Frequently Asked Questions - Cosmetic Botox

Am I suitable for anti-wrinkle (cosmetic Botox) injections ?

These injections are most suitable for clients with dynamic skin wrinkling.
This is the occurrence or exacerbation of skin creases when the facial muscles move e.g.: when you smile or frown.
Cosmetic Botox can also be used as a prevention therapy for younger patients.
Some clients with more creased skin may not gain maximal benefit from Cosmetic Botox injections alone.

Durign your consultation we assess your skin condition and advise you as to whether you will be able to gain benefit from the therapy.
We are able to suggest & refer you to alternative skin therapies that may be of benefit.

Where on my face will I have my Cosmetic Botox injections?

BASIC INJECTION SITES

There are 3 main areas for facial anti-wrinkle injection:

The Glabellar Region (The Frowning area between eyes)
The Forehead Region
The Crow’s feet (eyes)

Other indications for the Cosmetic Botox injections are
- Eye- brow lifting
- Relaxing vertical liplines or reduce a 'gummy smile'
- Reducing 'Marionette lines' and/or 'puckered chin'
- Relaxing of the vertical neck tendons (Platysma bands) and horizontal neck lines
- Reduce excessive sweating (Cosmetic Botox in arm pits using Mesotherapy)

Can I have Cosmetic Botox therapy?

This treatment is suitable for most clients; you will be advised to avoid or delay treatment if you are:

Pregnant or Breast-feeding
Have a Neuromuscular condition e.g. Myaesthenia Gravis, Eaton Lambert Syndrome
Have a Blood clotting disorder
Currently taking aspirin , warfarin or other drugs that affect clotting
Current use of aminoglycoside antibiotics , Spectinomycin or muscle relaxant drugs

Is the procedure painful?

The injections are given just under the skin surface with a very fine and short needle.
The amount of fluid injected is quite small.
Most clients experience hardly any sensation of discomfort at all.

What is Cosmetic Botox?

The injection contains a purified protein that prevents nerve messages from reaching the muscle.
- In this way, the muscles relax, allowing the skin to smooth out.
- It therefore improves wrinkle appearance which is caused or worsened by muscle action.
It can only be given by injection.

Is it safe to use?

Botox injections have been in use as a medical treatment in muscular spasm for many years.
It is currently used in higher doses for medical conditions such as severe neck spasm and tension head-aces.
When used for cosmetic purposes, the dose is at least 3 times below that used in medical therapies.
Cosmetic Botox injections are very safe, safer than many prescription medicines.
No general muscular effects have been seen when given locally.
It has been licensed for cosmetic use in Canada since 2001 and in the USA since 2002.

When will it work & how long does it last?

Cosmetic botox doesn't work immediately; it takes time for the protein to affect muscle- nerve connection
- It can take 4 to 7 days to see the first effects
- Best results are often achieved at 2 weeks
- For this reason, we offer a free review at 2 weeks; at this stage we can apply more product if needed.
- Cosmetic botox can last anywhere from 2-6 months, depending on the treated area.
- As you have more Cosmetic Botox treatment, you will notice that the treatment lasts longer.
After regular use for 18 -24 months, you may only need 2-3 treatments a year.

Are there any side-effects of Cosmetic Botox injections?

Cosmetic botox is a safe treatment but side-effects can occur. These side effects are temporary as the protein wears off over several weeks.
Immediate Effects :

Local bruising, swelling, redness at injection site
- Headache, nausea
- Allergic reactions
- Delayed Effects:
  1. Drooping of eyebrow or upper lid
  2. Heightened elevation of brow-line

Can these side-effects be treated?

Drooping of the upper lid can be treated with use of eye drops.
Drooping & excessive brow elevation can be treated with some additional Cosmetic Botox injections.
After treatment instructions for Cosmetic Botox therapy
In order to minimize side-effects and produce maximal results we advise that after injection you:

Exercise treated muscle for 1 hour
- Remain upright for 3-4 hours
- Avoid any chemical peels, sun beds or laser treatment for the next 7 days
- Muscle relaxation may not be evident for at least 10 days after injection.