Are you considering anti wrinkle injections (botox) or dermal fillers for the first time? Here are some frequently asked questions answered by facial aesthetic practitioner and GP Dr Adam Sheppard.
Will it hurt?
Any injection can be uncomfortable. The injections used for botulinum toxin (Botox) are very small so discomfort is minimal.
Does Botox cause headaches?
Some patients experience headaches after treatments whilst others do not experience any at all. These type of headaches are usually very mild, will disappear after 1 or 2 days and can be treated with regular analgesia such as ibuprofen. Botulinum toxin is an FDA prescription drug approved to treat certain types of headaches so therefore the symptoms should be very mild in nature. If the headache persists I would recommend you go back to your practitioner for further evaluation.
Could I end up a with droopy eyelids following treatment?
Temporary drooping of the eyelid, also known as transient ptosis, is a rare and temporary side effect of botulinium anti wrinkle injections. While drooping eyelids are bothersome, they are not permanent. The transient ptosis caused by the treatment, lasts from a few weeks to several months. Report the adverse reaction to your practitioner and discuss treatment possibilities.
Do I have to avoid drinking alcohol the night before treatment?
As to whether you can drink alcohol after botulinum injections then the answer is that there are no studies to say that you can’t. Typically practitioners will advise that you avoid excessive alcohol immediately before and after the injections as it can cause increased fluid retention, which may lead to more bruising. Having said this, plenty of people will drink both before and after Botox injections and show no increased bruising whatsoever. Please be aware you must never be under the influence of alcohol in order to be fit to consent to the procedure.
As to whether the effectiveness of Botox can be altered by drinking alcohol either before or after the botulinum toxin injections , then there is no evidence to suggest it can. There is no known mechanism of action of botulinum toxin that could in anyway be affected by drinking alcohol and consequently this not a reason to avoid it.
Will I get any swelling?
Treatment using botulinum toxin usually causes minimal swelling, it is common to see some redness following treatment which normally subsides within minutes. If treating around the eye area it is possible for some minor bruising to appear which again will disappear very quickly.
How does the treatment work?
Botulinum toxin injections work by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. It is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines.
Can I resume normal activities following treatment?
Following treatment it is advisable not to rub the area ad to remain upright and avoid activities that cause sweating to the face for at least 3 hours; this is to avoid any possible movement or migration from the botulinum toxin to other areas of the face or body. Any adverse effects of this nature are extremely unlikely but as with all prescribed medication it is sensible to follow the guidance.
Can I get treatment if pregnant or breastfeeding?
Doctors generally recommend against using botulinum toxin when you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, since the effects on the baby aren’t known
