Botox Injections

How does it work?
When injected into a given area Botox, which is the trade name of Botulinum toxin type A, reversibly blocks the impulses from the nerves to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. By doing this, the muscles cannot contract and therefore tend to relax. When muscles relax, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles continue to contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.
 
What areas can be treated?
Botox is most commonly performed in the upper face. The most common areas requested are the forehead lines, vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, and crows feet or laughter lines radiating away from the eyes. While it would probably work around the mouth and chin, it would almost undoubtedly weaken the smile. Smile lines are usually either treated by laser or by filling with collagen or fat.
 
How is it done?
The procedure itself is simple and safe. Botox is injected with a very tiny needle into the desired area. Depending on the area treated, between 4-10 injections are necessary. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used the pain is usually minor, like a sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete there is usually no discomfort. No sedation or local anaesthesia is required and as no recovery is required, you can resume normal activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. Very occasionally some patients experience a slight temporary bruising or redness at the injection site. This can be covered with makeup.
 
How long does it last?
The full effects of Botox treatment are not apparent for three to seven days. As mentioned the effects are temporary in that the toxin is slowly metabolised by the body in approximately three to six months. As most patients are quite happy with the effects of Botox, a top up injection will be required after this period of time to maintain the skin smoothing effects.
 
Are there any side effects?
There are very few side effects to this procedure. While allergy to any medicine is possible, it is rare indeed with Botox. While a very small amount of brow drooping can occur when injected in this area, this can usually be avoided by not treating the 1-cm area just above the eyebrows. Despite precautions however in exceptionally rare circumstances this can still occur. However due to the non-permanent nature of Botox this is always temporary. In these unlikely circumstances if a droop were to occur, it usually lasts about 2-3 weeks(much less than the full dose of Botox lasts).