Botox is the brand name that has become synonymous with muscle relaxing injections that help smooth facial lines. The active ingredient that makes the treatment work is called Botulinum Toxin, commonly referred to as Botox. Anti-wrinkle injections are used to smooth lines and wrinkles for a younger, more rejuvenated look. They are most often used to treat;
- Frown lines
- Worry lines
- Crows feet
- Lip lines
- Lower face treatment to improve jawline and appearance of neck, known as ‘Nephertite lift’
Licensed brands of botulinum toxin A include,’ Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Xeomin®, and Dysport®. All botulinum toxins are prescription only medicines (POM) and can only be prescribed by doctors, dentists, prescribing nurses and pharmacists with a prescribing qualification, following a face to face assessment and consultation with the qualified prescriber.
You will be advised to keep the target muscles active for a few hours and to avoid extremes of heat or cold, vigorous exercise, lying down or leaning over for 4-6 hours.
It may not ‘completely freeze’ the expression, particularly if extreme effort is exerted to make an expression. Botulinum toxin is not suitable for lines present without expression (static lines), your practitioner will advise you.
There may be only a partial reduction in movement this very much depends on
the amount administered and location of product placement – This is not a one size fits all treatment and may be tailored to suit your individual requirements and expected treatment outcomes – discuss this with your clinician at the time of consultation.
Except in exceptional circumstances this is not a treatment recommended for those under 25 or over 65.
For best results skin should be in good condition and the target lines not too furrowed. Your practitioner will assess your suitability and advise.
- Except in exceptional circumstances this is not a treatment recommended for those under 25 or over 65.
- For best results skin should be in good condition and the target lines not too furrowed.Your practitioner will assess your suitability and advise.
- Botulinum toxin cannot be given to pregnant or breast feeding women.
- Not suitable for patients with certain neurological disorders.
- Not suitable if you are currently taking certain medicines.
- If you have previously experienced adverse reactions to any botulinum toxin treatment.
With any injectable treatment;
- Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell in any way (even a cold).
- If you are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin..
- If you are currently or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (acne treatment) in the last 18 months.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are at all concerned about symptoms you were not expecting or not happy with, please contact the practitioner for advice. If necessary an appointment will be made for you to be seen.
- Bruising
- Swelling at injection sites
- Redness at injection sites
- Asymmetry of expression
- Drooping of the brow, or eyelid
- Headache or a sensation of ‘tightness’ or ‘heaviness’
Adverse events are uncommon, usually occur within a few days of treatment and are expected to be temporary, usually resolving spontaneously within weeks. Dr Sheppard will provide aftercare advice designed to minimise risk and promote speedy recovery from any expected side effects.
