Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin (brand names include Botox and Dysport) temporarily “paralyses” muscles when injected. This prevents the skin above from creasing up and causing wrinkles. It only works on so-called “expression lines”, such as frown (vertical) lines and surprise (horizontal) lines on the forehead, smoothing them and preventing them from becoming more pronounced. It won’t do anything for sun-damaged skin or lines caused by skin sagging, such as nasolabial folds.

Though a prescription-only drug, it’s possible for non-medical professionals to obtain and inject Botox or its other variants, with potentially serious consequences if something goes wrong. It’s best to leave these injections to an experienced medical professional – and definitely not to have them at a “Botox party”. The products used at Botox parties have been reported to be fake imports.

The process itself is relatively painless, but you can’t lie down or rub the area for several hours afterwards – this is to prevent the toxin spreading to other areas.

The effects take a few days to kick in, and initially last a few months – longer after continued treatment.

Possible side effects include a droopy upper eyelid if the drug is injected too low on the forehead, and this may last a couple of weeks. In the hands of a skilled administrator, you can avoid the notorious “frozen” look.