Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin treatment - commonly known as botox - is a procedure which involves the injection of a wrinkle muscle relaxer. It typically uses botulinum toxin type A to paralyse muscles temporarily, reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the face.

It is a minimally invasive treatment which is recognised as a safe method of addressing, wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, frown lines as well as wrinkles or 'stress lines' on the forehead. Botox can also be used to correct the bunny and gummy smile and to soften the smoker’s line.

Am I a suitable candidate for botulinum toxin treatment?

In general, suitable candidates for botox will typically have unwanted facial wrinkles. Your doctor may consider that botox is a treatment option for you if; your facial wrinkles are moderate to severe; you have a good level of general health; you have wrinkles located in facial areas which botox can treat, such as around the eyes, around the neck, or on your forehead; and if you have realistic expectations of what the procedure can achieve.

You may be unsuitable for cosmetic botox treatment if; you are pregnant; you are breastfeeding, or you have a neurological disease.

Benefits of botulinum toxin treatment

Suitable candidates can look forward to a broad variety of benefits offered by botox treatment. These include;

- Minimisation or elimination of wrinkles - cosmetic treatment is capable of minimising or virtually eliminating wrinkles temporarily. It does this by blocking nerve signals which are responsible for the expressive muscles.

- Long-lasting results - in general, the results of botox will last for at least four months, and up to half a year. Injections can be repeated as and when they are required.

- Natural-looking - in contrast with more drastic, surgical procedures, such as facelifts, botox offers results which look natural, and do not take weeks or months for results to be achieved.

- Works well with other cosmetic procedures - there are many other non-surgical treatments for wrinkles which compliment botox well. In some cases, botox can be used in tandem with other procedures which address different ageing signs, such as dermal fillers which are intended to combat static wrinkles.

Because joint injections for pain are local injections, there can be a small risk of side effects when compared to other types of treatment. In the case of steroid injections, there is the possibility of avoiding larger doses of oral steroids, which are understood to have a greater risk of side effects.

Another advantage of joint injections for pain is the amount of time they can be effective for. While joint injections can lead to a temporary flare in inflammation and pain for up to 48 hours after the treatment, they take effect quickly, and can result in pain relief and a decrease in inflammation which last for up to several months.

The treatment itself is quick and safe, taking only a few minutes and typically not requiring any downtime.

Joint injections for pain also offer the benefit of working well as part of a wider treatment plan which includes other treatments such as physical therapy.

How botulinum toxin treatment works

Botox works by blocking signals which go from the nerves to the facial muscles. The muscle which has been treated is prevented from contracting, which can have the effect of softening and relaxing the wrinkles. It should be noted that wrinkles caused by gravity (static wrinkles) or by sun damage will not respond to the treatment.

The procedure itself can be completed in a few minutes, and typically doesn't require the application of an anaesthetic. Using a fine needle, the botox formula will be injected into the targeted muscles, with only minimal discomfort. Results usually take between three days to one week to take full effect. You may be asked to stop drinking alcohol for a few days before the procedure. It might also be recommended that you stop taking anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners for up to two weeks ahead of the procedure, in order to reduce bruising.

Ultrasound may be used to help find the best injection site, and you will be instructed to lie down in a way which allows easy access to the injection site. The injection - of a mix which can include a numbing agent - will then be administered. You'll be given instructions on how to keep the injection site dry and clean over the next few hours, and you may want to use an ice pack to help relieve any pain.

Post-treatment instructions for botulinum toxin

Avoid touching the treated area for 2-3 hours
You can wear make-up and wash your face but be gentle around the areas of treatment
No vigorous exercise on the day of treatment
No sunbeds for 3 days
No facial or chemical peelers or laser resurfacing for the next 14 days
Be patient, you will not notice an effect for at least 3 days. The full effect can take up to 2 weeks

If you are not happy with the desired result you can call for a free top up after about 1 week. Top ups normally cannot be given after 4 weeks though we will make a note of this and give you a bigger dose when you need the treatment next time.