Frown lines

This is the most popular cosmetic procedure today. It is a safe treatment and it is very effective in combating wrinkles and lines. Its overuse may cause a “frozen” look or “Spock” eyebrows. Both have been ridiculed in the press. We advise patients that a “less is more” approach is always better. We aim for a fresher, natural look that maintains facial expressions.

It is a protein produced by the the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It relaxes muscles by temporarily blocking nerve impulses.

It may be used in the upper face for forehead lines, around the eyes, to lift the eyebrows, to nose lines. It has become popular in the lower face and neck in the lip “barcode” lines, gummy smile, to slim the jawline and stop teeth grinding, in the chin crease, neck (known as Nefertiti lift) and décolletage. Medical uses include sweating reduction (Hyperhydrosis) and masseter muscle relaxation to stop teeth grinding (Bruxism). - It is often combined with fillers or thread lifts for a longer lasting result.

A small dose can even be used to prevent deep frown lines. It is known as “baby” treatment and may be a good starting point if you are not sure it is the right treatment for you. Mid to late thirties is the typical age to start treatment.

Tiny quantities are injected into the muscles that cause expression lines. It takes three to five small injections between the eyebrows to treat the frown line. The treated muscles relax over the following 5-7 days and patients become aware that they are no longer able to frown. The effect starts wearing off within a 3-4 months . Treatment can be repeated after 4-6 months as the wrinkles gradually reappear. Many people find that after a few treatments they have broken the bad habit that led to the frowning or squinting originally. With repeated injections the effects tend to last longer.

There have been no reports of permanent damage caused by the injections. While allergy is possible, it is rare. Some people have a slight headache after the treatment for several hours. It is safe to take paracetamol to relieve this. The most significant complication, which is rare, is a drooping of the eyelid caused by the tracking into the eyelid muscle. It generally lasts just a few days but more prolonged weakness is possible. Eye drops can be prescribed to lessen this effect. While a small amount of brow droop is possible, it is also rare and it goes away by itself. The symmetry of the position of the eyebrows is checked a week after treatment. It cannot be used in pregnancy or when breast feeding and is contraindicated for sufferers of neuromuscular diseases.

15 Minutes

Mild

2-4 Hours

From £240