Botox is licensed in the UK for treating localised excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the armpits. Small doses are injected into the skin blocking nerve supply to sweat glands, thereby preventing the glands from producing sweat. This is not a permanent cure, so repeated dosing is usually required every 5-6 months for maximum effect. The full effect usually occurs after 1 week.
This procedure involves placing multiple injections of botulinum toxin horizontally along the lower jawline and vertically down the side of the neck along with the platysmal band muscles. Platysmal bands are what pull down on the lower side of the face. Relaxing the muscles in this area results in the improved definition of the jawline, and an ‘upward lifting effect’ in the neck. Whilst this treatment can achieve around 15% lift, it should not be considered a “face-lift in a bottle”.
Using Botulinum toxin, we can reduce the width of the jawline by injecting it into the chewing muscles, also known as the masseter muscle. Full onset takes around 6 weeks and lasts around 6 months.