If you've got frown lines that appear when you furrow your brow (known medically as glabellar lines) Botox (botulinum toxin) injections can definitely help to reduce the appearance of facial lines and achieve a more relaxed and smooth facial appearance.
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A. Other brands available in the UK include Bocouture, Azzalure, Letybo and Nuceiva.
Frown lines are a common concern for men and women of all ages as we all develop lower forehead wrinkles due to our everyday facial expressions. They are the two parallel lines that form in between the eyebrows due to repetitive movement of your facial muscles, in the area known as the glabella complex.
People often say that these wrinkles make them look older or angry because frowning is normally associated with negative expression or stress.
Frown lines (glabellar lines) can be caused by repeated muscle movement of two muscles- the procerus muscle and corrugator supercilii when you frown or smile often (or both). The procerus muscle contractions will cause bunching of the skin and the appearance of horizontal lines across your nose bridge. The corrugator supercilli muscle contractions will draw the eyebrows together thus creating a few vertical lines between your eyes. When this happens repeatedly over time, the lines may become ingrained or etched in.
Other factors that can contribute to frown line development are sun damage, smoking, and loss of skin elasticity as we get older (these factors also contribute to crow's feet, horizontal forehead lines, and horizontal creases).
Yes, and it's one of the most popular and effective treatments worldwide. Botulinum toxin treatment with Botox or other licensed brands such as Bocouture, Azzalure, Letybo and Nuceiva is the most effective way to relax the muscles and help to improve frown lines. It works in the majority of cases and can be repeated to maintain results.
Botulinum toxin injections are also a good alternative to cosmetic surgery, as risks aren't as high or severe. Treatment with botulinum toxin isn't a permanent solution; however, you can repeat injections every three to six months.
Your practitioner can numb your skin prior to injection, so you only feel a 'sharp scratch' as the needle goes in.
Immediately after the procedure, you may notice some redness and swelling, but this should die down after a few hours.
Results will be noticeable after two weeks and should last three to six months.
Prices will vary depending on the level of experience of your practitioner, and the location in which they're offering treatment. For example, the cost of Botox treatments in London will be a lot more than in South Wales!
On average, you can expect to pay between £200-£400.
Don't be swayed by cost though – your safety should always come first, so be prepared to pay more for an appropriately qualified and experienced practitioner.
Side effects to Botox and other brands of botulinum toxin are rare, but can include:
Headaches
Swelling
Allergic reaction
Droopy eyelids
Dry eyes or mouth
The most dangerous complications are double vision and difficulty breathing, but these are thankfully extremely rare.
If you experience any side effects or complications, contact your practitioner immediately.
We highly recommend that you only undergo treatment with a medically-qualified professional, who will have undergone training in anatomy and physiology, as well as be accountable to a regulatory body such as the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or General Dental Council (GDC).
They should also be able to advise you of the risks of injectable treatment and be confident in handling complications in the glabellar area if they arise.
Check out our handy guide for finding a practitioner you can trust.
As you will have learnt, botulinum toxin (Botox, Bocouture, Azzalure, Letybo and Nuceiva) is a great tool to help you look younger and fresher. It’s important that you get treated by an experienced, medically trained, and qualified practitioner who will inject you safely.
As always, if you have any questions you can use our Botox Q&A where you can ask for more advice direct from a trusted, experienced medical practitioner.
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