What is Botox?
Botox is a brand of botulinum toxin. The toxin is created from a bacteria and then highly purified for medical use.
Treatment with Botox is one of the most common cosmetic procedures worldwide. It has been used medically for over 30 years.


What are the uses of Botox?
Botox is most commonly injected to relax muscles of the face to reduce the signs of aging.
Botox also has medical uses. We use it in our clinic to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) by injecting it into the armpits.
Botox can also relax the muscles of the jaw in the case of teeth grinding (bruxism).


What are the benefits of Botox?
Botox has many potential benefits, including:

• relaxing existing lines and wrinkles

• preventing lines and wrinkles

• lifting – for example, lifting eyebrows or the corners of a downturned smile

• dropping – for example, dramatically improving a gummy smile by lowering the top lip

• narrowing a masculine jaw line

• improving skin quality by reducing sebum production in the skin

• decreasing teeth grinding

• decreasing excessive sweating

Is Botox safe?
Botox has been used extensively for over 30 years. It is approved for use in over 78 countries. Its safety and effectiveness have been evaluated extensively.
In skilled hands, Botox is a safe and effective treatment. Generally, side effects are non-existent or very minor and short-lived.
Allergic response to Botox is extremely rare.
Treatment doses are very small. Good and safe Botox requires knowledge of facial muscles, skill and technique of injection.


Who should avoid Botox?
Botox should not be used in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Those with neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis or motor neurone disease should not have Botox.
Certain antibiotics (called aminoglycosides) would exclude someone from having botox for the duration of their antibiotic treatment. They are not used commonly for routine medical problems, though can sometimes be found in ear drops.
Blood thinning treatment (such as aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, apixaban, rivaroxaban, etc.) do not exclude treatment but can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Please discuss this with us.


Who can prescribe Botox?
Botox is a prescription only product. GMC guidance states that a doctor (or other prescriber) must assess the patient in a face-to-face consultation before issuing a prescription. Your doctor will assess you in clinic to determine your needs.

 

Who can inject Botox?

In this clinic, only your doctor, trained in aesthetics, will perform your injections if you wish to proceed after your consultation.

It is important that an experienced and trained professional understands your face and your treatment goals.

Good Botox is dependent on good technique. In-depth knowledge of your facial anatomy is essential to tailor your treatment.

 

What does my treatment involve?

Your consultation will involve a discussion about your concerns and goals.

A medical history will be taken to ensure that treatment is safe for you.

If you wish to proceed then your written consent will be obtained once the procedure has been fully explained to you.

Photographs will be taken of your face before the procedure. These are stored securely and will not be used without your consent.

Make-up is removed from the treatment area.

Your face is marked with a surgical crayon for accurate and precise injection sites to ensure facial symmetry.

Precise injections are then made using small volumes via a tiny needle. This causes minimal discomfort and most people report no more than a pinching feeling.

The number of injections varies depending on the area treated. For example, treating horizontal lines on the forehead requires 4 injections. Crows feet require 3 on each side. A brow lift needs only one injection on each side.

You will be reviewed in clinic after 2 weeks.

 

How long does my treatment take?

Your appointment will be approximately 30 minutes. The actual injection takes only a few minutes but it is important to assess your face and treatment goals as well as suitability for treatment.

 

Is Botox treatment painful?

Botox requires an injection with a tiny needle. This ensures minimum discomfort. Most people tolerate this easily and describe no more than a slight pinching sensation. Afterwards, it is common to have a slight ‘bee sting’ appearance but usually this settles in a couple of hours

 

What is the recovery time?

You will be fine to return to activities (with a few exceptions – see aftercare) straight after your treatment. Some people have Botox in their lunch break and return to work without anyone being aware of their treatment!

There is no down time.

 

When will I see results?

Botox starts to work on the muscles immediately but results are not usually seen until after 72 hours. It can take 2 weeks for the full effect to be seen. Top-up injections would not be done before 2 weeks for this reason.

 

Will I lose expression?

Treatment with Botox relaxes the muscles causing wrinkles and creasing. Often these muscles are involved in facial expression.

The effect of Botox is dose dependent and the aim is always to start with a conservative and natural look. You will then be reviewed to assess the response and adjust your treatment to suit your goals. Some like to retain expression, some like to remove frown lines but retain some expression and others like a frozen look. This is tailored to the individual.

Botox needs to be administered by a professional as it depends on skill, injection technique and a knowledge of the muscles of the face.

 

When will I be reviewed?

You will be reviewed 2 weeks after your initial appointment.

50% of people will require a top-up with Botox to achieve their desired result. This process avoids over-doing things at the first injection and reduces the risk of unwanted effects.

The result is tailored to suit you. Some people like to retain expression but reduce skin creasing. Others like a frozen look. Often, people like to remove or reduce their frown but retain the ability to show surprise.

 

How long will the effects of Botox last?

Treatments with Botox usually last 3-4 months but it can last longer. In order to maintain the anti-aging look, Botox will require regular administration, usually 3 to 4 times per year.

 

What is advised after treatment with Botox?

• Do not rub the treated area.

• Avoid strenuous activity same day.

• Avoid alcohol same day.
  Avoid facial treatments such as peels, dermabrasion etc. for 24 hours.

• Remain upright for 4 hours after treatment.

• Do not apply heat to the affected area same day.

• Use facial expression to exercise the treated muscles same day.

• Bruising, tenderness and headache can occur and are usually brief

If you have any concerns then contact your doctor.

 

Can men have Botox?

Absolutely. Your clinic doctors are experienced in assessing and treating men. You can be assured of a confidential service. This is a rapidly growing area. Like women, many men desire to fight and minimise the signs of aging.

 

Can I have Botox in my home?

Botox is an injectable agent. We prefer that you are assessed and treated in a clinical setting by an experienced medical professional. There may be exceptional circumstances (e.g. mobility issues) where access to clinic is difficult for clients, and suitable alternatives could be considered. Please discuss your needs with one of our team.