Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum Toxin is a simple, quick and minimally invasive treatment that delivers dramatic results with no downtime

What is Botulinum Toxin and how does it work?

Botulinum Toxin Type A, is a purified protein that acts as a muscle relaxant and is injected into the muscles or deep into the skin. Botulinum Botox works by partially blocking the nerve impulses to any muscles that have been injected and reduces excessive contractions of these muscles. Therefore it can cause the wrinkles in the overlying skin to gradually soften and often disappear.

What happens during the treatment?

Firstly, we will discuss your expectations and the treatment with you and take a medical history. Then you would normally be asked to sign a consent form indicating that you have understood what the treatment may do, and the potential side effects.

We will then determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in the area of the wrinkle. No anaesthesia is required, although you may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anaesthetic cream. Treatment involves several tiny and relatively painless injections (said to feel like an ant sting). The entire injection procedure usually takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes.

How long does it take to see results?

Some patients can see results within 24-48 hours, however it can take as long as two weeks to have the complete effect.

How long do the results last?

Typically a Botulinum Toxin treatment lasts 3 to 4 months. There are some patients who have results that last longer. If you maintain your treatment appointments with the frequency recommended by your injector, the duration of each treatment result may last longer than 5 months.

Are these treatments safe?

Botulinum Toxin has a 20 year proven safety record. There have been no serious side effects associated with its cosmetic use by medical doctors. It is approved by the FDA for certain cosmetic uses and multiple medical uses, e.g. excessive sweating, migraines and muscle spasms.

Slight bruising is possible following any injection. Side effects are extremely rare and include drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not clinically proven, therefore the treatment of Botulinum Toxin is not recommended in breastfeeding or pregnant women.

What should I do after my Botulinum Toxin injection?

Please avoid rubbing the area or do strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

Do not lie down for 4 hours after the treatment, and also avoid extreme sun exposure, UV light, freezing temperatures and saunas.

Be sure that any tiny bumps or marks will go away within a few hours after your treatment.

Will I still have normal expression after Botulinum Toxin treatment? Will my face seem frozen?

After your treatments you will still be able to smile naturally, frown, and look surprised. Botulinum Toxin is not just a medication, it is a treatment. The quality of your results are related to the experience and knowledge of the person who performs the treatment.

What will happen to my wrinkles if I decide not to continue getting Botulinum Toxin?

When Botulinum Toxin wears off, after about 3-4 months, the lines return and the ageing process continues as before. However, patients who get repeated treatments often have a degree of permanent improvement of the wrinkles. This happens because as your skin naturally regenerates each day, it forms without a wrinkle if you are not constantly bunching that area up with the undesired facial treatment.

What are the costs involved?

That depends on the area and the dose of Botulinum Toxin used and this differs from person to person.

Please contact us for further information.

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