Anti-wrinkle Injections

Anti-wrinkle injections (botulinum toxin), often called Botox®  are used to relax muscles of the face, helping to reduce or completely eliminate wrinkles, particularly those that occur due to facial expressions. Botulinum toxin is a nerve blocking agent and not, as commonly thought of just a pure muscle paralysing drug.  Hence, it is used for a variety of conditions ranging from blocking muscle movement (wrinkles in motion) to stopping sweat production from glands. 

All botulinum toxin treatments are subject to a face to face medical consultation prior to treatment where medical history will be taken in order to provide a prescription. This is legally required as botulinum toxin treatments are  prescription only medicines. There is no charge for a consultation and reviews are included in the treatment price. Reviews are offered between 2-4 weeks later and include more product if required.

Most clients find the process painless as we administer botulinum toxins using very fine needles however some discomfort may be felt as the fluid is injected. Anaesthetic cream is available to those who may require it.

Following treatment there may be swelling, redness and some possible bruising. 

These side effects are usually due to the composition of the formulas, associated proteins, human albumin etc:

• Headaches
• Dizzyness
• Flu Like Symptoms
• Allergic Reactions
• Bruising (needle related not drug)

Local complications occur near the site of injection due to spread of the drug into nearby muscles and can include:

• Spread to adjacent muscles too much / uneven muscle relaxation
• Eyebrow asymmetry, eyebrow ptosis (medial / lateral / entire eyebrow)
• Blepharoptosis (droopy eyelid)

Very rare reports have been published on the following:

• Botulism
• Distant Weakness (dysphagia, limb weakness and respiratory)

The treatment takes around 72 hours to begin working and 2 weeks for the effects to be fully visible, although you may feel most of the effect after 7 to 10 days. The effects typically last 3-4 months following treatment and occasionally longer.

Do not

• Rub or massage the treated area (this includes facials) and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 – 48 hours after treatment. Failure to do so may result in the toxin moving into muscles it shouldn't.
• Use excessive alcohol or unnecessary blood thinning medication following treatment to aid in the prevention of bruising

Do

• Use Ice for swelling
• Paracetamol for any pain as opposed to NSAIDs
• Arnica cream for bruising if required

• Pregnant women/ breastfeeding women (if you are trying to get pregnant)
• Allergy / sensitivity to botulinum toxin
• Neurological disorders 
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Medication/ products that interfere with neuromuscular transmission – these may increase the potency of botox (however no drug reactions have been reported) – e.g. aminoglycosides gentamicin, anticholinergics, cyclobenzaprine (anti-arrhythmic), quinidine (anti spasm)