If you want to reduce the lines on your face without having to resort to surgical procedures, the good news is that facial rejuvenation techniques can soften wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

The benefit of having this treatment done by dentists is that they have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the facial anatomy and can perform this delicate work in a precise manner. Our practice uses the botulinum toxin type A for this treatment, an injectable aesthetic solution.

Once injected into the skin, the botulinum toxin relaxes the tiny facial muscles, which cause expression lines, by blocking the nerve impulses in them, leaving the skin looking smoother.

Areas on the face that can be treated include frown lines (vertical lines which form between the eyebrows), eyebrows, crows’ feet, forehead lines and lines around the mouth and top lip, known as ‘smoker’s lines’.

The botulinum injection is quick and painless; usually lasting around 5-10 minutes and requires no antiseptic. Results will usually be seen in a few days, sometimes taking between 4-7 days for the effects to be seen.

As it’s not a permanent treatment, the effects will wear off over time, so it’s recommended that the procedure is repeated every 3 months for effective results.

There is a difference between the botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. The former relaxes the muscles whereas the fillers fill and plump up lines, wrinkles and grooves to make the skin look more youthful. Fillers usually consist of sterile hyaluronic acid gels made from non-animal sources. As we age the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid is lost giving rise to the appearance of lines, wrinkles and folds. Injecting fillers into the skin acts to replace the hyaluronic acid that is lost with age. They are also used for lip enhancement and for shaping facial, hand and neck contours.

The injections, which only take a few minutes, are usually administered after a local anaesthetic has been applied either directly onto the skin, or incorporated into the syringe containing the filler. This serves to reduce or prevent any discomfort. The effect of the treatment is visible immediately. Depending on the area treated, skin type and the injection technique, the filler effect can last between six and 12 months (usually six months for lips). Follow-up treatments will help to maintain the plumped up look over time.