BOTULINUM TOXIN ANTI WRINKLE TREATMENT

BOTULINUM TOXIN – BOTOX®
WHAT IS BOTOX®?

Botox® is a purified protein derived from a naturally occurring bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. It works by blocking the nerve signal to the targeted muscle which decreases muscle contractibility, causing the treated muscle to relax. If the muscles are not able to fully contract, it will prevent lines from becoming as deep in the first place. It will also soften lines that are already present, providing a refreshed and more youthful appearance. As your Botox wears off, the function of the muscle slowly returns over a 3-4 month period. It’s at this time your next treatment is required to maintain your results.

IS IT SAFE?

Yes, it is considered to be a relatively safe treatment. It does come with some risks as do all medical treatments and these will be discussed with you at your consultation to ensure you are a suitable candidate. Botox® has been around for about 30 years and has been through all of the rigorous testing of the FDA. It was first used for treating blepharospasm (eye twitches) and spasticity to help relax muscles, treat migraines etc and is approved for use in toddlers with cerebral palsy in much higher doses than what is required for cosmetic purposes.

WHO CAN BE TREATED WITH BOTOX®?

Botox® is suitable for anyone with dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear upon movement of the muscle – such as forehead lines from raising your eyebrows). You must be at least 18 years old. It is not suitable for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or anyone that has previously had an allergic reaction to the product.
There are some rare neurological conditions that are contraindicated in the use of Botox®. To ensure you are a suitable candidate, a full medical history is taken at every consultation and prior to any treatment.

If you have a line or wrinkle that is already present when your face is at rest then it’s important to know that Botox® will soften this but it may not disappear completely. This is why the best time to start treatment is before you see the lines settle in permanently. Prevention is key! However, this doesn’t mean that if you have wrinkles already that it’s too late. I have seen great results for clients with wrinkles already present too. I will advise you on what sort of results to expect from your treatment at your consultation.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

• Forehead
• Frown
• Eyes
• Brow lift
• Opening the eyes
• Nose creases ‘bunny lines’
• Gummy smile
• Lip lines
• Jaw slimming/facial shaping
• Neck lines and protruding neck bands
• Hyperhidrosis – Excessive axillary sweating
• MicroBotox®

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Common:
Redness and swelling are the most common side effects and occur directly post treatment, lasting up to 20 minutes or so.

Less common:
Bruising is always a possibility whenever needles are involved however it is not very common with this treatment. I recommend all clients have any treatment at least 2 weeks prior to any event to give their results time to settle in and for any healing required to take place.

Rare:
Allergic reaction
Infection
Headache
Ptosis (which is a slight asymmetry close to where you’ve had your treatment). This is temporary and will resolve. It is often more noticeable to you as opposed to others.
To prevent this happening, it is important to not rub the treated areas afterwards as this may move the product into other muscles. Washing your face gently is fine. Medical make up can be worn straight away and is available for purchase in the clinic or from our online shop. For other make up, please wait at least 4 hours afterwards.

Please avoid facials or massages for 48 hours and hard exercise for 24 hours.

All risks will be discussed with you at your consultation prior to any treatment.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

On average the effects can last between 3-4 months, with most people noticing lines reappearing after approximately 3 months. The treatment wears off gradually during this time. The longevity of your Botox® will depend on your muscle type and activity, your lifestyle, which product was used and how much was administered.

In some cases, the continued use of Botox® will result in the need for less frequent treatments. This is due to the fact that the nerve endings may eventually start to regrow at a slower pace. For this to happen, regular 3 monthly treatments are required initially and although this is the case for most people, this can vary between individuals.

ONCE YOU START DO YOU HAVE TO KEEP GOING?

No, not at all. If you decide you don’t want to continue having Botox® treatments, your results will wear off gradually and the treated area will go back to how it was prior. Clients often enjoy their Botox® results so much that they almost always want to continue but if for any reason you don’t want to or can’t, there is nothing to worry about.

WILL I LOOK WORSE ONCE IT’S WORN OFF?

No, definitely not. I get asked this question often and the best way to explain it, is that when we have a treatment we quickly get accustomed to our new ‘refreshed’ look . As it wears off, it simply goes to back to what it was which can sometimes make us think we look worse but it’s actually just that the treatment is no longer working.

I WANT TO LOOK NATURAL AND NOT OVERDONE.

I pride myself on achieving natural looking results and this is my preferred aesthetic. Frozen, overfilled lips and faces are not my thing. Your face is my reputation! I want to get it right just as much as you do. With more than 12 years experience as a Nurse Injector, I have tried and tested it all and I have a pretty good eye for what works. Most of my clients are referred to me via word of mouth which I’m very grateful for. My aim with facial aesthetics is to help you look and feel better and to achieve this without it being obvious that a treatment has been performed.

DOES IT HURT?

Most people tolerate the treatment really well. Each injection is very quick and the needles that are used are very fine and short. Some areas can be more sensitive than others and pain levels will vary from person to person however I will do my best to make you as comfortable as possible. First time clients are understandably the most nervous about having their treatment but are usually quite suprised at how quick and easy it was.

IS “DOWNTIME” REQUIRED FOLLOWING TREATMENT WITH BOTOX®?

Generally speaking – no. There may be some minor swelling and redness immediately following treatment which should start to diminish after approximately 20 minutes or so. Most people go back to their normal activities straight away.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO FOLLOWING THE TREATMENT?

For the rest of the day it is recommended that:

-Any treated areas are not to be touched.

–Make up should not be applied for at least 4 hours (unless medical make up is used).

-Anything that can make bruising more likely, such as; alcohol, exercise, and extreme heat should be avoided.

HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN SEE THE RESULTS?

The results are not instant and everyone is different. You will probably start to notice a reduction in the lines upon movement after 5 – 7 days, with full effects being visible at approximately 2 weeks post treatment. Complimentary post treatment check ups are done for your first treatment and whenever deemed necessary for you and I to make sure all is well and that we are both happy. Occasionally adjustments are required and are only done after the 2 week mark as it may still be taking effect before then.

If you have any further questions regarding Botox®, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

x Camille.