How is Botox used?

A few drops of Botox are injected with an extremely small needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. This blocks the nerve impulses from stimulating the muscle and as a result the muscle relaxes. As the muscle stops contracting, the skin overlying the muscle also relaxes. This results in the wrinkles/lines in the skin to soften.

Surrounding untreated facial muscles will contract in the normal fashion. This allows normal facial expressions to remain unaffected.

How safe is Botox?

For over 15 years Botox has been used safely and successfully in Oculoplastic surgery for wrinkle therapy. Since Botox is not is not permanent, possible side effects are temporary and are localised to the area injected.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

Firstly our doctor will take a complete medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. He will perform a facial examination to assess which areas of your face may benefit from Botox. Botox can only treat lines/wrinkles caused by muscular contractions.

Where is Botox most effective?

The most common areas to treat with Botox are the frown lines (vertical between the eyebrows), forehead lines (horizontal lines along the forehead), and crows feet (lines to the side of each eye). On occasions other areas may also be treated.

Will it give me an artificial appearance?

Treatment with Botox produces a more youthful and rested appearance, doing away with the lines/wrinkles that form around the upper part of the face. When performed properly, it does not produce an artificial appearance.

Is Botox painful?

The injections are shallow and most patients tolerate this quite comfortably. It is often described as a small pinch for a few seconds. Cold compresses and anaesthetic cream can be used to numb the skin.

How long does the procedure take?

Botox treatments generally take approximately 10 minutes. Results can be seen from as early as 1-2 days after treatment, but can take as long as two weeks.

Are there any limitations on my activity following treatment?

Most people can usually return to normal activities immediately. The only restrictions are that you should not have a facial massage or allow any form of pressure to face for 24 hours.

Can I apply make-up immediately after the treatment?

Make-up can be applied within a few minutes of treatment, Application should be gentle over areas of treatment.

What is the recovery time?

Botox may leave a red mark for a few minutes where treatment was administered. There may be a small area of swelling and at the injection sites which typically resolves within a couple of hours if at all.

Are there any side effects/risks?

Side effects are rare; indeed it is one of the safest cosmetic procedures available. Occasionally a temporary drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows may occur, but this only last a few weeks. Rarely a transient numbness develops in the treated area. As with any injection there is a small risk of infection. Minor bruising may occur at the injection sites, and if you are prone to cold sores, treatment may bring out an eruption. Finally an extremely rare side effect is weakness and fatigue. In one study less than 3% of patients experienced any of these complications.

How long do the results last for?

Allagan, the manufacturer of Botox, states the effects last about three months, we have found routinely the effects to last from four to six months.

How many treatments will I need?

Repeat treatments are usually required every 3-4 months over a 12 -24 month period. Clinical trials report that some patients subsequently require treatment once or twice per year after this period. Some patients claim permanent improvement occurs. Further treatments are best performed soon after muscle activity begins to return.

What should I do/not do after my treatment?

• Refrain from touching the area for 3-4 hours.
• Remain upright for 3-4 hours.
• Do not have a facial massage or electrical stimulation to the face.
• Do not overstretch, bend or kneel excessively for 2 weeks following the treatment.
• Do not fly for up to 72 hours after the treatment.
• Muscle weakening does not begin until at least 1-2 days after treatment, but sometimes takes as much as 2 weeks.
• After cosmetic treatment, the effects of Botox usually persist for about 4 months before muscle activity is gradually resolved.
• It is recommended that you return for more treatment at the first sign of muscle re-activation.

For further advice or to arrange an appointment please call: 01908 395 031