Botox®
What is it and how does it work?
Botox ®, also known as Botulinum Toxin, is a powerful
toxin which is effective at relaxing muscles, and is licensed and effective for
cosmetic use in reducing and relieving fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox® is a powerful paralytic toxin, which is administered
in very small and dilute doses for aesthetic purposes. It is due to these
paralysing effects that Botox® has become so popular in the aesthetic industry.
Botox® blocks the transmission of signals from the nerves to the muscles, by reducing
the efficacy of the chemical which relays the signals – when used as licensed
for cosmetic purposes, it allows the muscle to relax and the skin to sit
smoothly on top of it, creating a smooth and seemingly flawless appearance.
Does it hurt?
Botox® is injected into the desired areas, specifically
mapped out by the Registered Nurse providing your treatment, and the largest
treatment area would require an average of 10 injections.
As with any injection, it can be uncomfortable, but very
few say it is actually painful. The benefit of Botox® injections are that it is
a very small volume, which causes less discomfort. Additionally, once the area
has been mapped out, and the required dose prepared, the treatment is usually
completed rather quickly as it is the preparation that takes the most time.
Some patients find this information beneficial in reducing anxiety.
Will my face become paralysed or look ‘frozen’?
We certainly hope not! At The Laser Clinic, we are
dedicated to enhancing natural beauty and we work to enhance what you already
have to give you a fresh and youthful look. Our experience has shown us that
allowing clients to retain mild movement in the treated areas looks more
natural and believable.
The ‘Frozen’ or ‘Paralysed’ look, favoured most famously
by Jordan and Jodie Marsh is not usually the expected outcome of Botox®,
however if this is the look that you desire this can be discussed at
consultation.
What areas can be treated with Botox®?
Botox® can be used to treat many different areas and
conditions including incontinence, MS, headaches and excess sweating.
At The Laser Clinic our Registered Nurses are experienced
in the three most classic cosmetic treatment areas for Botox®, which are around
the eyes, between the eyes and the forehead.
1 The Glabellar –
also known as frown lines, which occur in between the eyebrows.
2 The second area
are known as ‘crow’s feet’ or ‘laughter lines’ and these are the areas around the eyes which crease when
you smile or squint.
3 Lastly, the third area is forehead lines,
which tend to occur when you raise your eyebrows.
What are the side effects of Botox®
The most common side effect after having Botox® is mild
swelling at the injection site. This is because the injection is so close to
the top of the surface of the skin, you can be left with a ‘bee stung’ area.
This should not last longer than 12 hours, and is usually hidden easily with a
creative hairstyle or hat!
Some people have been known to experience headaches after
having Botox® and if you do suffer from a headache after treatment, we would
expect this to disappear within a few hours after treatment.
Localised numbness and bruising are potential side
effects but are less common. Bruising can occur around the eyes occasionally
when ‘crow’s feet’ or ‘laughter lines’ are treated. It is less likely again,
but some individuals have been known to suffer with a rash after treatment
The risk that people worry about the most is known as
ptosis. Ptosis occurs when treating lines on the forehead, and is also known as
an ‘eye droop’ where the forehead muscles over relax and settle too far down.
Ptosis occurs in approximately 2% of patients treated with Botox® for forehead
lines. Ptosis is not permanent, and usually wears off in 2-3 weeks. In extreme
cases, eye drops can be presecribed which can help to accelerate normalisation
of the area.
Aftercare
After having Botox®, we would invite you back two weeks
after treatment for a check. This takes approximately 30 minutes and is free of
charge. This is an opportunity for us to review the efficacy of your treatment,
and take pictures that can be stored in your notes. A ‘touch up’ can be performed at this stage if
needed – we prefer to treat conservatively, where we can provide further
treatment for you if needed, rather than over treat at your first appointment. In
our experience we have found that this rewards the client with the most
satisfaction from their treatment.
Should you have any concerns after receiving Botox® but
before your two week check, you are able to contact us by phone, email or by
simply popping in. Appointments however, are strictly by appointment only due
to popular demand.
Aftercare Advice
After having Botox®, we recommend that you adhere to the
following advice. A paper copy of this advice will be provided for you at the
consultation appointment:
· It
is advised that you refrain from sun exposure/sun beds for 48hrs.
· We
recommend that you exercise the treated muscles for the next hour after
treatment.
· It
is advised that you remain in an upright position for the 4 hours following
treatment to allow the treatment to take effect (this should be taken into
account when booking your treatment – for example if you have treatment at
7.30pm, you should remain in an upright position until 11.30pm.)
· We
recommend that sauna, hot tubs or hot baths/showers are avoided for 24
hours.
· Do
not rub or massage the area for 24 hours.
· Only
mineral make up can be worn directly after treatment. All other make up in the
treated area should be avoided for 24 hours.
· It
is not recommended to do any exercise for the following 24 hours.
· Arnica
cream can be used topically after treatment for the reduction of potential
bruising
How long after Botox® treatment can the results be seen?
After having Botox® treatment, it is usually two weeks
before the full effects can be seen. Do not be disappointed if you cannot see
results in the first week, this is quite normal. The reason that we invite you
back for a check after two weeks, is that this is the optimum time frame to see
the extent of the benefits from Botox® treatment.
How long does Botox® last?
Botox® does not have a permanent effect and its effects
can be noticed to diminish anywhere between 3-9 months. This happens because
over the months, the chemical which relays the signals between the nerves and
the muscles will have sprouted new receivers and the muscles will again receive
the messages that are being sent to it, and the muscle will act in accordance
with this, causing lines to reappear.
The duration of the effects from Botox® is greatly
dependent on the individual, and research shows that the longer a client
receives Botox® for, the more their body builds up a reserve of this substance.
This means that the client, who has had Botox® for several years, is unlikely
to need treatment as frequently as someone who has never had the treatment
before.
It should also be noted that, in the same way that Botox®
takes roughly around two weeks to take full effect, the way in which it wears off
is the same. You can rest assured that you will not wake up one morning, and suddenly
be faced with the lines that you once had. The effects will wear off slowly,
and it is at this time when you can decide if you wish to have further Botox®
treatments.
How can I book an appointment to discuss Botox® treatment at The Laser
Clinic?
Appointments can be booked via phone, email or in person.
The initial Botox® consultation lasts approximately 30 minutes, and is free of
charge and without obligation. No treatment is performed at this stage. The
purpose of the consultation appointment is to allow you to get to know our
skilled and Registered Nurses, and to discuss any questions you may have. It is
also to ensure your suitability for the treatment. If you are unsuitable we may
be able to offer an alternative, or discuss different treatment options with
you.
Why can’t I have treatment at the first appointment?
Some medical and aesthetic clinics offer treatment at the
same time as the consultation, although this is not something that we offer.
We believe that choosing to have Botox® is not a decision
to be made in haste, and we encourage you to think about your decision before
committing to it. At The Laser Clinic, treatment is always carried out by
Registered Nurses. We are not sales people, and your comfort, satisfaction and
discretion is of paramount importance to us. Our experience has taught us that
this is the most beneficial way to ensure you are happy with your decision to
receive treatment, and the treatment itself.
How much does it cost?
ALL consultations at The Laser Clinic are free of charge,
and without obligation. Should you choose to proceed to treatment after having
a consultation, our prices are as follows:
1 Area: £180
2 Areas: £270
3 Areas: £320
Your two week return check after treatment is free of
charge. There is no cost for any additional treatment that you may need at this
return visit.
