Botox Guide

This information aims to ensure that you understand the nature of the treatment you wish to undertake. Please read it carefully and discuss any queries with your practitioner.

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a chemical produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. Botox6 is a protein derivative of the toxin, which causes it to become weakened or inactivated when injected into a muscle. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission — i.e. it prevents the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle. 

How does it work?

When using facial muscles repeatedly throughout a lifetime, the skin is creased in areas of most significant use. The ageing process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we age, these over-used areas become damaged, and the lines become permanent. By reducing the movement of muscles in these areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften or even fade away. In the areas treated, the muscles are temporarily inactivated (always reversible), during which time the patient can break the subconscious habit of overusing these muscles. Depending on each individual and the dose used, the response to treatment can vary from a relaxation of the muscles to an inability to move the muscles.

Frequent treatments are required to re-educate’ the facial muscles for the first couple of years. After that, treatments would be less regular until a yearly maintenance treatment is usually all that is required.

How long has BOTOX been in use?

As far back as 1978, Botox was used to treat patients with eye squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle. Since then, it has been used in various therapeutic areas such as the spasmodic neck, writer’s cramp, tics, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm, Parkinson’s Disease and cerebral palsy, to name a few. More recently, the use of Botox for cosmetic therapy has become more widespread.

How safe is BOTOX?

In high concentrations, botulinum toxin is a potent poison. However, when Botox is used in minute doses, as it is in cosmetic therapy, it is very safe.

What happens during treatment?

The procedure takes about 15 minutes. The practitioner will ask you to use specific muscles of the face to observe how they work. An extremely fine, short needle injects the Botox into the appropriate area. This may cause some slight but brief discomfort. The area may have some slight redness and swelling, which usually resolves in an hour or two. After treatment, you should not massage the injected area. You should not lie down for four hours after treatment.

The treatment typically takes effect after 4 to 14 days, but this may vary slightly with some individuals. The effects will generally last between 2 and 6 months when you start noticing an ability to move the muscles more freely.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects of this treatment are rare. Most people find that the injection causes only mild discomfort. Immediately after the injection, mild swelling may occur, which usually subsides in 48 hours.

Occasionally, a temporary drooping of the eyelid can occur. This may last a few weeks but will always resolve itself. Special eye drops can be prescribed to help lift the lid back into the normal position. In extremely rare cases, patients have developed an allergy to the treatment, while others have shown resistance, i.e. it causes little or no effect on the treated muscles.

If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, treatment is not recommended.

Botox Aftercare

• You can help activate the Botox by gently exercising the muscles that have been treated ie frown & smile as frequently as possible.
• Some patients experience slight discomfort around the treatment area for a short time after treatment.
• Bruising can be avoided or minimised by avoiding aspirin and alcohol for 24 hours pre & post treatment.
• You may experience temporary swelling or bruising around the site of treatment. This will usually settle within a day or two. Some patients can experience a headache following treatment for which you may take paracetamol.
•  The results are not permanent and the duration will differ from patient to patient.
• The treatment normally takes 4-10 days to take effect.
• Side effects, if they occur, are usually temporary and mild to moderate.

Most common reported side effects

• Tenderness.
• Bruising.
• Temporary headache.
• Drooping of the eye lid or brow.

Less common reported side effects

• Inflammation of the surface of the eye.
• Eversion or inversion of the eyelids.
• Light sensitivity/double vision.
• Dizziness, rash, tiredness.
• Facial weakness/droop/asymmetry.
• Allergic reaction.

Should you experience any of these symptoms following treatment, please contact your practitioner. 

When you feel the muscles relaxing (4-10 days) gently massage the area with your regular moisturiser twice a day. 

We do hope that you are happy with your treatment. Please remember, however, that the treatment will usually only last for three to four months and movement will start to return any time from 4 weeks.