Botox

What is Botox?

Botox has been researched thoroughly over the last 50 years and has been used medically for much of this time to treat muscular disorders.  It has been used cosmetically for some 20 years as part of a popular facial treatment for frown lines and crow's feet.  It is also used to combat excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.

Botox is the name of the original treatment of this type but there are other brands on the market like Azzulure, Dysport and Xeomin.  We use a variety of brands because people are different, and different varieties suit different people. They are equally effective and give excellent results.  We only ever use UK manufactured Botox or similar treatments, and never import Chinese botox.

Botox has been licensed for use in the treatment of children with lower limb spasticity and facial and/or neck spasms for many years.  Botox treatment is equally suitable for men and women, and is now licensed to be used cosmetically for the treatment of frown lines.

Who is it suitable for?

Botox is suitable for anyone, men or women, from the age of 18.  However, at A New You we don't treat pregnant women or nursing mothers.  It is most popular on the upper part of the face such as crow's feet, frown lines, and forehead lines. It can also be used on lines often associated with smoking, around the lips. It can be used on the neck to help with 'stringy' skin, and is also an excellent treatment for embarrassing excessive sweating and migraines.  Botox is often used in conjunction with facial fillers to obtain optimum results.

What can I expect?

The practitioner will ask you to frown or smile as hard as you can, so that the exact pattern of muscle movement can be observed and marked. Then Botox is injected in minute quantities directly into the muscle.  This causes the crease to relax for up to 3-4 months.  As the muscle is relaxed, the crease is prevented from getting worse, and facial lines soften.

Botox works gradually over 7-10 days, reaching its maximum effect after 3 or 4 weeks. The whole process takes no more than 15 minutes.  The injections, though brief, are slightly uncomfortable, leaving tiny red marks which will disappear within a few hours.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

There can, on rare occasions, be side effects from Botox injections and, although temporary, it is important that you are aware of the following risks:

• Redness or bruising at the site of the injections
• Mild headaches

Very rarely you can experience a heaviness and possible drooping of the eyelid.  In the unlikely event that this happens you may be prescribed eye drops to help.

Recovery

There isn't a recovery period as the treatment is straightforward.  It's completed in less than an hour, and many people return straight to work.  It's important to stay upright for 4 hours following the treatment and not to have alcohol or fly within the first 48 hours following the treatment.  You may experience minimal bruising at the site of the injection which can be covered with make-up.

Success Rate

It is presently the most popular requested non-surgical treatment with a 99% success rate but on very rare occasions a resistance to these treatments may result in little or no improvement.

After having Botox a few times, the muscle 'learns' not to frown as much and you will find the effects last longer than 3-4 months.  You may find you only need a top-up twice a year.

Impartial and informative cosmetic surgery consultation

As every person has individual requirements, it is vitally important to discuss your goals and expectations before making a decision. We want you to be fully and properly prepared, and we'll answer all your questions and concerns.

Our cosmetic surgery consultations are held at our Brighton clinic. Consultations are totally confidential, and there's absolutely no obligation to proceed. Contact us today for friendly, helpful advice or to book a consultation: call on 01273 604444, email us or fill in our contact form.