Botox^®

Botox^® is a highly diluted and purified form of the nerve toxin which causes botulism, a serious paralytic illness. It has been used medically for many years to treat squints and the muscle spasms of spastic children. The cosmetic use of Botox^® was discovered by coincidence and extensive research has been carried out for its safety and effectiveness. Injected in tiny quantities into specific muscles, Botox^® works by temporarily blocking impulses from the nerve which makes the muscle contract.

Lines and wrinkles develop where muscles contract frequently, so paralyzing these muscles makes the area look smoother and less wrinkled. Botox^® is usually used on the upper half of the face, treating frown lines, forehead, crow's feet and bunny lines on the nose. An added bonus is that many patients experience a significant improvement of migraine and tension headaches. Botox^® does not move from the treated muscle and affect other areas of the face, so you can still smile and frown but in so doing won't cause wrinkles. In the lower face, Botox^® can be used to improve marionette lines, gummy smiles, nasal tip droop and popply chin. Platysmal bands in the neck (turkey neck) also respond to treatment with Botox.

Treatments are available to men and women with the procedure taking 15 - 20 mins. Discomfort is minimal, leaving you able to return to your daily routine immediately. Slight bruising may occur afterwards. Results will be seen 24 - 72 hours after treatment and are maximal after 1-2 weeks. Effects generally last for 4 - 6 months. With repeated treatments, you may find that lines and wrinkles in those areas become less deep, and you can leave longer intervals between treatments. As exciting as the results of Botox^® are, it does have its limitations. It is important that you book a consultation with us to access what you can realistically expect from this treatment.

The secret to successful Botox^® treatments is to start young. Don't wait till the damage is already done.

Dermal Fillers

Ageing is inevitable. As we age we lose volume due to the breakdown of the facial support structure, collagen and elastin. The shape of our face changes, cheeks become hollow, lips thinner and naso-genian folds (creases from nose to lips) give one a tired, worn look. Smoothing out the folds and wrinkles or enhancing your lips with filler injections can make an enormous difference to one's appearance.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are made of crystal clear gel which resembles that which occurs naturally in the body. This gel holds water, hydrating and giving volume, leaving your face with a natural expression. The filler is non-permanent and is absorbed naturally over time. The lasting effects depend on the type of filler used and the structure of your skin. Other factors such as lifestyle (smoking and exposure to sun can shorten the effect); age and the degree of perfection demanded will also influence the life of the filler. The average durability of fillers is 9 - 18 months.

Collagen fillers have one additional advantage in that they encourage the integration of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells which produce new collagen within the implant thus there is always some degree of permanent benefit after the implant is absorbed.

During consultation with the doctor your expectations of the cosmetic effect will be discussed and the correct product identified e.g. fillers containing Hyaluronic acid or Collagen, fillers with a small particle used for fine lines or larger particles for deeper wrinkles, folds and lips.

Fillers are injected under the skin and can be mildly uncomfortable. A nerve block, similar to a dental injection is used when working close to the nose and lips because of sensitivity. Some injection-related reactions can occur, such as bruising, redness, swelling and tenderness at the injection site but clear after a day or two. A return to daily routine after treatment is normal.