What is Botox?
Botox is the trade name for Botulinum toxin. A solution of tiny amounts of the protein is injected just below the skin surface into specific muscles.
Strange as this may sound, many medicines are derived from bacteria and fungi – penicillin being the best example.
The bacterium produces a protein which blocks messages to the muscles telling it to contract. Once messages are blocked, muscles relax and smooth out. Botox is used in large amounbts medically to relieve muscle spasm in conditions including strokes and cerebral palsy.
Botox has been used cosmetically for many years.
The effect is temporary and reversible.
Are the effects immediate?
It takes between 4 – 14 days for Botox to take effect. The treatment itself takes only minutes.
Does it hurt?
It is an injection and so there is some associated mild and short lived discomfort.
Are there side effects?
Botox has been use medically in much larger amounts for decades for treating muscle spasm in children and adults. Cosmetic doses are much smaller and so have reduced side effect profile. As it is an injection, there is a risk of bruising but they are small and easily disguised. Avoid alcohol, aspirin and St John’s Wort before treatment to help reduce the risk of bruises.
How long does it last?
The results can last for 3 – 6 months, with the average first treatment lasting about 4 months. After this time, the line starts to gradually form again as the muscles start to react again. With time, it lasts longer as you break the habit of frowning.
How often do I need to have Botox?
The first treatment lasts about 3 - 6 months. After this, it should last 4 - 6 months as the lines are already reduced. As lines and wrinkles gradually start to return (though they will be less established) many people wish to have a repeat treatment after about 4 – 6 months.
Do the wrinkles come back worse?
No. As you’ve not been wrinkling the skin for months, the lines take longer to form and so you’ve effectively given that area a holiday from wrinkling. You are also breaking the habit of frowning and looking stern and stressed and the frown lines are reduced.
Who can carry out Botox treatments?
Only medically qualified health professionals can carry out Botox procedures - nurses, doctors and dentists. Do not go to anyone who is not medically qualified. Nurses are usually much more experienced in giving injections.
What are the risks?
If the Botox is injected into the wrong areas or diffuses into the wrong areas, you may get a temporary droopy eyelid or brow. To prevent this, all that needs to be done is to avoid those areas. Although very rare, there is a risk of allergy. Please ensure that you see a medically qualified practitioner.
What happens afterwards?
Alison offers a FREE review appointment two weeks after the treatment to ensure you are happy and to perfect the results. This is a safe policy as it means that the dosage is a safe amount and can be topped up if required rather than having too much in the initial treatment.
You can
call her anytime if you are concerned or have questions. She is available and easy to contact.
Who cannot have Botox?
You should not have botox if:
• If you are pregnant or breast feeding
• If you are on anti biotics
• If you have a known allergy to Botox
• If you have a muscular disorder
• You will be advised individually if you have active acne or broken skin or are prone to cold sores
• Not recommended if you are over the age of 65
All clients are seen individually and can discuss any concerns with Alison as a trained nurse.
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