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Treatments
Treatments

Botox ® & Dysport ®

Botulinum toxin treatments like Botox® or Dysport injections are magic bullets when it comes to preventing wrinkles. They temporarily inhibit muscle movement, stopping the constant motions that become etched on your face as a wrinkle. At Skin Renewal, our doctors are highly trained and very experienced injectors that know exactly how to make you look younger, fresher, and more relaxed – never frozen!
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Botox ® & Dysport ® Treatment Videos

Botox ® & Dysport ® at a glance

  • Best Results
    Best Results

    1

  • Anaesthetic
    Anaesthetic

    Ice/None

  • Duration
    Duration of Results

    3 - 4 months

  • Procedure Time
    Procedure Time

    20 - 30 mins

  • Treatment Recovery
    Treatment Recovery

    1 -2 days

  • Skin Specialist
    Skin Specialist

    Doctor

  • Risk Compliance
    Risks & Complications

    Low

  • Back to Work
    Back To Work

    Same day

Botox, also known as Botulinum Toxin, is a prescription medication commonly used for cosmetic purposes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. When injected into facial muscles, it works by blocking the nerve signals responsible for muscle contractions. By preventing these muscles from moving, Botox effectively reduces the visibility of wrinkles.

FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines, Botox is a minimally invasive procedure performed by our experienced Skin Renewal doctors. The injections are typically painless, and noticeable results can be observed within approximately 10-14 days.

It's important to understand that Botox is a temporary solution. The effects generally last for around 3 to 4 months before the muscles regain their movement, and the procedure needs to be repeated.

If you're considering Botox as a treatment option, we encourage you to consult with our knowledgeable professionals at Skin Renewal. They can provide further information, address any concerns, and help you make an informed decision about whether Botox is the right choice for you.

frequently asked
questions

Are Botox® & Dysport treatments available at all Skin Renewal branches?
How much does Botox ® & Dysport ® cost?

Most reputable practitioners and aesthetic clinics charge by the unit of Botox®, so the total cost depends on how much and how many areas you'll be having treated. The cost of Botox® & Dysport also varies as some patients require more in each area because of gender differences, muscle mass differences, etc.

When phoning around to compare Botox® & Dysport prices, it is important that the clinic quotes the amount of Botox® or Dysport units you will be receiving if they quote per area. It is best to compare the price per unit as the clinic may quote you R900 per area but only inject 15 units in that one area- a suboptimal dose especially for the glabellar area- (the "11" area on the forehead). If suboptimal doses are given, the duration of effect of the Botox® & Dysport will be much shorter than the usual 3 to 4 months. The more units are given, the longer the duration effect of the Botox® & Dysport.

We do not quote per area as the number of units differs in each patient - male and female. Generally, men need approximately 1,5 times the amount of Botox® or Dysport that women need as men have a larger muscle mass.

The usual quotation is approximately 20 units per area but with an experienced injector, if all 3 areas are injected in one session, fewer Botox® or Dysport units may need to be injected eg 45 to 50 units for 3 areas as opposed to 60 units (20 units per area). Men would need 1,5 times the amount of Botox® or Dysport. Keep in mind that the fewer units injected, the less the duration of effect. This is why it is so important to know exactly how many units you have received for each area.

Baby Botox or Dysport "Baby Bo", as it is known in Hollywood, is coined when fewer units are injected intentionally (usually in women) so that the duration of effect is much shorter allowing actors to have their facial expressions back sooner for a new role. This usually involves 40 units of Botox® or Dysport for 3 areas (in a woman) and this amount is only expected to last 8 to 10 weeks as fewer units are given.

How much Botox® is needed for each area?

The amount of Botox® or Dysport units differs amongst patients as some patients require more Botox® or Dysport because of:

  • larger muscle mass eg. men
  • facial expression differences, some people have a deadpan face whilst others have very expressive faces
  • recruitment of other facial muscles outside the norm after Botulinum Toxin has been given
  • biochemical differences have to be taken into account; for example, patients taking a lot of fat burners appear to metabolise Botulinum Toxin much faster and have a much shorter duration of action of their Botulinum Toxin cosmetic treatment
  • badly sun-damaged skin changes the amount of Botulinum Toxin units needed.

All of these above-mentioned criteria will be assessed by the attending doctor before he or she administers Botulinum Toxin and this is why it is so important to choose a clinic where the doctor focuses on aesthetics and administers Botulinum Toxin to at least 5 to 10 patients a day. A doctor can only claim to be experienced in the administration of Botulinum Toxin after at least 1000 patients have been injected. At the Renewal Institute, all NEW patients MUST make a follow-up appointment to see the doctor 2 weeks after the initial injection to assess the final result. Additional injections may be needed to attain a perfect result. This will be charged accordingly if more than 2 to 4 units are needed for a top-up.

Changes to the face take place in men too, although men generally don't pay much attention to the signs of ageing. The solution to keeping looking youthful and cool is to go see an Aesthetic Doctor have a male facial treatment assessment and a treatment plan that can take off a couple of months (6 – 24 months) and make you feel good and confident without looking unnatural or in any way feminized.

Where is Botox® injected to reduce wrinkles?

On the Upper Face: For a chemical brow lift, Botulinum Toxin, relaxes dynamic frown lines between the brow, on the forehead, bunny lines, and the wrinkles around the eyes. Botulinum Toxin makes you look less worried, angry, or tired, and more relaxed, approachable, and confident.

For the Lower Face: Botulinum Toxin, when used in small dilutions in a controlled fashion by a skilled physician with extensive experience, can cause a chemical jowl lift and decrease a permanent mouth frown, a very undesirable effect.

What kind of wrinkles does Botox® treat?

To understand the various treatments of wrinkles, one must understand that there are different kinds of wrinkles, dynamic and static lines or wrinkles.

Dynamic lines or wrinkles are those wrinkles and lines that appear when your face is animated.

Static lines or wrinkles are those facial lines that are evident even when our face is at rest and are due to volume loss and are better treated with dermal fillers. These two types of wrinkles are what separate Botulinum Toxin from any of the injectable fillers.

Botulinum Toxin is for dynamic wrinkling. It is a muscle-relaxing agent so it will soften the wrinkles and lines that occur from a dynamic facial movement, such as the forehead, between the brows with frowning (Glabella Lines) or the crow's feet from smiling or around the mouth from excessive pursing of the lips as well as a gummy smile. With aging, this repetitive motion the skin starts to show strain and deep folds and tiny wrinkles start to develop. Botulinum Toxin will also help prevent a mouth frown by relaxing the muscles that exert a downward pull to the mouth.

Alternative cosmetic uses of Botulinum Toxin on the décolleté: Botulinum Toxin, when used in small dilutions in a controlled fashion by a skilled physician, can cause a modest chemical bust lift by decreasing the effect of chest muscles which pull the breasts down.

For the body: Botulinum Toxin injections also can be used to block chemical signals from nerves that stimulate sweat glands. See Botulinum Toxin underarms and Botulinum Toxin palms (Hyperhidrosis).

For acne conditions: Botulinum Toxin when transdermed into the skin with an FDA-approved machine, can decrease the secretion of sebum from the pilosebaceous unit, an important factor for acne conditions.

Another off-label indication for Botulinum Toxin is for chronic migraines. Botulinum Toxin is injected into fixed-sites in varying locations, including the forehead, temples and potentially extending into the neck muscles. According to Allergan, the manufacturer of Botulinum Toxin, Phase III clinical trials showed a significantly greater decrease in headache days among patients receiving Botulinum Toxin, compared with those receiving a placebo. There are numerous medical conditions for which Botulinum Toxin is used.

Dr Maureen, what are some of the dangers and risks involved in getting Botox®?

To start with, make sure that you are being injected with a dependable, well-known, well-researched product such as Botox or Dysport and also that the medical doctor treating you has ample training in these procedures. It is further advisable to have your treatment performed by doctors who perform these procedures on a daily basis to ensure your safety and results. Complications can arise from injections being placed incorrectly or doses being calculated incorrectly which can lead to incorrectly weakened muscles resulting in brow droops, eyelid drooping, uneven brows, and even blurred vision. The most common risks are bruising at the injection sites and perhaps a headache for a few hours after the procedure. Infections at the injection sites are possible but extremely rare and in my time as a Dr, I have never seen an allergic reaction to the brands we use at Skin Renewal. The dose of botulinum A injected is far too small to cause any system effects and is safe even at high cosmetic doses, however, we do not recommend having this treatment when you are pregnant, as no official risk studies have been undertaken in this case. 

Why do we get Dynamic lines or wrinkles?

When we were younger and our skin had abundant collagen, the only lines and wrinkles we had were dynamic. Our face was otherwise wrinkle-free when we weren't animated. All dynamic wrinkles, with age, will eventually lead to static wrinkles as collagen is depleted and constant motion "cracks" the skin. Dynamic Wrinkles are caused by facial expressions and repetitive facial movements. Each time we use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin, which is why we see lines form with each facial expression. As skin ages and loses its elasticity, the skin stops springing back to its line-free state, and these grooves become permanently etched on the face as fine lines and wrinkles.

How can Botox® injections influence how people perceive you?

You only have one opportunity to make an impression. First impressions are significantly influenced by facial expression. Research has revealed overwhelming data indicating that more attractive individuals receive better judgments and treatment from others. More recently, a US doctor has revealed from his research the positive impact Botox can have on first impressions.

Can a registered biokineticist inject Botox®? If yes, what additional qualification will be required?

A biokineticist is not qualified to administer Botulinum injections. You have to be a qualified medical doctor to be able to do so in SA. The reason being that Botox® and Dysport are registered, scheduled drugs. Biokineticists are not qualified to administer or prescribe drugs. So unless you have a medical degree that allows you to prescribe and administer medication, you cannot administer these injectables.

Can I have Botox® for forehead wrinkles and lines around the mouth? What are the chances of pain or a poor result?

Botulinum Toxin (e.g. Botox® or Dysport) has been used in the medical field for over 20 years and is approved by the FDA for the use of cosmetic indications. Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin, meaning it can relax muscle contractions.

When used for cosmetic reasons, Botox® is injected into the relevant facial muscles that show expression, like the frown lines when we frown, the crow's feet when we smile, or around the mouth from excessive pursing of the lips. With ageing, this repetitive motion of the skin starts to show strain, and deep folds and tiny wrinkles begin to develop. Botulinum Toxin can also be used for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) under the arms, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Chronic migraines can also be successfully treated with Botulinum Toxin.

The amount of Botulinum Toxin required is determined by several factors such as larger muscle mass (i.e. men) or how healthy or active the muscle is. As no two patients are the same, we charge per unit of Botox®/Dysport with a minimal quotation of 20 units per area for optimal results, instead of per area.

Botulinum Toxin takes between 10 to 14 days to "kick in," for that reason a follow-up appointment is made two weeks after the initial injections to assess the final result and determined whether more units are required. Effects last between 3 to 4 months, but some factors can affect this including the body’s circulation, specific medication as well as immune system.

When should one start using Botox®?

With the millions of Botulinum Toxin injections that are performed annually, evidence and experience have shown that prolonged use of Botulinum Toxin over a period of 10 years does slow down the aging process. If we can relax these facial expressions with Botulinum Toxin, then we can prevent the breaks in the skin, commonly known as wrinkles. If the skin is continually relaxed, collagen can build up in the area that is treated and the wrinkle will improve.

Repeated Botulinum Toxin injections (every 4 to 5 months) will ensure a superior long-term result as collagen is not depleted by the constant motion of our muscles.

I'd like to know if it is to early to start getting Botox at age 24? Just in the rift between my eyebrows?

We have many patients starting with Botox® as early as 19 years of age. If you can prevent that dynamic line from becoming worse now already, you’ll find that as you age, you’ll need to treat it less. So by all means, the earlier you get it sorted out, the better. Prevention is definitely better than cure. 

I turned 37 a couple of months ago and have always been blessed with looking about 10 years younger than I am. I'm now worried that I'm going to start looking my age. As I've noticed the skin on my neck has started to age/change. What can I do to prevent even further ageing? I've also noticed that my hands are starting to show my age. What can I use on them to make them look young again?

It is most definitely not too late to start taking proper care of your skin. As we reach our 30's we are unfortunately in that position that our skin turn-over is drastically affected and the trusty old over-the-counter products are just not going to give you what you need anymore.

You need to get onto a good anti-aging regime. Preferably combining the use of peptides, vitamin A, powerful anti-oxidants, and skin resurfacers. It is also highly recommended that you start going for some treatments for these areas that are bothering you. You have so many amazing options, such as superficial chemical peeling, various types of laser treatments, micro-needling to mention but a few. You may even want to consider starting to have some Botox and maybe a filler or two. I would say that the very best thing you can do for yourself right now is to go and have an in-depth consultation with an aesthetic Dr who is well versed in treatments and cosmeceutical product prescription so that you can have your skin properly analysed and have the very best treatment plan worked out for your skin.

I get Botox® injections for migraines. Recently, however, the 100 units only lasts 2 months. Why is it not working as long anymore?

There could be various reasons why Botulinum only lasted for two months. This is something that really varies from person to person.

Generally, the effects last between 3 to 4 months, but some factors can affect this including the body’s circulation, specific medication, certain mineral deficiencies in the body, as well as the immune system.

If one has been on lots of flu medication, or immune-boosting meds quite close to having the Botulinum treatment, these meds, unfortunately, do tend to make the effects of the treatment wear off quicker. certain deficiencies in the body such as a deficiency in Zinc can also be a factor so you could have a Zinc Tally test before your next appointment in order to rule this out as an issue before going ahead with another treatment. 

How does Botox® help the ageing process?

Consumers are always interested in maintaining a youthful appearance, and as the global population's median age increases, this market is increasingly expanding. When we are younger, the brow and jawline elevators are more prominent and the face appears constantly elevated.

As we age, the dynamics change, and the depressors take over, and combined with gravity, a gradual sagging of our brow and jawline takes place. If we can keep the dynamics between elevators and depressors neutral with strategically placed Botulinum Toxin injections every 4 to 6 months, then the sagging that occurs with aging will be reduced.

Multiple clinical studies have shown that a modest elevation occurs in the range of 1 to 3mms which in the face can make a real observable difference. Once the Botulinum Toxin "kicks" in 10 days later, the face takes on a relaxed and refreshed look and one's face appears to glow.

In other words, an anti-aging effect is achieved because Botulinum Toxin relaxes the downward pressure that the depressor muscles exert on the facial tissues. This results in the elevator muscles of the face becoming more dominant, raising the brow and jawline and preventing the downturned mouth or mouth frown.

Is Botox safe?

Botulinum Toxin Facial injections have become an essential ingredient in facial wellness, erasing frown lines, and relaxing worried brows. Botulinum Toxin Facial is safe and effective and has been approved for cosmetic use by the FDA. Botulinum Toxin Facial has become the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure and has been used for more than 10 years in aesthetic practice and more than 20 years in neurology and ophthalmology. There are many publications supporting its use. It has a long and impressive safety record.

Botulinum Toxin Facial should be injected at a physician's office by an experienced and trained medical doctor with an intimate knowledge and understanding of the muscular anatomy of the face as well as the aesthetic implications of proper placement. The final outcome of a Botulinum Toxin procedure is very dependent on the experience of the injector. In addition, Botulinum Toxin side effects will be minimized if done by a practitioner who has done over 1 000 procedures and who injects Botulinum Toxin daily.

What To Expect after a Botox® treatment?

Usually, you will have a mosquito-bite-looking area for 20-60 minutes which resolves without a trace. Very occasionally, little red areas at areas of injection appear but resolve within a couple of days. Try not to fall asleep or relax in a recumbent position for at least 4 hours after a Botulinum Toxin procedure as this may rarely lead to some diffusion or spreading of the Botulinum Toxin Facial to adjacent areas and causing problems

Your regular skin care regimen can be resumed immediately following a treatment, and makeup may be applied if desired.

After having had Botulinum Toxin injections, exercise should be avoided for twenty-four hours.

Try to avoid aspirin-containing products or high-dosage vitamin E supplements for 48 hours before the Botulinum Toxin procedure unless medically necessary. Avoidance of these for 10 days prior to the procedure is recommended to avoid bruising.

How long will it last?

Within 4 days of the treatment you should start to see an improvement in your lines and the final result only " kicks in" 14 days later. The result can last up to 4 months but varies from patient to patient and the initial amount of Botulinum Toxin given. Baby Botox® is Botulinum Toxin given in 3 areas but in half the quantities of a usual procedure. This kind of Botulinum Toxin will only last 6 to 8 weeks and is useful for actors who need facial expression.

With repeated Botulinum Toxin treatments, the result of Botox injections can last for longer periods.

Some patients have hyperactive brows and are constantly raising their brows. In these patients, a shorter effect can be expected as the Botulinum Toxin is quickly "worked" out.

Can all skin types be safely treated with Botox® Facial?

Yes, all skin types can be safely treated with the Botulinum Toxin Facial.

Alternative uses of Botulinum Toxin to treat medical and surgical conditions. Botulinum Toxin is used to treat the following conditions, amongst others:

  • Hemifacial spasm.
  • Blepharospasm (Uncontrollable blinking) can result in the eyelids remaining completely closed all the time, causing functional blindness.
  • Spasmodic torticollis (Twisted neck; a forceful turning of the head to one side, a painful condition).
  • Spasmodic Dysphonia (spasm of the vocal cords) resulting in interruption of speech.
  • Relief of spastic conditions of the hands in children with Cerebral Palsy and in Stroke patients so as to aid personal grooming.
  • Tremor of Parkinson's Disease and Multiple sclerosis.
  • Incapacitating pain due to Chronic low Whiplash.
  • Incapacitating pain due to back and neck pain Myofascial pain syndrome (Fibromyalgia).
  •  Chronic Tension headache.
  •  The overactive bladder results in frequent urination, inability to retain urine, and thus frequent "leaks".
  • Clubfoot in babies is a condition in which the heel and toes turn inward. Botox injections lengthen tendons by relaxing them (previously treated by tendon lengthening surgery.) The club feet are then repositioned and stabilized in casts. This avoids the necessity of an operation to correct the defect.
  • Stops drooling by blocking the salivary glands in stroke patients
  • Relieves spasms of anal fissures, a painful condition that helps relieve prostatism in men, a common condition of ageing.
  • Relieves the spasm of Achalasia and oesophageal sphincter problems that involve difficulty swallowing.
  • Clinical trials are underway for the treatment of Obesity, which involves injecting the stomach muscles, which results in distention of the stomach wall and satiety (feeling of fullness).
  • Migraines

Frequently asked questions

Are Botox® & Dysport treatments available at all Skin Renewal branches?
How much does Botox ® & Dysport ® cost?

Most reputable practitioners and aesthetic clinics charge by the unit of Botox®, so the total cost depends on how much and how many areas you'll be having treated. The cost of Botox® & Dysport also varies as some patients require more in each area because of gender differences, muscle mass differences, etc.

When phoning around to compare Botox® & Dysport prices, it is important that the clinic quotes the amount of Botox® or Dysport units you will be receiving if they quote per area. It is best to compare the price per unit as the clinic may quote you R900 per area but only inject 15 units in that one area- a suboptimal dose especially for the glabellar area- (the "11" area on the forehead). If suboptimal doses are given, the duration of effect of the Botox® & Dysport will be much shorter than the usual 3 to 4 months. The more units are given, the longer the duration effect of the Botox® & Dysport.

We do not quote per area as the number of units differs in each patient - male and female. Generally, men need approximately 1,5 times the amount of Botox® or Dysport that women need as men have a larger muscle mass.

The usual quotation is approximately 20 units per area but with an experienced injector, if all 3 areas are injected in one session, fewer Botox® or Dysport units may need to be injected eg 45 to 50 units for 3 areas as opposed to 60 units (20 units per area). Men would need 1,5 times the amount of Botox® or Dysport. Keep in mind that the fewer units injected, the less the duration of effect. This is why it is so important to know exactly how many units you have received for each area.

Baby Botox or Dysport "Baby Bo", as it is known in Hollywood, is coined when fewer units are injected intentionally (usually in women) so that the duration of effect is much shorter allowing actors to have their facial expressions back sooner for a new role. This usually involves 40 units of Botox® or Dysport for 3 areas (in a woman) and this amount is only expected to last 8 to 10 weeks as fewer units are given.

How much Botox® is needed for each area?

The amount of Botox® or Dysport units differs amongst patients as some patients require more Botox® or Dysport because of:

  • larger muscle mass eg. men
  • facial expression differences, some people have a deadpan face whilst others have very expressive faces
  • recruitment of other facial muscles outside the norm after Botulinum Toxin has been given
  • biochemical differences have to be taken into account; for example, patients taking a lot of fat burners appear to metabolise Botulinum Toxin much faster and have a much shorter duration of action of their Botulinum Toxin cosmetic treatment
  • badly sun-damaged skin changes the amount of Botulinum Toxin units needed.

All of these above-mentioned criteria will be assessed by the attending doctor before he or she administers Botulinum Toxin and this is why it is so important to choose a clinic where the doctor focuses on aesthetics and administers Botulinum Toxin to at least 5 to 10 patients a day. A doctor can only claim to be experienced in the administration of Botulinum Toxin after at least 1000 patients have been injected. At the Renewal Institute, all NEW patients MUST make a follow-up appointment to see the doctor 2 weeks after the initial injection to assess the final result. Additional injections may be needed to attain a perfect result. This will be charged accordingly if more than 2 to 4 units are needed for a top-up.

Changes to the face take place in men too, although men generally don't pay much attention to the signs of ageing. The solution to keeping looking youthful and cool is to go see an Aesthetic Doctor have a male facial treatment assessment and a treatment plan that can take off a couple of months (6 – 24 months) and make you feel good and confident without looking unnatural or in any way feminized.

Where is Botox® injected to reduce wrinkles?

On the Upper Face: For a chemical brow lift, Botulinum Toxin, relaxes dynamic frown lines between the brow, on the forehead, bunny lines, and the wrinkles around the eyes. Botulinum Toxin makes you look less worried, angry, or tired, and more relaxed, approachable, and confident.

For the Lower Face: Botulinum Toxin, when used in small dilutions in a controlled fashion by a skilled physician with extensive experience, can cause a chemical jowl lift and decrease a permanent mouth frown, a very undesirable effect.

What kind of wrinkles does Botox® treat?

To understand the various treatments of wrinkles, one must understand that there are different kinds of wrinkles, dynamic and static lines or wrinkles.

Dynamic lines or wrinkles are those wrinkles and lines that appear when your face is animated.

Static lines or wrinkles are those facial lines that are evident even when our face is at rest and are due to volume loss and are better treated with dermal fillers. These two types of wrinkles are what separate Botulinum Toxin from any of the injectable fillers.

Botulinum Toxin is for dynamic wrinkling. It is a muscle-relaxing agent so it will soften the wrinkles and lines that occur from a dynamic facial movement, such as the forehead, between the brows with frowning (Glabella Lines) or the crow's feet from smiling or around the mouth from excessive pursing of the lips as well as a gummy smile. With aging, this repetitive motion the skin starts to show strain and deep folds and tiny wrinkles start to develop. Botulinum Toxin will also help prevent a mouth frown by relaxing the muscles that exert a downward pull to the mouth.

Alternative cosmetic uses of Botulinum Toxin on the décolleté: Botulinum Toxin, when used in small dilutions in a controlled fashion by a skilled physician, can cause a modest chemical bust lift by decreasing the effect of chest muscles which pull the breasts down.

For the body: Botulinum Toxin injections also can be used to block chemical signals from nerves that stimulate sweat glands. See Botulinum Toxin underarms and Botulinum Toxin palms (Hyperhidrosis).

For acne conditions: Botulinum Toxin when transdermed into the skin with an FDA-approved machine, can decrease the secretion of sebum from the pilosebaceous unit, an important factor for acne conditions.

Another off-label indication for Botulinum Toxin is for chronic migraines. Botulinum Toxin is injected into fixed-sites in varying locations, including the forehead, temples and potentially extending into the neck muscles. According to Allergan, the manufacturer of Botulinum Toxin, Phase III clinical trials showed a significantly greater decrease in headache days among patients receiving Botulinum Toxin, compared with those receiving a placebo. There are numerous medical conditions for which Botulinum Toxin is used.

Dr Maureen, what are some of the dangers and risks involved in getting Botox®?

To start with, make sure that you are being injected with a dependable, well-known, well-researched product such as Botox or Dysport and also that the medical doctor treating you has ample training in these procedures. It is further advisable to have your treatment performed by doctors who perform these procedures on a daily basis to ensure your safety and results. Complications can arise from injections being placed incorrectly or doses being calculated incorrectly which can lead to incorrectly weakened muscles resulting in brow droops, eyelid drooping, uneven brows, and even blurred vision. The most common risks are bruising at the injection sites and perhaps a headache for a few hours after the procedure. Infections at the injection sites are possible but extremely rare and in my time as a Dr, I have never seen an allergic reaction to the brands we use at Skin Renewal. The dose of botulinum A injected is far too small to cause any system effects and is safe even at high cosmetic doses, however, we do not recommend having this treatment when you are pregnant, as no official risk studies have been undertaken in this case. 

Why do we get Dynamic lines or wrinkles?

When we were younger and our skin had abundant collagen, the only lines and wrinkles we had were dynamic. Our face was otherwise wrinkle-free when we weren't animated. All dynamic wrinkles, with age, will eventually lead to static wrinkles as collagen is depleted and constant motion "cracks" the skin. Dynamic Wrinkles are caused by facial expressions and repetitive facial movements. Each time we use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin, which is why we see lines form with each facial expression. As skin ages and loses its elasticity, the skin stops springing back to its line-free state, and these grooves become permanently etched on the face as fine lines and wrinkles.

How can Botox® injections influence how people perceive you?

You only have one opportunity to make an impression. First impressions are significantly influenced by facial expression. Research has revealed overwhelming data indicating that more attractive individuals receive better judgments and treatment from others. More recently, a US doctor has revealed from his research the positive impact Botox can have on first impressions.

Can a registered biokineticist inject Botox®? If yes, what additional qualification will be required?

A biokineticist is not qualified to administer Botulinum injections. You have to be a qualified medical doctor to be able to do so in SA. The reason being that Botox® and Dysport are registered, scheduled drugs. Biokineticists are not qualified to administer or prescribe drugs. So unless you have a medical degree that allows you to prescribe and administer medication, you cannot administer these injectables.

Can I have Botox® for forehead wrinkles and lines around the mouth? What are the chances of pain or a poor result?

Botulinum Toxin (e.g. Botox® or Dysport) has been used in the medical field for over 20 years and is approved by the FDA for the use of cosmetic indications. Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin, meaning it can relax muscle contractions.

When used for cosmetic reasons, Botox® is injected into the relevant facial muscles that show expression, like the frown lines when we frown, the crow's feet when we smile, or around the mouth from excessive pursing of the lips. With ageing, this repetitive motion of the skin starts to show strain, and deep folds and tiny wrinkles begin to develop. Botulinum Toxin can also be used for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) under the arms, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Chronic migraines can also be successfully treated with Botulinum Toxin.

The amount of Botulinum Toxin required is determined by several factors such as larger muscle mass (i.e. men) or how healthy or active the muscle is. As no two patients are the same, we charge per unit of Botox®/Dysport with a minimal quotation of 20 units per area for optimal results, instead of per area.

Botulinum Toxin takes between 10 to 14 days to "kick in," for that reason a follow-up appointment is made two weeks after the initial injections to assess the final result and determined whether more units are required. Effects last between 3 to 4 months, but some factors can affect this including the body’s circulation, specific medication as well as immune system.

When should one start using Botox®?

With the millions of Botulinum Toxin injections that are performed annually, evidence and experience have shown that prolonged use of Botulinum Toxin over a period of 10 years does slow down the aging process. If we can relax these facial expressions with Botulinum Toxin, then we can prevent the breaks in the skin, commonly known as wrinkles. If the skin is continually relaxed, collagen can build up in the area that is treated and the wrinkle will improve.

Repeated Botulinum Toxin injections (every 4 to 5 months) will ensure a superior long-term result as collagen is not depleted by the constant motion of our muscles.

I'd like to know if it is to early to start getting Botox at age 24? Just in the rift between my eyebrows?

We have many patients starting with Botox® as early as 19 years of age. If you can prevent that dynamic line from becoming worse now already, you’ll find that as you age, you’ll need to treat it less. So by all means, the earlier you get it sorted out, the better. Prevention is definitely better than cure. 

I turned 37 a couple of months ago and have always been blessed with looking about 10 years younger than I am. I'm now worried that I'm going to start looking my age. As I've noticed the skin on my neck has started to age/change. What can I do to prevent even further ageing? I've also noticed that my hands are starting to show my age. What can I use on them to make them look young again?

It is most definitely not too late to start taking proper care of your skin. As we reach our 30's we are unfortunately in that position that our skin turn-over is drastically affected and the trusty old over-the-counter products are just not going to give you what you need anymore.

You need to get onto a good anti-aging regime. Preferably combining the use of peptides, vitamin A, powerful anti-oxidants, and skin resurfacers. It is also highly recommended that you start going for some treatments for these areas that are bothering you. You have so many amazing options, such as superficial chemical peeling, various types of laser treatments, micro-needling to mention but a few. You may even want to consider starting to have some Botox and maybe a filler or two. I would say that the very best thing you can do for yourself right now is to go and have an in-depth consultation with an aesthetic Dr who is well versed in treatments and cosmeceutical product prescription so that you can have your skin properly analysed and have the very best treatment plan worked out for your skin.

I get Botox® injections for migraines. Recently, however, the 100 units only lasts 2 months. Why is it not working as long anymore?

There could be various reasons why Botulinum only lasted for two months. This is something that really varies from person to person.

Generally, the effects last between 3 to 4 months, but some factors can affect this including the body’s circulation, specific medication, certain mineral deficiencies in the body, as well as the immune system.

If one has been on lots of flu medication, or immune-boosting meds quite close to having the Botulinum treatment, these meds, unfortunately, do tend to make the effects of the treatment wear off quicker. certain deficiencies in the body such as a deficiency in Zinc can also be a factor so you could have a Zinc Tally test before your next appointment in order to rule this out as an issue before going ahead with another treatment. 

How does Botox® help the ageing process?

Consumers are always interested in maintaining a youthful appearance, and as the global population's median age increases, this market is increasingly expanding. When we are younger, the brow and jawline elevators are more prominent and the face appears constantly elevated.

As we age, the dynamics change, and the depressors take over, and combined with gravity, a gradual sagging of our brow and jawline takes place. If we can keep the dynamics between elevators and depressors neutral with strategically placed Botulinum Toxin injections every 4 to 6 months, then the sagging that occurs with aging will be reduced.

Multiple clinical studies have shown that a modest elevation occurs in the range of 1 to 3mms which in the face can make a real observable difference. Once the Botulinum Toxin "kicks" in 10 days later, the face takes on a relaxed and refreshed look and one's face appears to glow.

In other words, an anti-aging effect is achieved because Botulinum Toxin relaxes the downward pressure that the depressor muscles exert on the facial tissues. This results in the elevator muscles of the face becoming more dominant, raising the brow and jawline and preventing the downturned mouth or mouth frown.

Is Botox safe?

Botulinum Toxin Facial injections have become an essential ingredient in facial wellness, erasing frown lines, and relaxing worried brows. Botulinum Toxin Facial is safe and effective and has been approved for cosmetic use by the FDA. Botulinum Toxin Facial has become the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure and has been used for more than 10 years in aesthetic practice and more than 20 years in neurology and ophthalmology. There are many publications supporting its use. It has a long and impressive safety record.

Botulinum Toxin Facial should be injected at a physician's office by an experienced and trained medical doctor with an intimate knowledge and understanding of the muscular anatomy of the face as well as the aesthetic implications of proper placement. The final outcome of a Botulinum Toxin procedure is very dependent on the experience of the injector. In addition, Botulinum Toxin side effects will be minimized if done by a practitioner who has done over 1 000 procedures and who injects Botulinum Toxin daily.

What To Expect after a Botox® treatment?

Usually, you will have a mosquito-bite-looking area for 20-60 minutes which resolves without a trace. Very occasionally, little red areas at areas of injection appear but resolve within a couple of days. Try not to fall asleep or relax in a recumbent position for at least 4 hours after a Botulinum Toxin procedure as this may rarely lead to some diffusion or spreading of the Botulinum Toxin Facial to adjacent areas and causing problems

Your regular skin care regimen can be resumed immediately following a treatment, and makeup may be applied if desired.

After having had Botulinum Toxin injections, exercise should be avoided for twenty-four hours.

Try to avoid aspirin-containing products or high-dosage vitamin E supplements for 48 hours before the Botulinum Toxin procedure unless medically necessary. Avoidance of these for 10 days prior to the procedure is recommended to avoid bruising.

How long will it last?

Within 4 days of the treatment you should start to see an improvement in your lines and the final result only " kicks in" 14 days later. The result can last up to 4 months but varies from patient to patient and the initial amount of Botulinum Toxin given. Baby Botox® is Botulinum Toxin given in 3 areas but in half the quantities of a usual procedure. This kind of Botulinum Toxin will only last 6 to 8 weeks and is useful for actors who need facial expression.

With repeated Botulinum Toxin treatments, the result of Botox injections can last for longer periods.

Some patients have hyperactive brows and are constantly raising their brows. In these patients, a shorter effect can be expected as the Botulinum Toxin is quickly "worked" out.

Can all skin types be safely treated with Botox® Facial?

Yes, all skin types can be safely treated with the Botulinum Toxin Facial.

Alternative uses of Botulinum Toxin to treat medical and surgical conditions. Botulinum Toxin is used to treat the following conditions, amongst others:

  • Hemifacial spasm.
  • Blepharospasm (Uncontrollable blinking) can result in the eyelids remaining completely closed all the time, causing functional blindness.
  • Spasmodic torticollis (Twisted neck; a forceful turning of the head to one side, a painful condition).
  • Spasmodic Dysphonia (spasm of the vocal cords) resulting in interruption of speech.
  • Relief of spastic conditions of the hands in children with Cerebral Palsy and in Stroke patients so as to aid personal grooming.
  • Tremor of Parkinson's Disease and Multiple sclerosis.
  • Incapacitating pain due to Chronic low Whiplash.
  • Incapacitating pain due to back and neck pain Myofascial pain syndrome (Fibromyalgia).
  •  Chronic Tension headache.
  •  The overactive bladder results in frequent urination, inability to retain urine, and thus frequent "leaks".
  • Clubfoot in babies is a condition in which the heel and toes turn inward. Botox injections lengthen tendons by relaxing them (previously treated by tendon lengthening surgery.) The club feet are then repositioned and stabilized in casts. This avoids the necessity of an operation to correct the defect.
  • Stops drooling by blocking the salivary glands in stroke patients
  • Relieves spasms of anal fissures, a painful condition that helps relieve prostatism in men, a common condition of ageing.
  • Relieves the spasm of Achalasia and oesophageal sphincter problems that involve difficulty swallowing.
  • Clinical trials are underway for the treatment of Obesity, which involves injecting the stomach muscles, which results in distention of the stomach wall and satiety (feeling of fullness).
  • Migraines
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Got botox done for my frown lines. So happy with the results and Dr Rulene explained everything to me with great detail and patience for all of my questions. Thank you to the amazing team at Skin Renewal Willowbridge.

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I’ve been going to skin renewal west rand for a long time and I’ve always been treated so well! I’m so happy with the treatments I’ve received. Will definitely recommend to anyone!

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Always a lovely experience with friendly, professional service. Dr Tarryn is the absolute best for fillers and botox - completely pain-free and done with such attention to detail.

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Amazing in every dimension!

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What an amazing experience. I was so nervous as this was my first time getting any procedure done and I have very thin and sensitive skin and the staff were so friendly and welcoming and calming and gave me all the reassurance I needed for the botox procedure and answered all my questions and concerns in the weeks and months even leading up to it, during the session as well as after the session. Dr Merle is absolutely amazing. She was so professional, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable and was so soothing with every minute that passed during the procedure. Not to mention the whole aura look and feel of the place feels like you are in heaven. Today is day 1 so look forward to seeing the results and hoping for the best but I know Skin Renewal will guide me and be my side every step of the way in the weeks to come. Highly recommend to anyone!

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The soothing atmosphere and lovely reception staff at the Irene branch were so welcoming and my Botox by Dr Janene was expertly done. I had no bruising and saw results within a few days. I look forward to trying some other treatments in the future.

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I got my Botox and Fillers done with Dr Toni at the Claremont branch over a year ago and I will not trust anyone else with my skin! Dr Toni is an incredible doctor and it's always a pleasure visiting the friendly and professional face at Claremont!

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I would give this 10 stars if I could. I'm extremely happy with the service from Dr. Lestonn Lawn. I basically got a far better service for half the price of what I would usually get it for overseas. He and his shadowing doctor were extremely professional and competent. Honestly I cannot reiterate enough that I got better results in Sandton than I did in Manhattan for half the price. Highly recommend.

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Dr. Trent is managing my skin care plan now that I have entered my thirties - and I couldn’t rave about his attentiveness higher!

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Skin Renewal West Rand are always so professional and efficient. Dr Trent is incredible and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my ageing skin.

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