WHAT IS BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A?
Botulinum Toxin type A refers to a muscle relaxant product that is a purified protein. When it is injected into specific facial muscles that cause expression lines, wrinkles are smoothed or reduced and new lines are prevented from forming.
As Botulinum Toxin type A is classed as a restricted use product, schedule 4 (S4) medication in Australia, we are governed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration Act that prohibits us from using product brand names.
Here at Cosmetic Image Clinics, we only use the most tested and trusted brand of Botulinum Toxin type A for all our line and wrinkle treatments.
THE PRODUCT WE USE HAS THE FOLLOWING CREDENTIALS:
The product we use has been administered cosmetically since 2002 for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65 – almost 2.5 million procedures in the USA were performed in 2008 alone.
Medically, 10-20 times the amount of botulinum toxin type A used for cosmetic purposes is used to combat cerebral palsy in children. It is also used to treat rye neck, crossed eyes and muscle spasms by ophthalmologists and neurologists.
In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed rated the improvement in the appearance of frown lines between their brows as moderate to better 1 month after treatment.
Results can last from 3-6 months and with subsequent treatments the results last longer. As we are all individuals, different people yield different results.
The product we use is also used to treat and reduce sweating. Here we have seen the results make a significant difference to patient’s day to day lives. A gummy smile can also be treated with Botulinum Toxin type A.
If you would like more information regarding the type of products we use, contact the clinic and our medical staff who will be happy to advise you of your options.
HOW DOES BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A WORK?
A purified protein, B-tox works by relaxing the muscles to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming while reducing the existing lines and wrinkles of concern.
B-tox is injected into the muscle to reduce the strength of the muscle in the face – smoothing out existing lines and wrinkles associated with facial expression.
The more treatments you receive of B-tox, the less treatments you are likely to require, for example, your first treatment may last up to 3 months, your second treatment up to 4-6 months. However it is important to remember that as we are all individuals, results do vary.
Botulinum Toxin type A is only available by prescription from a Doctor and is only to be administered by a trained medical practitioner. Recently, researchers revealed that use of the product may have anti-stress effects.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
B-tox treatment is charged by the area (20 units) or per unit, dependant on the individual and the look desired.
On average the pricing will range from $330 – $600. To receive an accurate quote, a free consultation with the doctor is required to clarify how much of the product will be needed according to the number of areas of the face being treated.
Men tend to have muscles that are much stronger than women, therefore men will often require more units of the product to smooth out their lines and wrinkles.
DOES IT HURT?
As a very fine needle is used, nearly all patients who have botulinum toxin injections do not require numbing cream applied to the area being treated. If you have any questions regarding injection discomfort your concerns can be discussed at consultation stage.
THE CONSULTATION – WHAT TO EXPECT.
Consultation is free and there is no obligation to go through with treatment.
With any new treatment that you are considering at Cosmetic Image Clinics, the Doctor will discuss your requirements with you and ensure all your questions are answered prior to the procedure taking place.
At consultation stage the Doctor will:
- Tailor the treatment to suit your individual needs
- Discuss costs
- Discuss the use of local anaesthetic (if required)
- Discuss the risks of treatment
- Discuss any medical concerns you may have
HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE, WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?
The treatment takes around 20 minutes and we see an increased number of busy city workers, both male and female, visit our clinic in their lunch break to soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles with B-tox injections.
As the results are not instant, and there is no swelling involved, patients are able to return to work after treatment.
Results will be visible gradually over 7-14 days, lasting up to 4 months before lines slowly begin to return.
We strongly recommend if you are preparing for a special event such as a wedding or work function that you have treatment 14 days prior to the event.
To view treatment of frown lines with Botulinum Toxin type A click here
WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?
WILL I LIKE THE LOOK?
Many people are concerned about the possibility of that frozen faced ‘Hollywood look’. This is entirely dependent on how much of the product is used and the expertise of the injecting doctor. An experienced doctor understands which muscles should be targeted to relax wrinkles and reshape problem areas. Botulinum Toxin treatment can be subtle yet effective, still allowing a natural expression.
At consultation, the Doctor will tailor the treatment to your needs, administering the amount of B-tox required for the result you desire.