Botox
- What can we use Botox to treat?
- How does it work?
- Does it hurt?
- How long do the effects last?
- Is it safe?
- Does it look natural?
- Are there any side effects?
- Aftercare
This is the single most effective and by far the most popular aesthetic procedure in the world. It is the greatest advance in recent cosmetic medicine and is in fact one of the greatest advances of medicine as a whole of the last two decades.
Botox can erase lines and wrinkles, improve facial contour and improve eye shape in a matter of days, without the need for what people fear the most, surgery.
What can we use Botox to treat?
Lines, wrinkles:
- crows feet (smile lines)
- frown lines
- forehead lines
- bunny lines (nose)
- marionette lines (mouth to chin lines)
- mouth lines (smokers lines)
Shaping and contouring:
- eye brow lift/upper eye bag lift
- jaw line shaping (jowling)
- turning up corners of the mouth
- nasal flaring
- dimpling of the chin
- aging neck (platysmal bands/necklace lines)
How does it work?
First the muscles to be treated are identified by asking the patient to make specific facial expressions. Then the muscles causing the undesired wrinkles are injected through a tiny needle. The muscles in time relax, as the Botox blocks the nerve impulses going to those muscles. The overlying skin relaxes and other still active muscles pull on the area, therefore erasing the wrinkles.
Does it hurt?
Before
After
The treatment only takes 5-10 minutes, and is very painless. Numbing cream can be applied to your skin before treatment, but the needles are so tiny that there is normally no need. Many patients have commented that the sensation is similar to acupuncture or eyebrow waxing, and many have even commented that the whole experience is actually quite relaxing!
How long do the effects last?
The results of the treatment become apparent after 2-7 days, and the effects should last about 3-6 months. If the patient returns for regular follow up treatments, the muscles reduce in size gradually and in time the effects can last much longer. Latest research has shown that when patients have undergone botox treatments for a few years, the wrinkles are erased permanently.
Is it safe?
Before
After
Botox is a protein derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, having undergone a proven safe and highly effective purification process. The biggest misconception is that it is a poison, and this it most certainly is not. It is in fact organic and completely safe. Since the early 1970s it has been used in treating conditions in many fields of medicine including neurology and ophthalmology and it has been used in aesthetic medicine for over 20 years.
In over 30 years of use in medicine, there have never been any reported serious allergic reactions and with such longevity we can say with certainty that there are no long term side effects. The most important thing to remember is that this treatment is non-permanent and very safe. The botox is metabolised at the injection site and it does not spread to any other parts of the body. If the patient ever decides to stop having the treatment, their appearance will revert to their original state.
Does it look natural?
The overwhelming feedback from our patients is that they are thrilled with their new natural and younger look, and most tell us that nobody (usually including their partners!) ever realises that they had any kind of cosmetic treatment and the usual comments are that they look very healthy and fresh! We pride ourselves to take a measured and personalised approach to each patient with Botox, therefore always striving to avoid the dreaded frozen and drooping effects, and always giving our patients the desired naturally youthful look.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are not very common with Botox treatments, and very importantly even if they occur there are no long term side effects whatsoever. For about one hour after the treatment the patient may have small red bumps at the site of the injections, but these fade within 1 hour, really making this a “lunchtime” treatment. Headaches, slight bruising, tightness and heaviness are rare side-effects but all of these usually resolve within a matter of days.
Aftercare
After every procedure, we will give you aftercare advice.