Botulinum toxin is a chemical produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a protein derivative of the toxin, which when injected into a muscle, causes it to become weakened or deactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission. It stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle.

By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout a lifetime, the skin becomes creased in areas of greatest use. The ageing process causes the slow-down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older, these areas of over-use become damaged and the lines become permanent. By reducing the movement of muscles in these areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften or even fade away.

The procedure takes about 15 minutes. At Dermatox Skin Clinic the medical practitioner will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work. An extremely fine, short needle is used to inject the Botulinum toxin into the appropriate area. These may cause slight, but brief discomfort. The area may have some slight redness and swelling, which normally resolves in an hour or two. The treatment normally starts to take effect after 4 to 14 days, but this may vary slightly with some individuals.

Botulinum toxin is generally considered very safe when administered by a qualified medical professional, as it has been used for decades in both medical and cosmetic treatments.

Side effects of this treatment are rare. Most people find that the injection causes only mild discomfort. Immediately after the injection there may be mild swelling, which usually subsides a couple of days after treatment.

The treatment normally starts to take effect after 4 to 14 days but may vary slightly with some individuals.