BOTOX® anti-wrinkle injections are, and remain, the fastest growing and most effective non-surgical treatment for fine lines and wrinkles in the World. They produce a softening, and in many cases, a near removal of fine lines and wrinkles that appear as we grow older. Deeper lines that are present at rest will soften, but not disappear and this will leave you looking refreshed and younger, but not frozen.
BOTOX® has been used in the medical profession for over 30 years, mainly for the treatment of muscle spasms (in adults and children), and for facial tics. Doctors began to notice that the patient’s skin was looking smoother and younger and so research into a cosmetic use for BOTOX® was born.
The procedure is simple and takes about 15 – 20 minutes. BOTOX® is administered using extremely fine needles and is therefore relatively painless. A review appointment is made after 2 weeks and further “touch ups” are performed if required and are free of charge. You will be able to resume your daily routine immediately after your visit as there will be very few visible signs of your treatment.
BOTOX® is administered to reduce unwanted sweating. It is a medically approved treatment for people who suffer from excessive armpit sweating (hyperhidrosis) and can radically reduce sweating for approximately 6-9 months. It is also used for the relief of headaches and migraines caused by frowning and muscle tension. By relaxing the muscles, the tension is reduced and the headaches can disappear.
BOTOX® is a natural protein (botulinum toxin A), that is produced by bacteria and then highly refined for medical use. It must be prescribed by a qualified health care professional such as a doctor, dentist or nurse prescriber. (There are a few products on the market that work the same way and are as effective – these are Azzalure, Xeomin, Dysport, BOCOUTURE, Vistabel as well as BOTOX®).
BOTOX® works by temporarily blocking the messages to our muscles that tell them to contract, allowing them to relax. (More scientifically, it acts at the junction between the nerves and the muscle to prevent the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine from the nerve ending. Because this messenger isn’t released, the muscle doesn’t get the message to contract, and therefore relaxes temporarily). The effect of the BOTOX® gradually wears off allowing the muscle to contract as before.
The effects usually start to show within 3 days and develop gradually, with the full effect being reached at approximately 2 weeks. On average, the results last approximately 3-5 months. With repeated treatments, the longevity of the effect can increase, particularly with frown treatment.
It really is surprisingly painless. Any discomfort is extremely short lived because it is administered so quickly using ultra fine needles.
No. At your consultation, your problem areas and your desired improvements and outcomes will be discussed. By precisely pinpointing which muscles to relax in order to attain this, a natural result is achieved and normal facial expression is maintained.
This has only been seen in patients who have had it in much larger doses for medical reasons. No resistance has been recorded in patients who have had BOTOX® administered for cosmetic use.
No. There are no creams that can relax muscles like BOTOX® does. Nothing else comes this close to achieving such good results.
In a small number of cases there may be some localised bruising and tenderness, or a mild headache after the injections.
Yes. It is not recommended for people suffering from a neuromuscular disease such as Bells Palsy or Myasthenia Gravis, nor taking medication that interferes with neuromuscular transmission (Aminoglycosides). It should not be administered if you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, nor if you have any bleeding disorders, including unstable readings with anti-coagulant therapy.