Botox Therapy w What is Botox? w How does it work? w What does the treatment involve? w History w Are there any side effects? w How long do the effects last? w How will I look after Treatment – Is there any aftercare? What is Botox? Botulism A exotoxin, known as Botox, is derived from the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. It is commonly associated with food poisoning causing botulism in humans. Before you gasp in horror, please be assured that you will not be given any bacteria! The bacteria are only used to produce the product – a factory in a test tube – a standard but rigorously controlled procedure. This procedure is used to produce the vast majority of our drugs and medical products. [top] How does it work? Apart from the many factors that age our skin (sun damage, poor nutrition, smoking, etc.) lines develop because the muscles underneath cause it to crease when we use them to create facial expressions. Botox causes temporary reversible paralysis of specific muscles, allowing the overlying skin to relax and smooth out. This is very useful to areas of negative expression such as a frown. [top] What does the treatment involve? A free consultation with your practitioner will establish your suitability for treatment and allow time to discuss the procedure in full. Botox is given by injection directly into the muscles concerned and takes only a few minutes. An anaesthetic cream is applied to the skin beforehand. This minimises any discomfort, which most patients find only mild and temporary. [top] History Botox has been researched since the 1950’s and has been used medically for many years to treat muscular disorders. It is commonly used to treat eye deviation (squint) and facial spasms (nervous ticks). It can be used anywhere in the body to relieve the effects of abnormal muscular contractions caused by illness or trauma. It has been used cosmetically since 1988 and is rapidly becoming a first choice treatment. [top] Are there any side effects? Side effects are mild and rare and will be discussed fully at your initial consultation. An unexpected benefit from the cosmetic use of Botox has been reports of relief from tension and migraine headaches! [top] How long do the effects last? In most people the initial results last an average of 3 to 4 months. The muscles then gradually regain their strength. Clinical trials report that patients who have been treated over 12 months are only requiring further treatments once or twice per year. This is probably due to the fact that the muscles weaken through inactivity and/or habitual expressions are lost. [top] How will I look after treatment? / Is there any aftercare? You may be a little red or swollen at the treatment sites. This usually resolves within a few hours or less. You may feel some tenderness for a few days – rarely there can be bruising. There are a few things you must be aware of, for example, you must not massage the area for a period of 24 hours. An aftercare instruction sheet will be given to you to remind you of your practitioner’s instructions and advice. Otherwise, just enjoy your results. [top] Note: Generally Botox is not given to those who are pregnant, breast feeding or trying for a family. If you would like to know more or would like a free consultation please contact us or send an email.
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