Botox Frequently Asked Questions

Botulinum Toxin Type 'A' (a.k.a Botox, Dysport, Vistabel) is a naturally occurring protein which blocks the transmission of nerve signals to the muscles they supply. It can not be absorbed through the skin, and so must be injected directly into the intended muscles. Once injected into specific facial muscles, they relax, and the overlying skin wrinkles smooth out. The maximum effect is seen at around 2 weeks, and results can last for up to 9 months (average 3-6 months). With further treatments, results can last longer.

All assessments, treatments and follow-up appointments are with our fully trained medical doctor.

Appointments include an initial 30 minute consultation/assessment which is free. Treatment appointments are for one hour. At the treatment appointment you will be asked to go through a consent form with the doctor, and will have a chance to ask any further questions before treatment. Injecting takes approximately 10 minutes per area treated.

The treatment involves the injection of minute quantities of botox just under the skin with tiny insulin needles. For many patients this is almost painless, but for some there is a small sting on injection. Discomfort is very shortlived and you can go back to your usual day after treatment.

Botox is a prescription-only medication, and so should only be administered by a fully qualified and trained doctor.

In October 2008, the General Medical Council guidelines (doctor's governing body) stated that no doctor should prescribe Botulinum toxin for people they have not seen and assessed themselves.

At the clinic, all appointments are with the doctor, who will assess, consent and perform all treatments himself.

Botox is most useful in the upper face and around the eyes. It is used to soften the lines formed by facial expression to prevent the onset of fixed deep lines. It is not used to paralyse the face and prevent all movement! The areas most commonly treated are referred to as:

Crow's Feet - the fine wrinkles around the eyes from eyebrow tip to upper cheek. 'One area' includes both eyes.

Frown lines - folds between the inner corners of the eyebrows and upper nose creases.

Forehead lines - Lines formed by elevation of the eyebrows. The aim is to soften these lines, and not prevent there use for expression!

Other areas Botox can be used include:

Armpits - for excess sweating not responsive to deodorants. This involves a series of 15- 20 superficial injections to the armpit, and counts as three areas of Botox treatment per side. This is highly effective in 95% of cases lasts on average for 7-8 months.

Upper lip 'pout lines' - fine wrinkles formed around the upper lip on pouting. These can be treated with Botox or dermal fillers, depending on client preference.