Botulinum Toxin works by weakening the muscles so that, at rest, the wrinkles are lessened or disappear; yet it still allows the muscles to work, eliminating the possibility of a mask-like appearance.

The procedure is very simple. No local anaesthetic or special preparation is required. Several injections are made in specific sites in the face using a very fine needle. The pain associated with the injections is only moderate – a slight burning for a couple of seconds.

Afterwards, there may be tiny pinprick marks, which disappear after a few hours, and rarely some minor bruising. Normal activities can be resumed immediately although we would advise not to lie down for at least three hours following treatment.

Side effects are uncommon. There may be minor bruising. Rarely migration of the toxin may cause weakness of nearby muscles, for example, drooping of part of the eyebrow. This wears off over a number of weeks, but can sometimes be corrected by further injections of Botox at an adjacent site.