HMT Sancta Maria Hospital, Swansea
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Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox ®)
Wrinkle
Relaxing Injections (Botox®)
What is Botox®?
People often refer to the wrinkle relaxing product Botulinum Toxin Type A as Botox®. Botox® is actually a trade name which has come into general use. It is a particular company’s brand of botulinum toxin type A – a purified protein derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum.
The company which produces Botox® also produce Vistabel®. Vistabel® is the only botulinum toxin type A which is registered for cosmetic use in the UK. There are other botulinum products which are registered for other therapeutic/medicinal uses, but not for cosmetic procedures. However, Botox®, which is produced by the same manufacturer is an identical product to Vistabel®.
What can Vistabel® be used for?
The
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have granted a
licence for using
Vistabel®
for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar
lines (vertical ‘frown’ lines between the brows) in adults aged 18 to 65
years.
Vistabel®
is also suitable for relaxing the horizontal lines of the forehead and crow’s
feet at the corners of the eyes.
Its use in these areas is ‘off-licence’. This means that treating these areas is
outside the terms of the licence.
However, this is accepted practice, and clinical trials have shown that botulinum toxin type A has a favourable safety profile across a broad spectrum of cosmetic therapeutic indications. Similarly, the use of Botox is also ‘off-licence’ for cosmetic procedures, but is considered acceptable and safe clinical practice.
How does the treatment work?
Some
lines and wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions. Products like
Botox®
and Vistabel®
temporarily interfere with the way our nerves carry impulses to the muscles,
allowing them to relax, thus reducing the severity of lines and
wrinkles.
Is it safe?
Any procedure can carry an element of risk. Your doctor or nurse will go through potential risks and side-effects with you in detail.Botox®
and Vistabel®
are extensively researched products with a good safety profile. The risks are
reduced by ensuring that the treatment is only carried out by an experienced,
well-trained practitioner, in a suitable, safe
environment.
Make
sure that the person treating you is a registered health professional, fully
trained in the procedure, and that the establishment is registered with the
Healthcare ommission.
Is it suitable for everyone?
The
treatment is suitable for adults aged 18 to 65 years old, who have ‘dynamic’
lines and wrinkles.
As
with any medical product, there may be instances when it is not suitable or safe
to have the treatment. This may be
due to a medical condition, or due to potential interaction with other tablets
or medicines.
It
is essential that your doctor or nurse reviews your medical history
carefully.
Should I choose dermal fillers instead?
The
choice of treatment depends on the nature and site of the lines/wrinkles, and on
the result you want to achieve.
Your doctor or nurse will discuss the options with you.
Generally,
lines around the forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet respond well to a muscle
relaxant, as they are caused by repeated muscle
contractions.
Some
lines are not a result of facial expressions, but are due to the general effects
of ageing, collagen loss and sun damage.
In this case, muscle relaxants would not improve the appearance, and
dermal fillers may be a suitable alternative. Your nurse or doctor can give you
more information on this and ensure that you receive treatment tailored to your
individual needs.
People
respond differently to treatments. The first treatment generally lasts 3-4
months, but there is no guaranteed minimum. eople who have had the procedure a
few times may find that they can go longer between
treatments.
There
should be a minimum of 3 months between treatments. Sometimes, with regular use
over a number of years, people may develop antibodies against the product, which
means there will be reduced or no effect on the facial
lines.
Your
doctor or nurse will be happy to answer any other questions you may have which
are not covered in this leaflet
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