Botulinum Toxin
Facial lines can develop where repeated muscle movement folds the skin, including between the eyebrows, around the eyes and across the forehead.
Botulinum toxin type A is a prescription medicine that temporarily reduces activity in selected muscles. Treatment is individualised following an assessment of facial movement, anatomy, medical history and treatment goals.
Different botulinum toxin type A products have different formulations and product-specific units. They are not therapeutically equivalent, and their units must not be compared or converted between products. If treatment is suitable, the proposed medicine, expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives will be discussed with you.
Consultations and treatment are available with Dr Kevin McKerrow, dermatologist.
How is the procedure performed?
Treatment involves a series of small injections into selected muscles or areas of skin. Appointment time, discomfort and whether anaesthetic is appropriate vary by treatment area and individual. Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur. Many people return to their usual activities soon afterward, but individual aftercare instructions should be followed.
Before treatment, tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements, particularly blood-thinning or antiplatelet medicines. Also provide the name and date of any previous botulinum toxin treatment and describe any unexpected effects. Do not stop a prescribed medicine unless advised by its prescriber.
After treatment, avoid rubbing or applying firm pressure to the injected areas and follow the instructions provided by your clinician. Contact the clinic if you have concerns.
What may be considered at consultation?
Approved uses differ between products. Depending on the product and clinical assessment, consultation may include:
- upper facial lines, including frown lines, forehead lines and lateral eye lines commonly called crow's feet
- primary axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating
- chronic migraine where the relevant clinical criteria are met
Not every product is approved or suitable for every indication. Suitability can only be determined following an individual clinical assessment.
How long do the effects last?
Effects usually begin within several days and wear off gradually. Duration varies with the product, dose, treatment area and individual, and may be shorter or longer than several months. Repeat treatment is not automatic; suitability and timing are reassessed, and product-specific minimum treatment intervals apply.
Your treatment goals and the appropriate degree of muscle relaxation will be discussed before treatment. Results cannot be guaranteed and individual responses vary.
Important medicine information
Botulinum toxin type A products are prescription medicines. Different formulations and unit systems are product-specific and are not interchangeable. The product and dose proposed for you will depend on the indication and clinical assessment.
All prescription medicines have risks and benefits. Possible effects include injection-site pain, redness, swelling or bruising, headache, temporary weakness of nearby muscles, eyelid or brow droop, facial asymmetry and dry eye, depending on the medicine and treatment area. Rarely, effects may spread beyond the injection site and cause more generalised weakness or difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing. Seek urgent medical help if these symptoms occur.
Treatment may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with certain neuromuscular conditions, or where infection is present at the proposed injection site. Tell your clinician about all medical conditions, medicines and previous reactions before treatment.
Further information about the risks and benefits of the proposed medicine is available in its Consumer Medicine Information or New Zealand data sheet through the Medsafe medicine information database. A consultation and treatment fee applies.
Skin Specialist Centre
15 Green Lane East, Remuera, Auckland 1050
Phone: (09) 524 5011