BOTOX

The positive therapeutic effects of injecting Botox in to facial muscles have been known for the past 20 years. However the true cosmetic benefits have only really been appreciated over the last 5 years. During this period Botox treatments have become the most popular non-surgical treatment in the USA with over 1.2 million patients receiving treatment last year alone.

Botulinum toxin (botox) is a chemical derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. It acts to weaken muscles by blocking the electrical impulses from nerves in to the muscle, this effect is not permanent usually lasting between 3 to 4 months.

All medical treatments have potential risks, however if used correctly Botox can have a dramatic effect on reducing facial lines and wrinkles with minimal risks and side effects.

Not all lines and wrinkles are caused in the same way and therefore not all are suitable for one form of treatment.

Botox is most effective at removing lines of facial expression or laughter lines i.e. those around the eyes and forehead (frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet) it can also be used around the mouth and in the neck with caution.

Dynamic Facial Sculpturing

A new technique developed at Plastic Surgery Partners - Facial Aesthetics to refine and expand the scope of botox treatments in the face. Our Doctors utilizes their unrivalled knowledge of all the anatomical and neurophysiological properties of the facial muscles to produce a balanced and harmonious facial rejuvenation avoiding the unwanted effects of standard botox treatments, which often produce blank, expressionless features.

Here are some of the important facts you need to know regarding treatment with Botox

You will require a consultation with our specialist aesthetician prior to treatment to determine if botox treatment is appropriate for you.

There are a number of contraindications to treatment which are:

Pregnancy/Breast feeding

Neuromuscular conditions i.e. Multiple sclerosis/Myasthenia Gravis

Medication- penacillamine, aminoglycoside antibiotics, calcium blockers, if in doubt ask the Doctor

Treatment is quick usually consisting of 4 to tiny-injections in to each treatment area

Most patients experience very little discomfort but an anaesthetic gel can be applied to the skin if required

The treated area may look a little red for 6 hours after treatment and makeup can be applied after 6 hours

There may be minor bruising but this risk can be reduced:

By not taking Aspirin within 5 days of treatment

Avoiding excessive alcohol intake

Avoiding strenuous exercise for 2 days

Informing the practitioner of any medication you may be taking

The effect usually takes between 3 and 5 days to develop

The full effect should be visible at 10 days after treatment in all patients. If the effect is weak or unequal contact the practice, as a top up may be needed in approximately 5% of treatments

A small % of patients may not respond to Botox. Don't despair there are alternatives available (Neurobloc and Dysport)

The effect usually lasts for 3-4 months on average (range2-6 months)

There are no known long term harmful effects from Botox treatments, it has been in clinical use for 20 years

The commonest side effect apart from bruising is unintentional paralysis of the muscles lifting the upper eyelid. This is rare if proper care is taken (less than 1 in 100) but is a recognized risk of Botox treatment. If it does occur it is usually short lived (2weeks) and can be reversed with eye drops if treated promptly

Not all lines and wrinkles will disappear completely.
Sometimes other treatments such as fillers may be needed to fill deep lines.
You will be advised about the likelihood of further treatments being required at your initial consultation

The intention of treatment is to remove lines whilst retaining facial character and animation. You will not be given be given a blank expressionless face.