic offers natural-looking results with a personalised approach to Botox treatments. Our specialised ‘Baby Botox’ uses smaller doses for a subtle, rejuvenated result and our doctors assess each patient’s individual needs to curate a personal approach.
Treatment snapshot
30 mins
appointment
1/5
discomfort
Minimal
downtime
Lasts
3-5 months
FAQs
Botox is a temporary treatment that typically lasts for 3-5 months. The effects wear off over time, and the muscles gradually regain their movement. The duration of the treatment may vary depending on factors such as the amount of Botox used, the location of the injection, and the individual’s metabolism. We recommend follow-up treatments after 3 months to maintain optimum results.
Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles. When injected, it blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles, which prevents the muscles from contracting. As a result, the skin overlying the muscles appears smoother and the wrinkles are reduced.
When the effects of Botox wear off, the wrinkles will gradually return to their pre-treatment state. However, it is not the case that wrinkles will appear worse than they did before Botox injections. In fact, some people may notice that the wrinkles appear slightly better than they did before the treatment. This is because the muscles in the treated area have been relaxed for a period of time and, as a result, the skin has had a chance to rest and recover from the constant movement that causes wrinkles to form.
Botox can be effective in preventing wrinkles from deepening or becoming more pronounced by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause them to form. However, it is important to note that Botox does not stop the ageing process or prevent wrinkles from forming altogether. It can only address existing wrinkles and lines and prevent them from worsening over time. Other preventive measures, such as protecting the skin from the sun and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, are also important factors.
Botox injections for wrinkles have been deemed safe by medical professionals, provided they are performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. The most common side effects of Botox injections include redness, bruising, and swelling at the injection site, but these typically resolve within a few days.
There are a number of different brands of botulinum toxin licensed in the UK, each of which have unique properties. Botox® is one of those brands available at Fitzrovia Clinic, however we also stock Azzalure® and Bocoture®. The choice of which one is best depends on various factors, including the individual patient’s needs. Our team will help determine the most suitable option for you during a consultation.
In a minority of cases Botox may not be effective. There can be many reasons for this, including:
- Resistance: In rare cases, some people may develop a resistance to Botox, which means that the treatment may not work as effectively as it did in the past. In these cases your practitioner may advise trying an alternative Botox product.
- Insufficient dose: If the dose of Botox is too low, it may not be enough to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles.
- Expectations: Sometimes, patients may have unrealistic expectations about what Botox can achieve. It is important to have a realistic understanding of what Botox can and cannot do.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications may affect the effectiveness of Botox. It is important to inform your doctor about any medical conditions or medications that you are taking before undergoing Botox treatment.
Botox is a popular treatment for dynamic lines and wrinkles, but there are also other treatment options that can improve their appearance. Some of these options include:
- Collagen supplements: These can be taken orally or applied topically to promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
- Skin boosters: Injecting hyaluronic acid into the skin to improve hydration and texture.
- Microneedling: Tiny needles to create small punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.
- Chemical peels: A chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove damaged outer layers and promote new skin growth.
- Radiofrequency microneedling: This uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
- CO2 laser: A skin resurfacing treatment that uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove damaged skin and stimulate collagen production.
- Laser genesis: A non-invasive laser treatment that targets the deeper layers of the skin to promote collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Limelight IPL (intense pulsed light): A non-invasive treatment that uses intense pulses of light to improve skin texture, reduce redness, and target pigmentation.
It’s important to consult with our medical practitioners to determine which treatment is best suited for your individual needs and goals. At Fitzrovia Clinic we’d be delighted to build you a personalised treatment plan.