Botox® (botulinum toxinA) is the most popular trade name for the Botulinum toxin. It is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Other popular trade names are Vistabel®, Dysport® and Reloxin®.

It is currently the world’s leading non-surgical cosmetic procedure. It is also the first cosmetic treatment that most people try.

Botox is most commonly used to treat wrinkles such as frown lines and crow’s feet. These lines are caused by repeated expressions and actions. Obvious examples being frowning, laughing and pursing of the lips during smoking.

When injected into the facial muscles of expression, it weakens them. This leads to improvement or removal of these wrinkles. It skilled hands the overall effect is that of a more youthful appearance. Botox injections can be carried only be prescribed by a doctor. The injections themselves can be carried out by a doctor or a nurse under supervision.

The Consultation

Questions to ask before your treatment:

  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • Why is this that the best option?
  • How much does Botox cost?
  • How will I appear after Botox?
  • How long will it last?
  • How often should it be repeated?

The Procedure

The areas which respond best to treatment are the neck, upper lip, corners of the mouth, crow’s feet, eyebrows and the glabella  [the region between the eyebrows].  The treatment should be carried out in a clinical environment – not at ‘Botox Parties’.

The skin is cleaned with a sterile wipe. No local anaesthetic is given, although you may request a numbing cream e.g. Ametop or Emela. Several injections are given to the areas most in need. A very fine needle is used. This means there is only mild discomfort. The length of the procedure does depend on how many areas are being treated. Expect 15-30 minutes.

No recovery time is needed. But do take some sunglasses with you. You may have some small red areas around the eyes. Bruising is unusual, but can happen.

Botox Effects

It takes between 3 to 7 days to get the full effect.

Results last from 3 to 4 months. The effects gradually start to wear off. This means the muscle activity returns and so will the lines.

Botox Costs

£200 upwards per area. Depending on:

  • Who administers it
  • How much you have done
  • Your age and the severity of your wrinkles
  • The area you live in.

As an example. If you’re a 60 year old, having Botox treatment in Harley Street by a leading Consultant Plastic Surgeon…expect to pay more than if you’re 32 years old having Botox injections by a nurse in a rural village.

Be sure to be clear before the procedure starts exactly how much it will cost. Don’t accept… “We’ll see how much we need”.

Botox Side Effects

There have been no long term side effects of Botox reported.
Short term effects may include a drooping of the upper eyelids or eyebrow. This resolves after 2-4 weeks.

Summary

Botox is safe, fast acting and relatively inexpensive compared to most cosmetic treatments.

Remember, the effects of Botox last on average for 3-4 months. It then has to be repeated.

If you would like more information on Botox in Watford call 01923 223278.