Botox® (Botulinum toxin type 'A' ) is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It was developed during the 1970s - 1980s to treat blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids) and strabismus (squint).
In 1997 it achieved FDA approval for cosmetic use in the USA and by 2006 was granted a license by the MHRA in the UK for the treatment of frown lines.
Worldwide, now more than 3 million Botox® treatments take place per year.
How does Botox® work?
Botox® is injected into the target muscle and works at the neuromuscular junction by blocking the transmission of signals from the nerve ending to the muscle. This causes temporary paralysis of the treated muscle, which results in the reduction or loss of wrinkles. The result is not permanent because the nerve ending re-establishes it's signalling by forming new nerve sprouts. This sprouting takes approximately 3-6 months, at which point the muscle regains it's activity and the wrinkles begin to reappear.
How is Botox® administered?
By a few tiny injections into facial muscles using a very fine needle.
Does treatment with Botox® hurt?
No - discomfort is minimal and no local anaesthetic is required.
How long does Botox® appointment take?
The appointment is 30 minutes but treatment only takes around 10-15 minutes.
How long does Botox® take to work?
There is noticeable wrinkle reduction in 3-5 days and the final result appears by 2 weeks.
How long does Botox® last?
You should expect results to last at least 3 months.
How much does Botox® cost?
Treatment is available from £195 and is priced according to the number of areas injected.
What are the DOs and DONTs after Botox®?
DO gently exercise the treatment areas by frowning, smiling, squinting and lifting the eyebrows occasionally - this will optimise your result
DO NOT rub or massage the treatment areas ? this may increase the risk of complications by spreading the product
AVOID alcohol, aspirin and ibuprofen for 24 hours which can increase the risk of bruising and swelling
AVOID lying flat or bending down excessively
AVOID very strenuous physical activity
What are the risks and side effects of Botox®?
Small area of redness at treatment site lasting 2-3 hours (common)
Bruising / swelling of treatment area (less common)
Dull heavy sensation +/- occasional headache (less common)
Ptosis (droop) of eyebrow or eyelid (rare)
Double vision (very rare)
Is Botox® dangerous?
No - administered in the correct manner by a skilled professional carries very little risk. Botox has a proven safety record since the 1970s.
Who should avoid treatment with Botox®?
Although most people would benefit from treatment, you should avoid Botox® if any of the following are relevant:
Known history of hypersensitivity to any ingredient in Botox®
Disorders of muscle weakness (eg. myasthenia gravis)
Concurrent use of certain antibiotics (eg. erythromycin)
The Raj Acquilla cosmetic surgery clinic located in Cheshire with patients as far afield as Manchester and Warrington. Raj Acquilla offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments such as Botox, Dermal Fillers, Chemical Peels for your skin problems for Lines, Wrinkles, Acne Scarring, Moles and Blemishes.
Dr Raj Acquilla is a cosmetic detmatologist with over 5 years experience.
