What is Botox?

Botox is a brand name, but is often confused for the generic name for anti-wrinkle injections (aka botulinum toxin type A). The anti-wrinkle products I use are Botox and Azzalure and we will refer to them as toxin here instead of Botox (due to this being a brand name). They have given consistently good results and work by preventing the nerves from allowing the muscle to contract in which it is injected. No muscle contraction means no movement that allows for wrinkles. The nerves do regenerate and 'fix' themselves, therefore the treatment does 'wear off' eventually. 

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Do filler injections hurt?

I do everything I can to make the treatment experience as comfy and pain-free as possible. I allow plenty of time for treatment, so we can keep the numbing cream on for as long as possible when performing dermal fillers. And as other patients will tell you (as will I, as I do my own treatments), the numbing cream is amazing! Some of the products also contain anaesthetic, so your experience will not be painful.

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What is the toxin process?

First, you will need to come in for a consultation to assess your need. Toxin is a prescription-only medication and not everyone is eligible. Before we treat you we need to make sure you will get the results you are after. Once we are satisfied that you are eligible for treatment, we may suggest you have a week to think about your treatment options.

 

Once you are 100% happy to go ahead, we make up the solution. The product comes in a small vial of powder that we add saline to. Anti septic pre-injection wipes are used to cleanse the skin. We may also mark up anatomical landmarks and injection sites on you. You will sign a consent form and complete a medical history and we will take clinical photos. The toxin solution is injected using a very fine insulin syringe. We then review the results in two weeks when the anti-wrinkle injections take effect. (This treatment is not noticeable straight away as the effects take approximately 10 days to take hold).

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How long does toxin treatments last?

The nerves affected by toxin eventually "fix themselves" and start to regenerate, meaning that over time, the nerves will allow the muscle to contract again. This means the effects of 'Botox' does wear off. However, if you come for top-ups at the right intervals, you may notice you treatment effects last longer. Expect to start seeing slight movement at approximately 8-10 weeks although it shouldn't be back to base line movement (this does vary from person to person). To avoid your body creating anti bodies against the product we do not re-inject until the 12 week point, as studies show that more frequent treatment than this can induce anti body production and make you less likely to get a result from your toxin treatment. 

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How old do you have to be to get anti wrinkle treatment?

The minimum age for treatment is legally 18 years old. At consultation we will assess if the treatment is suitable for you or not. Both parties need to feel comfortable having the treatment done. 

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What is the aftercare for toxin injections for wrinkles?

• Keep upright for a few hours after the treatment

• Do not rub or touch the injection sites

• I strongly advise no long haul flights within 1-2 weeks after the treatment. Therefore you need to plan your appointment well ahead of time of any upcoming holidays

• I advise no exercise for the rest of the day after treatment