Botulinum toxin
Experience makes all the difference
There are different types of wrinkles, therefore requiring different treatments. Botulinum toxin is used to treat those wrinkles caused by our facial expressions: dynamic wrinkles. Frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines are the most commonly treated dynamic wrinkles and occur in the upper face.
At Tristram Clinic, Deborah uses botulinum toxin to treat wrinkles caused by movement, temporarily paralysing or weakening the appropriate muscles. Botulinum toxin is marketed as BOTOX® and Dysport®.
Frown lines
The most common of these is the frown line between eyebrows, known as the glabella. Fillers are used to treat lines that are present at rest, so sometimes the combination of both procedures is necessary for the ultimate result. Most often the upper third of the face is treated with botulinum toxin and lower face with fillers. Deborah injects small amounts of botulinum toxin into the lower face at times, but being careful not to alter smiles (except when treating gummy smiles) or the ability to eat or talk!
Eye zone
The eye area has always been an area of special interest and expertise for Deborah. She uses many different techniques learned over the past 16 years, to personalise each treatment. Deborah's philosophy – we should look as individual as we are!
How long does it last?
It takes 3-4 months for the effects of botulinum toxin to wear off. The process starts from about two weeks after treatment, so is very gradual. In the case of frown lines, there is usually an accumulative effect as the habit of frowning is often broken, and the muscles seem to lose their bulk and strength over time. Deborah suggests the first two injections are done at a 3-4 month interval to give a good six months of no movement and the best chance of softening any lines already established.
Which lines should be treated?
Frown lines between the eyes (the glabella) are the most common lines to be treated. Crows feet and forehead lines are the next most requested areas. The crows feet are very popular with younger age groups, but as we get older, this area becomes less suitable for treatment. Deborah likes to be careful not to distort someone's smile, especially if they have beautiful "smiley eyes". The same caution needs to be taken with the forehead.
Smooth, not frozen
An 'overdone' forehead has no movement or expression, and lowered eyebrows. Most people prefer a natural look rather than a frozen look, but Deborah treats each person on an individual basis. It is so important to get treatment from someone who has the knowledge and experience to select the appropriate dose.
What happens after a treatment?
Botulinum toxin takes 5-10 days to fully "kick in" and is at its maximum two weeks after injection. Touch ups, if necessary, are not done until around this time. After your first botulinum toxin treatment Deborah likes to see you two weeks later, to check that treatment has been as effective as it should be, and that you are happy.
No charge for touch ups
Touch ups are uncommon, but are done at no extra charge. Deborah keeps a careful record of the treatment details, so your treatment can be duplicated, or slightly altered if necessary, at the next session. Subsequent follow up is at the client's discretion.
Cost of botulinum toxin
At the Tristram Clinic, large areas start at around NZ$330, e.g. crow's feet, or glabella. Other areas, where fewer units are needed, are on a per-unit basis; for example:
- upper lip - from $30 - 60
- bunny scrunch - from $60
- marionettes - from $60 - 90
- forehead - up to $300.
Who does the injecting?
Botulinum toxin can be administered under standing orders by a specially trained Registered nurse, and under the oversight of a doctor. Dermatologist Dr Amanda Oakley is the overseeing doctor at Tristram Clinic. Once Deborah is satisfied that someone has the necessary information to make as informed a decision as possible, a medical history checklist is completed, to ensure there are no contraindications to the procedure going ahead. Clients are asked to read and sign a consent form outlining potential side effects and complications. This is not necessary for subsequent treatments, but any changes in health status, or medications, since the last appointment, is taken note of and recorded.
Doctor consultation
If someone wishes to see one of our specialist doctors first, this can be arranged. This is usually only a brief consultation, specifically related to the procedure about to be carried out. There is a small fee for this, payable to the specialist.
For further information, or a free no obligation 30-minute consultation with Deborah, please phone 07 958 7893.