Frequently Asked Questions
What is Botox?
Botox is an injectable agent which is used to temporarily diminish facial lines, wrinkles and dimples by relaxing underlying muscles. The injection contains a minimal amount of the protein secreted by the organism Clostridium Botulinum but is fully approved for medical use by the FDA. Botox is a simple, non-surgical procedure that effectively reduces fine lines and help alleviate the signs of ageing and sun damage.
What does a Botox consultation/treatment involve?
All consultations are free and with no obligation. You will be asked to discuss what you feel your “problem areas” are and will then be asked to pull a series of faces so our consultants can see which muscles are being used to create the lines and wrinkles that appear when the face is moving. If you decide to proceed to treatment, your face will be marked up with a pale make-up pencil as specific muscle groups are targeted and our practitioners need to ensure total accuracy. The treatment takes minutes and as a fine needle is used which does not penetrate deep into the skin, most patients find the treatment is either painless or only mildly uncomfortable.
How soon will I notice an improvement?
Patients will start to notice lines visibly improving within 3-4 days of treatment. However, Botox normally requires 10-14 days to settle down completely. In the event that a patient feels a level of movement remains after this time, we would welcome a return visit to clinic within 2-4 weeks of treatment to enable our practitioners to perform a “top up” to the relevant areas free of charge.
How long does the treatment last?
Although all patients respond differently to Botox, a treatment usually lasts between 3-5 months. Patients will notice a gradual regression of the effects of the treatment from about two months after treatment, with the lines and wrinkles returning to their original state a few weeks later.
What are the side effects?
Botox has been approved by the FDA and although there is always the extremely rare risk of side effects as with any medicine/drug, these are always fully reversible. Possible side effects may include headaches and mild pain at the injection sites, mild to moderate bruising and ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid. There are now eye drops available to help speed up the reversal, in the unlikely event drooping should occur.
What are the “three areas” that are referred to?
The three areas most clinics commonly refer to are
- The forehead
- The glabella (in between the eyebrows)
- The crows feet (sides of eyes)
However, for those patients having three areas of treatment we are happy to apply small quantities of Botox to areas of the lower face to help with balance and texture. This is done at no additional charge.
What else is Botox used for?
Botox is also used to successfully treat medical conditions such as migraines, hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) and Bell’s palsy.
How does an “eyebrow lift” work?
Botox is used to lift the brows by relaxing the muscles which depress the brow, allowing the elevator muscles to work more freely. However, a brow lift cannot usually be performed in conjunction with a forehead treatment as the muscles will then counteract each other.
Ask Our Consultant
Do you have a question that hasn’t been addressed above? If so, please complete our contact form and we will respond to your query within 24 hours.