What is Botox?
Botulinum Toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. In a purified form and when administered by an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, Botulinum Toxin is very safe. It has been used for many years for a number of medical conditions, including blephospasm (overactive eye muscle), overactive bladder, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and for relaxing muscles in conditions such as a Multiple Sclerosis.
What are the different brands of Botulinum Toxin?
Licensed brands of Botulinum Toxin include Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Xeomin® and Dysport®. All botulinum toxins are prescription only medicines (POM) and can only be prescribed by doctors, dentists and nurses or prescribing pharmacists.
How does Botulinum Toxin work?
Botulinum Toxin acts by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that cause muscle contraction. This results in muscle paralysis. The resultant paralysis, however, is temporary, as the new growth of nerves will re-innervate the muscles. By blocking the muscle activity Botulinum Toxin (e.g. Botox) can smooth the skin reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
What areas can be treated?
Botulinum Toxin is most widely used to smooth wrinkles in the upper face in three main areas- the frown lines between the eyes (known as the glabella region) the lines around the eyes (crow’s feet) and the horizontal lines on the forehead. Botulinum Toxin can also be used to treat ‘bunny lines’ which are caused by wrinkling the nose. Use of larger quantities of Botulinum Toxin in the armpits can be used as an effective treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
How long will it last?
Botulinum Toxin treatment will begin to relax wrinkles approximately 3-4 days after administration. Full effects of Botulinum Toxin will be seen at about 2 weeks after treatment and will last for approximately 3-4 months, although this can vary slightly between individuals.
Will I have a 'frozen' look?
At Islington Studio Rutland Dr Lashbrooke prides herself on producing natural looking results. Her objective is to get you looking fresher younger and rejuvenated without looking as though you have ‘had Botox’. A full assessment will be made prior to treatment to ensure that the best result is achieved. A free follow up appointment is offered 2 weeks after treatment to optimise results.
Will it hurt?
At Islington Studio Rutland Dr Lashbrooke uses a very fine needle for the Botulinum Toxin treatment which is quick and minimally uncomfortable. Most clients tolerate the Botulinum Toxin treatment without any problems at all.
What are the side effects?
As with all treatments which involve the use of needles there is the possibility of some mild inflammation, bleeding or bruising at the needle site. These are rare and most clients leave without any visible trace of having had the treatment. Mild headaches can be experienced for a short time after the procedure but resolve quickly.
Will my wrinkles be worse when it wears off?
No. The muscles will slowly become active again when the Botulinum Toxin treatment wears off, but wrinkles will be no worse than before. In fact with repeated Botulinum Toxin treatments appearance will be improved as wrinkles are not being reinforced whilst treated.
