The first type of botulinum toxin A may have been available since the late 1980s but as the experts at Singapore’s own SL Aesthetic Clinic can attest, not all frown-freezing toxins and even injection techniques are equal. This is why you’ll want a clinic where skill meets artistry.
SL Aesthetic Clinic has treated thousands of discerning clients since it was established over two decade ago. A recommended treatment at the clinic is a product from Merz Aesthetics that is free from impurities—popular for its ability to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including the reduction of facial wrinkles, such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.
Benefits you can see and feel
“It is a medical treatment made from a natural substance called botulinum toxin, derived from bacteria,” explains SL Aesthetic Clinic’s Dr Lau Chun Lim who specialises in the correction of wrinkles, lines, volume loss, and asymmetry.
“It works by temporarily relaxing muscles when injected. This relaxation helps in easing muscle spasms or softening wrinkles by preventing the muscles from contracting too strongly. It’s like putting a pause button on muscle activity, providing relief or reducing the appearance of wrinkles.”
By targeting muscle activity under the skin, the neurotoxin thereby arrests areas such as the glabellar (frown lines), forehead and crow’s feet.
“Its precise application smooths out wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance for patients.”
“By temporarily relaxing overactive muscles, it helps alleviate pain and improve mobility, enhancing patients’ quality of life,” adds Dr Lau.
Why the right type of neurotoxin matters
Did you know most neurotoxin treatments today contain extra ingredients or “impurities”? These may include complexing proteins, inactive neurotoxins, flagellin (a protein that helps bacteria move), and bacterial DNA.
Such impurities shouldn’t be there, according to Merz Aesthetics. They may stimulate the production of antibodies that fight against the neurotoxin treatment, decreasing the efficacy of the toxin over time and calling for higher doses. In some cases, neurotoxin resistance may mean that treatments stop working altogether.
As it is purified without extra proteins, patients encounter lower risks without unnecessary impurities. “With it, patients can enjoy the benefits of smoother, more youthful-looking skin without the concern of treatment resistance, ultimately enhancing their confidence and satisfaction with the results,” adds senior executive doctor of SL Aesthetic Clinic, Chen Kailun.
The results, according to SL Aesthetic Clinic
“Seeing how Merz Aesthetics’ products transform my patients’ lives firsthand is truly incredible,” explains senior executive doctor, Chen Kailun of SL Aesthetic Clinic.
“It is more than just an anti-wrinkle treatment—it’s a catalyst for confidence and happiness as it unlocks a better version of themselves.”
“Every day, I witness the transformative power of aesthetic treatments in my patients’ lives, and this is why I’m passionate about what I do,” he adds.
Prolonging the lifespan of your treatment
This neurotoxin effects typically last around three to six months, and to maintain this, Dr Akira Tan recommends patients adopt a healthy lifestyle. “Stay hydrated, routinely use moisturisers and sunblock and maintain a healthy diet.” Regular strenuous exercise and face scrunching that come along with power workouts, however, does reduce the lifespan of efficacy, possibly due to increased metabolism.
“I often tell my more active patients to be conscious of their facial expressions during their workouts and to try to relax their facial expressions during exercise to preserve its effects,” advises Dr Tan.
Managing common side effects
“Some common side effects are mild bruising and swelling at the site of injection and the sensation of stiffness,” explains Dr Tan. “This can be managed by avoiding alcohol over the 48 hours after injection and gentle icing of the area.” The sensation of stiffness will also improve with time.
“Less common side effects include heaviness of the eyebrows or eyelids, and asymmetrical results. Consulting an experienced doctor and undergoing a thorough pre-treatment assessment to select appropriate areas of treatment and dosages will help to reduce these risks. Also, returning for your scheduled review is helpful as your doctor can provide touch-ups to improve your satisfaction as well.”
Enhancing your neurotoxin treatments with other treatments at SL Aesthetic Clinic
“At SL Aesthetic Clinic, our signature treatments are meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of each patient, embodying our dedication to personalised, cutting-edge care,” shares Dr Chen.
Aside from neurotoxin treatments, other top services include “skin boosters and skin tightening modalities such as Ultherapy.”
