botox

Botox is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent. It is manufactured from a purified protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause wrinkles and lines.

The muscles of facial expression are connected to the skin overlying them. After years of use, the muscles create visible lines and creases. By paralysing the superficial muscles attached to the skin, wrinkles “relax” and soften. When the muscles are paralysed, the creation of more wrinkles is prevented. The overall effect is a smoother, more serene, more youthful appearance. It’s like having a “brow lift” without invasive surgery.

Botox acts on the chosen nerves of the facial muscles so they relax and no longer crease or form lines and wrinkles, while your untreated facial muscles will still function normally.

This is a simple and safe procedure and it generally takes 10 to 15 minutes for the treatment to be carried out. First the skin in the desired area will be cleaned and then Botox is injected. We use a tiny needle to cause minimal sensation and discomfort and to also allow greater precision in delivery of Botox to the specified facial area.

Individuals vary in their response, but most patients remark that there is minimal discomfort comparing the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or anaesthetic is required, and you can resume most normal activities immediately.

The initial effects of treatment become visible within 48 to 72 hours. The maximum effect is reached in about 2 weeks. Your facial expression will become more relaxed but by no means mask like. The overall effect is very natural. The effect of treatment generally lasts for 3-4 months and can last up to 4-6 months depending on each individual. You will notice a gradual fading of its effects. Re-treatment is then required. The longer that you have treatments, the less frequent that you will need it.

Botox can be used for the treatment of 3 main areas; Forehead, glabellar (frown lines between the eyebrows) and crow’s feet (lines around the eyes).

Although the results are visible, treatment with Botox will not radically change your facial appearance. The muscle activity that causes the targeted muscles is simply reduced, the rest of your facial expressions will not be affected.

If you do not continue treatments with Botox, the areas which you had treated will gradually look like they did before treatment.

Following treatment with Botox there can be side effects such as: slight bleeding, swelling, redness and some bruising, they are very rare and usually temporary. Infection at the injection site is also very rare. Use of a simple antiseptic cream can help prevent this. Some Clients experience a transient mild headache, nausea or skin irritation. If this does occur it will improve after a day or two.

Other side effects are directly related to the action of the Botox. Ptosis (eyelid or eyebrow droop) and Diplopia (double vision) are rare but possible and can take a few weeks to settle completely if they do occur. These side effects are related to the practitioner’s technique and the knowledge of facial anatomy. Muscle atrophy or wasting can occur with regular treatments. Developing resistance to Botox is possible if you develop antibodies against the toxin. Higher doses (not in cosmetic treatments) and too frequent treatments can increase this risk. There are possible solutions to resistance. This can be discussed during the consultation with the practitioner.

Yes. Only the highest quality products which are fully licensed and certified are used. Procedures are administered by a fully-qualified and experienced medical practitioner who is trained in the use of these products. Botox has been widely used for cosmetic purposes for more than 20 years.

No reported cases of true allergic reaction have been reported.

Yes, especially if enough toxin is injected too frequently. In aesthetics, where we work with smaller doses the incidence is very rare. The crucial amount is several hundred units (much more than the usual cosmetic dosage) and perhaps if booster injections are given after one month of the initial injections and before the next treatment is due. Antibodies have been more of a problem for neurological disorders where larger amounts of Botox are required. When sufficient amounts of antibodies are formed, the therapeutic effects of Botox are greatly reduced. There are possible solutions to resistance. This can be discussed during the consultation with the practitioner.

Generally yes, Men and women over 18 years old can benefit from Botox treatments. There are a few restrictions for Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding (as the effects on the baby have not been tested in these situations) and also people with certain medical conditions, such as Neuro-muscular diseases, on people on specific medical treatments. And finally people that are taking Aminoglycoside antibiotics cannot have this treatment. All these restrictions can be discussed in the consultation with our practitioner.

During your consultation our practitioner will carry out a medical assessment, fill in the consent forms, answer your queries and will discuss what your expectations from the treatment are. Following the consultation, a cooling period is recommended and an appointment for treatment will be booked.