Botox®

Botox® is the term commonly used to describe the procedure of administering injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A to treat lines and wrinkles on the face. This process temporarily relaxes the muscles, which leads to a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Botox® works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle causing the lines and wrinkles, reducing the activity of that muscle.

Woman smiling

What is Botox?

Botox® was introduced by ophthalmologists in the 1980s as a treatment for facial and eyelid spasms, and muscle dysfunctions such as being cross-eyed. During treatment patients noticed that wrinkles decreased or disappeared and they felt they would benefit from further treatment.

Botox® is manufactured by the Allergan Corporation and has been subject to stringent trials to ensure its safety. It was licensed in 2002 by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines in people aged 18 to 65.

How does Botox work?

Botox® is a revolutionary approach to eliminating unwanted wrinkles and lines. It is effective on crow's feet (on the side of the eyes), frown lines (between the eyes) and worry lines (on the forehead). Botox® is also effective on dynamic wrinkles. These are wrinkles and lines which are caused by the movement of facial muscles. Dynamic wrinkles and lines may be treated with Botox® to prevent the formation of static wrinkles and lines. Static wrinkles and lines cannot be treated effectively with Botox® as they are evident without muscle movement. These are the lines and wrinkles that are evident on a relaxed face.

What is the Botox procedure?

Aging is inevitable. As we grow older we naturally undergo intrinsic aging, which is caused by genetics, tissue and natural fat loss. We also experience extrinsic aging as a result of external contributors such as smoking, sun damage and modern day lifestyle habits.

Administering Botox® is relatively painless. A cold pack may be used to help alleviate pain and bruising. Any pain experienced is only momentary and minimal, but the results are long lasting.

When will I see results?

You will see the results from Botox® within 3-4 days of treatment, but the effects can continue to improve for up to a month. Improvements from Botox® last for approximately four months, but if you discontinue treatment, lines and wrinkles will re-appear and look as they did prior to treatment. Research has shown that prolonged use of Botox® can lead to the effects lasting longer.

Having Botox® will not stop natural expression. The muscle action that causes frown lines is reduced, decreasing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. You can still have expression, just without the wrinkles.

Botox® should not be used if the client has any infection in the area to be injected. The ingredient contents should be shown to each client to ensure they don't have any allergies. Clients with neuromuscular disorders, for example ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects from Botox®.

Contra-indications 2 days before are:

  • CACI
  • Micro-dermabrasion
  • Electrolysis
  • Laser
  • Any electrical beauty treatment.

Are there any side effects with Botox?

As with any medical procedure, Botox® treatment can cause side-effects. Common side-effects are:

  • Bruising/pain at injection site
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Flu like symptoms
  • Temporary eyelid droop (blepharoptosis)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Localised infection
  • Swelling/redness/bleeding of the injection site

To lower the incidence of bruising try to avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Motrin, Vitamin E and green tea.

For more information about Botox and the other treatments that we offer, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.