Look Refreshed & Youthful
Wrinkles are associated with repeated contraction of the muscles. Anti-wrinkle injections (such as Botox) work by stopping the nerve signal to the muscle, preventing them from contracting. This then stops the formation of fine lines and wrinkles in the treatment area, giving a refreshed and youthful appearance.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) treatments have become extremely popular with both men and women as they make a significant difference to lines and wrinkles, whilst also being safe, quick and pain-free. Botox can be used as a stand alone treatment but is also great to combine with other anti-ageing treatments, such as Profhilo, dermal fillers and PRP, for the ultimate skin rejuvenation treatment.
Future Prevention
Whilst botulinum toxin temporarily removes existing lines, it is also are a great preventative measure against more lines appearing. Over-time, if left untreated, dynamic wrinkles that appear with facial expressions become static wrinkles, which appear permanently on the skin.
If Botox is performed early on in the ageing process, before lines and wrinkles appear at rest, static lines can be prevented from appearing.
Treatment Areas
Botox can be used in many difference areas, from the forehead to the lower face and neck. The most popular three areas are forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet.
Forehead lines
Horizontal lines appear on the forehead due to all the facial movements that we go through daily. As we age, the effect these movements have on your skin, is inevitable, creating forehead lines.
Forehead lines cannot be treated as one area in isolation and must be combined with a treatment to the frown lines. This is in order to minimise the risk of botulinum toxin causing a brow drop.
Frown lines
Frown lines are the vertical lines in between the eyebrows and are common in people who frown a lot or have been overexposed to the sun. These lines can often lead to you looking sad or angry even when you're not.
Crow's feet
Crow’s feet are the lines which form at the corners of the eyes, also known as laughter lines. Over time, if left untreated, these eye creases can radiate from the corners of the eyes to the temples and further down the cheeks. Crow's feet are generally the first place where lines can appear, as the skin is thinner and more delicate around the eyes.
Baby Botox - What is it?
Baby Botox is the same treatment and administered in exactly the same way as traditional Botox treatments, but fewer units are injected. The treatment is still effective but the results are not as prominent and will not last as long. New patients may wish to try Baby Botox for their first treatment if they are apprehensive about having Botox. Baby Botox is also very popular with younger women who are looking to gently smooth out lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the procedure cause any discomfort?
Pain is minimal, if any. The toxin is administered using a very small, fine needle and can hardly be felt.
As with all treatments using a needle, mild redness and swelling can occur following any type of procedure involving injections but should go down within 10-15 minutes.
Will I see immediate results?
After the treatment you will notice very small ‘blebs’ underneath the skin, where the toxin has been administered. These generally fade within 10-15 mins.
It normally takes 3 to 5 days to start seeing results, although it can be as soon as 24 to 48 hours after. Some individuals will take the full two weeks. Everyone is different and the length of time it takes for the toxin to work has no bearing on how long the results will last.
How much toxin is injected?
Botox is a bespoke treatment and the amount of toxin injected varies from individual to individual depending on several factors, such as gender, how deep the wrinkles are and how strong the muscles are. A full facial assessment is carried out in the clinic at your initial appointment.
Some patients may prefer to opt for Baby Botox and have smaller amounts injected, whilst those with larger areas and stronger facial muscles may require an above average dosage and additional treatments may be required.
With any Botox treatment a free follow up appointment is provided after two weeks of the treatment to review the results and see if any top ups may be required. This ensures that the best possible results are achieved.
What should I do before the appointment?
Bruising is possible and so alcohol should be avoided for 48 hours prior to the appointment and anti-inflammatory medication, such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen should be avoided for one week prior to the appointment.
What should I do after the appointment?
Your aftercare will be discussed in detail in clinic.
- Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours after the appointment
- Do not lie down for the first few hours
- Avoid UV exposure and excessive heat such as from saunas and steam rooms for two weeks
- Do not have any beauty treatments on your face e.g. facials, facial massage for two weeks
- Keep the skin clean – do not apply makeup that day
- Use a gentle cleanser and do not rub or massage the face
- If the crow’s feet have been treated always wipe away from the eye
Are there any risks?
Whist the injections are relatively safe with no serious side effects, possible complications can include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Drooping eyelids or uneven eyebrows
- A wonky smile
- Eye dryness, oedema or excessive tearing
It is important that injections are placed precisely in order to avoid any side effects.
The treatment should not be undertaken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and should not be used in people who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.
As with many other drugs, the treatment has the potential of causing an allergic reaction in some individuals. Symptoms of an allergic reaction following the treatment may be mild or severe and can include swelling, itching or a rash.
Although very unlikely, it’s possible for the toxin to spread in your body. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these effects hours to weeks after receiving Botox:
- Muscle weakness
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Trouble swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder control
Who is not suitable for Botox?
This anti wrinkle treatment is not recommended if:
- you have a skin infection
- you’re unwell in any way
- you have a neuromuscular condition like myasthenia gravis
- you’re taking certain medicines
- you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
How much does the treatment cost?
The cost of the treatment will depend on how many areas are being treated and the product being used. Someone with stronger facial muscles will require a higher dosage of Botox than someone with average facial muscles and may require follow up treatments to get the desired results. A breakdown of our Botox prices can be found within the pricelist. Baby Botox costs less as few units of Botox are being injected. If you have any questions regarding the various products available and the prices please get in touch. The brand of product suitable for you will also be discussed during your comprehensive initial consultation at the clinic.
