What is Botox?

Botulinum Toxin A, known as Botox, is used to relax the movement of targeted facial muscles causing lines and wrinkles in the face, typically around the forehead and eyes. Used in small doses, this naturally occurring protein can smooth the skin without compromising expression.

How does Botox work?

Botox partially blocks nerve impulses signalling the muscle, so that the muscle is more relaxed or resting. This change in muscle activity causes reduced skin creasing and smooths fine lines over time. In some areas, it can lift the tissues too.

What areas can be treated with Botox?

• Frown lines
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Crows feet + under eye lines
• Bunny nose lines
• Hook nose
• Gummy smile
• Pebble chin
• Stringy neck 

What can I expect when I book a Botox appointment with Dr Miriam A?

1) Consultation

At consultation, we will discuss your main skin concerns and the treatment options available, including common side effects and possible complications.

If you are safe to have the treatment, we will sign a consent form and proceed.

2) Treatment

At treatment, a fine needle is used to inject the medication. It is generally tolerated very well and may cause only mild discomfort.

3) Review 2 weeks later

Your follow up review will be 2-3 weeks later, when adjustments can be made.

Results of Botox show in 14 days and last approximately 3-4 months, or even longer in some individuals.

Repeating treatment when deep lines appear as movement returns will deliver best results over time. If you choose not to have further treatment your muscle and skin will simply return to their previous state.

Is Botox safe?

Botox is safe but not risk free. You may be surprised to know that it has been used for 200 years. In 1822 a german doctor Justinius Kerner suggested its use to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). It is now a known treatment for this condition and widely used for other medical and cosmetic conditions.

Treatment should be avoided if you:

• Are pregnant or breast feeding

• Are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin)

• Are taking blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin)

• Have a neurological condition affecting the nerves and muscles (such as myaesthenia gravis, eaton-lambert syndrome) or had a recent operation using general anesthetic

• Have a known previous allergy to botulinum toxin, egg, or human albumin.

If treatment with botulinum toxin is not safe for you, other options include:

• Cosmetic acupuncture

• Dermarolling

• Environ frown serum

• Light therapy

What Are The Possible Side Effects of Botox

Common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness
Uncommon side effects include headaches, heavy forehead, drooping of eyebrows or eyelids, blurred vision.
Adverse reactions include localised infection, allergic hypersensitivity reactions, cardiac arrhythmia/infarction.
Asymmetry of facial features present before the treatment can be improved but may not be fully corrected.

Pre-care info

• Remove make-up before coming to clinic to reduce risk of infection.

• If you become unwell or develop an active skin infection, such as acne or cold sores, please contact the clinic as your treatment may need to be postponed for your safety.

• Be aware some medications or supplements can increase your risk of bruising and it may be advisable to stop taking these 1 week before treatment:

  • Ginkgo Biloba, Omega-3, Ginseng, St john’s wort, Vitamin A, C, or E

  • Consider stopping Aspirin, Ibuprofen (other NSAIDs)

  If you have any questions, please contact the clinic.

Aftercare info

• Keep the treated area clean and dry to prevent infection. 
• Exercise treated muscles by frowning, raising your eyebrows and smiling to work the medicine into the muscle fibres.
• Avoid vigorous exercise, extremes of temperature, and lying down for 4-6 hours after treatment.
• Avoid alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen) for 24 hours to reduce the risk of bruising. Take paracetamol for any discomfort.
• Avoid massaging treated areas and other facial treatments for 2 weeks to prevent the product from spreading to unwanted areas.
• Reactions are usually mild and last up to 1 week (see side-effects).
• Bruising can be improved by applying arnica cream, eating pineapple cores (containing bromelain), and avoiding blood-thinning medications.