What is the muscle relant used?
Many of us have heard of it under various brand names such as Botox, Vistabel, Dysport. It is a natural protein called Botulinum Toxin A produced by bacteria and when given in tiny doses can smooth and soften wrinkles caused by hyperactive muscles.
It is the only therapeutic agent that improves dynamic facial lines by targeting underlying responsible muscles.
How Does It Work?
A small injection is placed at certain areas of the forehead/ around the eyes and it blocks impulses that trigger hyperactive muscle contractions. Basically it is a muscle relaxant.
How Long Does It Last For?
It can last between 3 - 6 months but with repeated treatments it will last longer.
What are the Side Effects?
Side effects are mild and transient. They usually occur within the first few days following injection.
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Burning/ stinging
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Bruising at injection site
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Swelling
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Redness
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Headaches
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Face pain
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Temporary drooping of eyelid has occurred in some patients but only lasts short term, approx. 2 weeks
Is it Safe to Use?
Yes, it is used in 75 countries worldwide for the past 15 years. Originally it was made for medical conditions such as Dystonia which helps relax the muscles and give a better quality of life to people who suffer with it. Scientists then discovered that it actually smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles.
What is the History of this type of muscle relaxant?
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Botulinum toxin type A proved itself to be useful in treating certain types of neuron-muscular spasms and tics, and was later used to treat other disorders due to muscular hyperactivity such as cervical dystonia.
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In 1989 Botox became the first FDA (US Food and Drugs Administration) approved commercial preparation of botulinum toxin.
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Botox is currently used in 75 countries worldwide.
2001 Botox approved for cosmetic use in Canada
2002 Botox approved for cosmetic use in USA
2002 Vistabel approved in Switzerland
2003 Vistabel approved in France
What Has This Type of Wrinkle Filler such a Popular Treatment?
Simply that clients have been delighted by the effect the injections have on their wrinkles. Genactis Research 2004 France found that More than 90% of patients would recommend the treatment to a friend concerned about wrinkles.
You may also be interested to know how confident practitioners are in the results that Botox injections achieve. US Market Research 2005 asked physician:
"Compared to other facial cosmetic treatments and procedures you administer in your office, please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding BOTOX Cosmetic? Tell me if you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? "
The results are shown in the table below:
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AGREE
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DISAGREE
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Provides most consistent results for clients
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99%
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1%
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Provides me most confidence when administering
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96%
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4%
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Most positive impact on building practice
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70%
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30%
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Provides clients with best overall value
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69%
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31%
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Do many people worry about their wrinkles?
Another piece of research has shown that just under 50% of the clients considered that wrinkles had a considerable impact on their life:
Source: Genactis Research 2004 France
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Patients level of agreement with the following statements
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Score *
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Wrinkles are a constant reminder of growing old
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4.0
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Having wrinkles depresses me
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3.5
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Having wrinkles reduces my self esteem
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3.5
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Having wrinkles impacts on my personal relationships
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3.4
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Having wrinkles impacts on my social life
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3.3
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Having wrinkles impacts on my career / work opportunities and success
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3.0
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Having wrinkles is just part of growing older and nothing to be too worried about
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2.5
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*Mean score on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree)
Also some permanent wrinkles such as frown lines are thought to convey negative emotions such as anger, depression, fatigue, bitterness, disappointment and envy.
Are there any reasons why I might not be able to have muscle relaxant treatments?
There are a few contra-indications meaning we won't be able to treat you if you:
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Are pregnant or breast feeding
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Have neuromuscular transmission disorders.(Myasthenia Gravis)
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Are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics
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Have bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy
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Have any known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in BOTOX
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Have any local infection at injection site (e.g. active acne)
How do I know that it is for me?
Physicians use a scale called the Glogau wrinkle scale that is a useful guide for deciding whether muscle relaxant wrinkle filler is appropriate for you.
Type 1 - No Wrinkles.
We recommend that topical treatments are normally enough (try our excellent Skin Therapy range) but occasionally Vistabel may be appropriate to prevent the formation of wrinkles
Aim: Wrinkle prevention and conservation of existing Collagen structures
Treat with:
Type 2 - Wrinkles in motion i.e. when you frown, laugh etc.
We recommend Vistabel plus topicals.
Aim: Wrinkle prevention, conservation and repair of existing Collagen structures
Treat with:
Type 3 - Wrinkles at rest, i.e. your normal expression
We recommend Vistabel plus fillers
Aim: Some conservation, but mainly repair of existing Collagen structures
Treat with:
Note that Vistabel and fillers have a synergistic action and complement each other.
Type 4 - All Wrinkles
Aim :Extensive repair of existing Collagen structures
Are all practitioners the same and what are the risks?
It is worth pointing out that making the injections is both an art and a science.
For example when treating forehead lines the approach should be conservative to preserve some natural movement. No-one wants the sort of frozen features that typified poorly administered injections in the early days. It is essential that your practitioner is skilled and experienced in achieving the discreet, natural and attractive result you want.
The risks are very small. The dosages used in cosmetic treatments are typically just 10% of the dosage that may be used medically for Dystonia. The treatment has a long medical history and there is a wide margin of safety. No relevant systemic effects have been observed.
The most common side effect you need to be aware of is a small amount of bruising, as with any type of injection. Other potential side effects are drooping of an eyebrow, a transient headache, nausea and diplopia.
Is there any down time?
For all treatment areas you will be advised to exercise the area as much as possible for an hour following treatment, e.g. keep frowning for an hour if youve just had your frown lines treated! Otherwise you can carry on with your day.
You should remain upright for 3-4 hours and avoid chemical peels, sun beds or laser treatment for 7 days.
The full effect of the treatment may not be evident for 3 days and may take as long as 10 days.
How long will the effect last?
This depends to a large degree on you, your lifestyle and your aims. Typically we would recommend treatments at 3-4 month intervals but these can become less frequent after repeated treatments.
Long-term treatment can prevent the development of imprinted facial lines that are visible at rest.
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