What is BT?

A diluted form of botulinum toxin, which is a purified protein manufactured in a pharmaceutical laboratory. It acts by reducing the nerve stimulation to muscle and therefore induces relaxation. It is administered by a few tiny injections under the skin.

How does it work?

BT works by relaxing wrinkle-causing muscles, allowing the wrinkles to relax away and leaving facial expression free to lines or at least significantly reduced.

Is it safe?

Cosmetic treatment with BT is safe in that there are no major or harmful side effects. BT is used to treat children as young as three years of age at much higher doses in the treatment for cerebral palsy to help them walk. BT has been in medical use for the past 25 years to treat a variety of medical conditions.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects are restricted to minor and temporary redness, swelling or bruising at the injection site. Very rarely laziness of an eyelid or mild double vision is reported. These effects are temporary, lasting one to two weeks. And will occur if the injections are inappropriately placed. Recovery is spontaneous.

Which lines can I treat with BT?

BT is commonly used to treat the crow’s feet around the eyes. The central frown lines between the eyebrows (glabella lines) and the worry lines across the forehead. BT represents the treatment of choice (best treatment) for these lines. The marionette lines, or sad lines, from the corner of the mouth to the chin are also very effectively treated with BT.

How long will it last?

BT will continue to prevent and reduce facial lines and wrinkles for three to four month but sometimes up to six months or longer. Following treatment, the results are not immediately apparent. It usually takes two days to begin to relax away lines – reaching its full action by one week.

Is it true that BT can be used to stop headaches and excess sweating?

Yes. BT has proven effective in preventing both migraine and stress headaches. It also reduces armpit sweating by well over 90 per cent for an average of 8 to 10 months.

What should I do to prepare for a BT injection?

Avoid the use of aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs or blood-thinning agents, unless they are medically required, for two weeks prior to treatment to minimize bruising. For women, avoid treatment premenstrually as the skin is more sensitive and tender at this time.

Can I have BT when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

As with all non-essential medications, it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Is it true that BT can be used to prevent the occurrence of new lines and wrinkles?

Yes, Because BT relaxes the wrinkle-causing muscles it prevents the recurrent skin creasing produced by these muscles and therefore prevents the occurrence of new lines and wrinkles. It is a good preventative treatment.

I have heard that BT will produce a blank, expressionless face. Is this true?

No. Three important terms in BT therapy are: ‘character’, ‘natural’, ‘youthful’. Character makes the face interesting, gives insight into the personality and is often very attractive. By skilled placement of BT, attractive character can be maintained. A natural appearance is achieved by preserving normal expression while relaxing unwanted lines. A youthful appearance is created by softening those features that negatively reflect the aging process, such as the extension of crow’s feet, forehead furrows and sagging brows. With careful placement, an experienced BT injector can achieve a youthful appearance on a patient while maintaining their natural expression with character.