Anti Wrinkle treatments are small injections of Botulinum Toxin A also known as Botox or Dysport. Brands include Azzalure.
What is Botox?
It is a neurotoxin protein which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What is Botox made of?
The main active ingredient of Botox within cosmetic injections is Botulinum Toxin A, which is sterile, vacuum dried, and purified.
How does Botox work?
Botox, is an intramuscular injection and functions by blocking the neurotransmitter, preventing the electrical impulse leading to temporary muscle paralysis, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the benefits of Botox?
There are many benefits stemming from the use of Botox, both cosmetically and medically.
For cosmetic purposes, Botox helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, contouring the of the face and reduces underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis of the axillae)..
How long does it last?
As with all treatments, how long Botox lasts will depend on each individual client, what area is treated, and if the aftercare advice was followed.
Typically, the treatment lasts anything from 3- 6 months. After the initial procedure, the practitioner will offer a follow up appointment in 14 days to assess the area and provide a top up if required.
If the client doesn’t return for review within 20 days of the initial treatment no further product can be administered.
Please note the factors to consider when determining how long your treatment will last:
Who can have the treatment?
Anyone over the age of 18 can have the treatment.
Who can’t have the treatment?
Unfortunately, there may be instances where the practitioner cannot administer Botox. Should you have any of the following, please note you will need a medical note from your doctor to confirm you are safe for treatment and even then the practitioner may not administer the treatment.
Please peak to your practitioner if you are on medication or unsure whether you are suitable for the treatment.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any treatment there are always side effects. Botox side effects include:
· Bruising,
· Oedema (swelling)
· Erythema (redness)
· Blood spots
· Diplopia (double vision) – this is rare
· Headaches
· Brow and eyelid ptosis
· Brow repositioning
· Allergy/ anaphylaxis
· Vaso – vagal reaction (fainting)
· Not able to guarantee symmetry
Following the Botox treatment it is important to follow the aftercare advice given by the practitioner.
· Do not lie down for 4 hours after the treatment
· 24 hours after the treatment avoid applying pressure to the area, having a facial, do not use sunbeds or go in the sun, avoid exercise and avoid alcohol. Avoid rubbing the area and refrain from taking medication – unless suitable and prescribed by your doctor.
· Apply a cold compress 24 – 42 hours after the treatment
· Book a follow up review in 14 days
· Avoid excessive/ over animated facial expressions for 5 – 7 days after treatment
· Rinse mouth with saline solution for the first week if necessary
· Use spf 50 sun protection
· Cleanse, tone, moisturise
· Use over the counter pain relief if necessary
· Continue with prescription medication after 4 hours of the treatment
· Seek medical attention immediately if you have an allergic reaction, seek medical attention 72 hours after treatment if headaches persists and are in pain and pain relief does work
If needle point entries become infected (rare) treat with antibiotic ointment – seek from your doctor
What is the treatment procedure?
The practitioner will ask you to complete all relevant legal paperwork and consultation forms. The practitioner will also assess the area to be treated, take before photos and mark the area with a non-permanent pen, then precede with the injections.
All aftercare will be provided and the client will be assessed before being discharged.
What do I do before the treatment to help with results?
Before the treatment, make sure you are eligible for the treatment, paid your deposit, do not have any facial treatments, go on sunbed or be in direct contact with sun, have no heat treatments, avoid exercising and drinking alcohol.
Please note certain antibiotics and medication may influence the results of the treatment and it would be advised to wait a week after the course of medication has finished for best results.
Please note small needles will be used as part of the procedure and all pain management will be taken into account. However, if you want to use numbing cream the practitioner will NOT administer this prior to the treatment and you can get this yourself from pharmacies, apply this to the treatment areas yourself 30 minutes before the treatment. Ask the practitioner what would be recommended if you want to consider using numbing cream.
What are the treatment areas?
The main areas to be treated for Botox are:
Glabeller region (frown lines).
Forehead.
Crows feet/ smile lines.
Bunny lines (side of the nose).
Jawline slimming.
Brow lift.
Smoker lines/ lip flip.
Hyperhidrosis of the axillae (under arm sweating).