Non-Surgical Treatments

What the procedure is

Non-surgical treatments include botulinum toxin injection, dermal fillers and thread lifts. They are performed in clinic without general anaesthesia.

Botulinum toxin temporarily relaxes specific muscles, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles such as forehead and frown lines. The effect is temporary, usually lasting three to six months.

Filler is a substance injected to restore lost volume or improve contour; the most widely used is hyaluronic acid. Its duration varies with type and site, commonly six to eighteen months.

Thread lifts elevate tissue to a limited degree; the effect is less than surgery and shorter-lived. They do not replace a surgical lift where laxity is marked.

These treatments address wrinkles and volume loss. They do not address marked skin laxity, which requires surgery.

Who is a suitable candidate

• People with dynamic wrinkles or limited volume loss.
• People without active infection at the injection site.
• People who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
• People without certain neuromuscular conditions or a known allergy to the substance used.

How it is performed

Performed in clinic, usually taking fifteen to forty-five minutes.

A topical anaesthetic cream may be used.

Botulinum toxin is injected at specific muscular points, with the effect appearing gradually over days.

Filler is injected into defined planes according to site and purpose.

Recovery

• Return to normal activity the same day in most cases.
• Redness, mild swelling or small bruises at the injection site are common and settle within days.
• Avoiding intense heat and vigorous exertion on the first day is advised, along with specific instructions on head position after botulinum toxin.

Scars

There are no scars; injection marks are pinpoint and resolve.

Risks and complications

Every operation carries risk. This is an educational list, not an exhaustive one; the risks specific to your case are discussed during consultation.

• Bruising, swelling or local redness.
• Asymmetry or an uneven result.
• Temporary drooping of an eyelid or eyebrow after botulinum toxin, which resolves as the effect wears off.
• Lumps or irregularity beneath the skin after filler.
• Infection at the injection site.
• Allergic reaction.
• Occlusion of a blood vessel by filler — a rare but serious complication that can cause skin damage or visual impairment, which is why injection should be carried out by a qualified doctor in a setting equipped to manage it immediately.
• With threads: extrusion of a thread end, asymmetry or local pain.

Combining with other procedures

These treatments are frequently combined with one another, and may be used to refine detail after recovery from surgery. They are not performed at the same time as surgery in the same area.

Common questions