Secret Aesthetics

38 Harborne Road, Edgbaston Birmingham, B15 3EB Edgbaston United Kingdom B15 3EB
0121 221 2207

As we age, we will all develop fine lines and wrinkles at some point in our lives. When and how severely this will manifest is a basic combination of nature and nurture. What most people don’t know is that there are different subgroups of lines and wrinkles all with their own causes and remedies. By using our muscles repeatedly throughout our lives, the skin becomes creased and wrinkled over the areas used most. These lines become most apparent on our faces often when we engage the muscles to make certain facial expressions. These lines are also known as ‘dynamic lines’. These are the ones we target with anti-wrinkle injections. Botulinum toxin type A is a purified neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It works by blocking the impulses to muscles thereby restricting their movement. Clinical grade cosmetic Botox ® is a prescription only medication extracted and purified from the original paralytic agent. Once injected, it temporarily weakens the contraction of the targeted muscle, resulting in the softening and relaxing of the lines and wrinkles caused by the underlying muscle, creating a dramatically smoother, younger-looking appearance. Although there is no reversal agent to date, it is naturally broken down by the body over months, allowing movement to gradually return. The idea is that by reducing the movement of muscles in these overactive areas, the overlying skin is given time to rest and recover, allowing the skin creases and wrinkles to soften and eventually fade away. Depending on each individual’s wishes, the dose and treatment regime can be adjusted to allow for a more natural softening of expressions and lines to a complete smoothening of skin texture. For the first few years, more frequent treatments are required to ‘re-educate’ the muscles. We recommend starting Botox before your dynamic lines become deep static lines (expression lines that are present even without any expression). This can vary from person to person based on genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking and sun exposure. In essence, the deeper the line is at the beginning of the treatment, the more difficult and invasive it will be to correct and smooth out completely even with several courses. Botox can also be used prophylactically to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from becoming carved in to the skin. This is particularly beneficial in those with a genetic predisposition.