ANTI-AGEING INJECTIONS

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Anti-Aging Injections (Botox)

Throughout the ages, different societies have cultivated various practices designed to help them achieve their ideal of beauty. We find that non-lethal doses of poisonous substances have long been used for beautification purposes. The woman of ancient Rome used eye drops made from the deadly nightshade, Atropa Belladonna, to dilate their pupils of their eyes because they found this for be more attractive.

dr Louis surgeon
helpful advice

General Questions

Dr. van Oudenhove and the staff work as a team professionally and discreetly to make your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here are some of the commonly asked questions and answers we've put together to enable our client's in making the most informed decisions.

Botulinum Toxin is produced by a bacteria and blocks the release of acetile choline, the chemical substance responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that elicit muscle contraction. In medicine, botulinum toxin is injected directly into hyperacitve muscles. It has been safely and effectively used for treatment for strabismus (cross-eye) and blepharospasm (lid spasm) since the early eighties.

Information coming soon..

Hyperactivity of the facial expression muscles often results in the development of deep frown lines, forehead lines and / or crows feet. 


Injecting botulinum toxin into the affected area temporarily paralyses the underlying muscles responsible for wrinkling, giving the face a more relaxed and pleasant appearance. The wrinkles become smoother or disappear altogether. 


Botulinum Toxin therapy cannot replace wrinkle correction methods such as laser skin pealing or injections of fat or synthetic filler materials when these are necessary.

The initial effects of treatment become visible within 48 – 72 hours. 


The maximum affect is reached in about | – 2 weeks. Your facial expression will become more relaxed but by no means mask-like. 


The overall result is very natural. The effect of treatment generally lasts for 4 – 6 months. Repeat treatment is then required.

Botulinum toxin injection in generally a safe and effective treatment method, nevertheless, certain side effects can occur but, like the intended treatment effects, they are mostly reversible. 


Temporary side effects which are extremely uncommon but may occur are: 

- Is Bruising or swelling at the injection site 

- Slight feeling of nausea 

- Tiredness and mild pain in the arms and legs 

- Temporary drooping of the eyebrow or upper eyelid 

- Brief visual disturbances 

- Dryness of the eye 

- Skin rash 

- Itching 

- Allergic reactions 

- Dry mouth


Contra-indications to botox injections are: 

- Pregnancy 

- Breast feeding 

- Myasthenia Gravis 

- Lambert-Eaton syndrome 

- Blood coagulation disorders


Drug interactions:

Drug interactions can occur when Botox is used Concomitantly with other medications. Since these medications can alter the effect of Botulinum Toxin, you must insure that your doctor is aware of any current medications you are taking especially : 

1. Aminoglycoside antibiotics

2. Anaesthetics 

3. Muscle relaxants

1. Botox injections are especially helpful for the vertical frown lines, between the eye-brows. 

2. Botox injections are beneficial for the horizontal forehead lines. 

3. Botox injections are helpful for the crow’s feet or lateral squint lines on the outer aspect of both eyes. 

4. Botox injections have been shown to be very helpful in smoothing the vertical lines around the mouth which are caused by muscle action. 


Kindly note that deeply ingrained lines which were initially caused by muscle action will also need resurfacing to obtain the best results.

Wrinkles due to the affect of gravity and ageing, smoking and sun damage represent a natural sagging of the soft tissues over time. These wrinkles are generally improved by surgical tightening procedures. Wrinkles due to muscle action will best respond to Botox treatment. 


It is very important that the patient understands exactly which lines are going to be improved and just as importantly, whether additional surgical treatment may be needed to obtain a better result. 


Further surgical treatment may involve injections of filler materials into the skin or a variety of lifting techniques. It is also very important to realise that no one has a perfectly symmetrical face. Facial asymmetries are usually minor and normally go unnoticed in everyday situations. It is therefore important to point out any asymmetries especially when they are more pronounced. 


Botox therapy can make facial asymmetries more prominent. It is equally important for realise that the wrinkle will not disappear completely after Botox treatment. Close examination will reveal the presence of the line. In deeper wrinkles, concomitant surgical treatment may be indicated.

It is important to realise that surgical excision or removal of parts or a complete muscle may be done in selected cases instead of Botox therapy. This will of course result in a permanent effect but will leave a small scar and in certain cases a slight barely noticeable contour deformity. 


In cases where the line has become deep and clearly visible even when the muscles are at rest, it may be advisable to combine Botox therapy with a filler material injection under the line to obtain better results. This is not Usually necessary in younger patients.

The procedure is done in the office without the use of local anaesthetic injections. We do however recommend the use of a topical local anaesthetic cream about 1’’4 hours before the procedure. 


This will minimise the discomfort resulting from the injections. The procedure takes about 15 – 20 mins and one is able to return home immediately afterwards. 


 If you have any queries please do not hesitate to our offices on 021 797 4131.


Kindly note that the contents of page remain the intellectual property of Dr L. van Oudenhove