V&S Aesthetics
Look as young as you feel with Botox® injections. (Vein and Skin uses Xeomin and Dysport botulinum relaxants)
The Vein and Skin Clinic has highly qualified doctors and nurses who are experts in the application of Botox.
Treatments available at the Vein & Skin Clinic:
Botox® can be combined with dermal fillers, laser treatments (Fraxel, IPL), and thread lifts for optimal results.
Please make an appointment with a cosmetic nurse or doctor to discuss the best option for you.
Botulinum toxin type A, or Botox as it’s better known, has been in use in New Zealand since 1991. This anti-aging treatment is gaining popularity as it offers a simple, effective and low-risk way of reducing deep facial wrinkles without the need for surgery.
In addition, Botox treatment keeps the treated muscles immobile for several months. This helps people lose the habit of frowning or squinting, which prevents lines from returning too quickly.
The optimal dose required for treating an area as well as which formulations to use, is worked out by the doctor or cosmetic nurse. It often depends on the area to be treated or the individual patients’ needs.
Botulinum was first used in the treatment of certain medical problems, such as muscle spasms and involuntary movements, but today is best known for its cosmetic uses.
Botulinum Toxin is derived from bacteria in much the same way penicillin is derived from mould. There are seven types of Botulinum Toxin, Types A- G, and it is Type A which is used in the cosmetics industry. It is manufactured in sterile laboratory conditions.
When you frown or squint, you tense muscles in your face, forming deep creases in your forehead and around your eyes. These movements are often habitual and frequent, resulting in fixed wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin works by preventing the injected muscles from receiving nerve signals that tell them to tense. With prolonged use, this weakens the muscles, reducing wrinkles and in time the habit of frowning may even diminish.
Botulinum toxin doesn’t affect your ability to feel sensation. A few days after an injection, although you can’t tense the muscle, the skin feels normal when touched. While Botox is taking effect, you may experience unfamiliar sensations. Speak to your doctor or cosmetic nurse if you have any concerns. As new nerve endings grow, the ability to move the muscle returns.
Botulinum toxin tends to give a more open, relaxed and fresh appearance.
Some facial lines are very significant and their disappearance brings profound change. Other facial and neck lines are important only to the individual. Their disappearance often goes unnoticed. However, patients find that people who know them well often exclaim how well they look after a Botox treatment.
Many facial wrinkles occur when we use our muscles to form facial expressions. The wrinkles formed during these expressions are called dynamic wrinkles. For example, when we smile our eye wrinkles become prominent and when we frown the vertical lines between our eyebrows become noticeable.
When we are young our skin springs back to its initial position after facial expression. As we get older dynamic wrinkles remain on the skin to form static wrinkles and folds that are present at rest. This process occurs because natural substances such as collagen (the major structural protein in the skin), elastin (the protein that causes tissue to stretch) and hyaluronic acid (gives skin volume) decrease with age. This, together with environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, smoking and stress all contribute to the creation of wrinkles and folds.
Botox® injections are performed by experienced cosmetic nurses or by the doctor at the Vein and Skin Clinic. The procedure, including consultation and injection generally takes less than 30 minutes. No anaesthetic is required and apart from the risk of a little bruise you can return to work immediately.
Botulinum toxin is injected into the specific muscles responsible for causing wrinkles. There will be a stinging sensation during the injection.
To limit spread of the toxin from the site of injection, it is important not to massage the area or exercise vigorously for at least for 4 hours after treatment.
A reduction in muscle power will be noticed within 3-5 days. It will take 2-6 weeks to notice the greatest reduction in muscle movement.
Some wrinkles disappear when the muscle is weakened, while others fade slowly as the skin remodels over several weeks. Untreated muscles will be able to move as usual, allowing normal facial expression.
The effect of the injection lasts for different lengths of time in different people, but most patients will require a repeat treatment every 3 to 5 months. Some people find the treatment lasts longer each time.
Botox relaxes facial muscles responsible for wrinkles. It does not cause more wrinkles to form. If you choose not to have further Botox treatments your muscles will eventually return to normal activity and your wrinkles will gradually revert to their pre-treatment levels.
Botox® works specifically on the muscles treated. This means that untreated facial muscles should not be affected. Your doctor or cosmetic nurse will determine the best dose for you and which muscles to inject to give you the results you want.
Many people use a combination of appearance products and/or procedures with Botox.
Your doctor or cosmetic nurse will advise you as to whether or not you will receive better results by combining treatments.
Common combination treatments include Botox® with lip and wrinkle fillers, thread lifts and laser (IPL, Fraxel) treatments.
When properly used Botulinum toxin treatment has minimal risk. Only tiny amounts are used, and spread of the toxin from the site of injection is very limited.
Possible side-effects may include initial mild pain or burning; mild weakness of the eyelid lasting 2-3 weeks (may be treatable with eye drops); short-lived headache; numbness; bruising.
As with any medical procedure, there are some safety precautions of which you should be aware:
You will need to pay for this medicine and the doctor’s consultation.
BOTOX® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin type A for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Botox should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Ask your specialist about the benefits and risks of using Botox, and whether it is right for you. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your health professional. You will need to pay for Botox. Botox has benefits and risks. Always follow your specialist’s instructions. For more information refer to the Consumer Medicine Information for Botox at www.medsafe.govt.nz
BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc. Allergan New Zealand Ltd, PO Box 1873, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand
Cautions: People with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation.
Possible side effects include headaches, injection site pain/burning /stinging/bruising/swelling/redness, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids/eyebrows, eyelid swelling, skin tightness, tingling sensations. aching/itching forhead, nausea and flu-like symptoms.
If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. You will need to pay for this medicine. Normal Doctors visit fees apply. Note: BOTOX® treatments lasts about 4 months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation.
If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor.
The cost of this procedure varies according to the areas that require treatment and whether the area is treated alone or in conjunction with other areas. (This is most common).
Q card and other payment options available.
Southern Cross affiliated and covered by most other insurers (for Varicose Vein Treatment).
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