Category: Treatments | 3-Minute Read
" I was thinking about having Botox (Botulinum Toxin) but is that what I need?"
This is such a common question and query. This treatment is very popular but its very difficult to find out exactly what Botox (Botulinum Toxin) is, and whether you should or shouldn’t consider this treatment for yourself.
So I have asked my clients what their biggest concerns were and consolidated all your Botox FAQs right here so you can make an informed decision about this anti-wrinkle injectable skin solution.
What is Botulinum Toxin (also known as BotoxⓇ)?
- Firstly, BotoxⓇ is the brand name for Botulinum Toxin, specifically onabotulinumtoxinA). This product has been developed by Allergan Aesthetics, an Abbvie company.
- Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium, Clostridium botulinum.
- BotoxⓇ is the only FDA-approved muscle-relaxing treatment to temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines.
How does BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) work?
- Botulinum Toxin interferes with neural transmission by blocking the release of a muscle-activating agent, Acetylcholine.
- By doing this, muscle activation is reduced therefore the activity of the muscles can be reduced, bringing about reduced moderate-severe facial lines.
At what age do I need to start having Botox (Botulinum Toxin) Treatments?
- There is no set age to start ANY treatment and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Signs of ageing are noticed at different ages and may not even bother you for some time.
- Ageing starts around the age of 20 years, however only start treatments when you want something to change.
Will I look unnatural or frozen after the Botulinum Toxin (BotoxⓇ) treatment?
- Not if the treatment is implemented properly! If high dosages or concentrations of BotoxⓇ or Botulinum Toxin are administered, this can lead to muscle paralysis such that the muscle cannot contract or move at all. This often leads to an unnatural, frozen and shiny appearance.
- This can also cause over-exertion on the surrounding untreated muscles such that further lines develop while the facial muscles try to restore the harmony of natural facial expression.
- At Skin NV, Dr Natasha Verma uses BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) to deliver predictable, subtle results, so you still look like you, only with less noticeable facial lines.
What can Botulinum toxin (BotoxⓇ) be used for?
- Botox or Botulinum Toxin can be used to reduce the activity of muscles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands anywhere on the body.
- For example:
- Frown lines, Forehead lines, Crow’s feet
- Lip flip, Bunny Lines, Gummy smiles.
- Grinding of teeth
- Scarring
- Enlarged pores, Oily skin and Hyperhidrosis (Excessive sweating)
- Hair loss
- For example:
Do BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) treatments hurt?
- Ultimately, the Botulinum Toxin is administered using a needle which can be uncomfortable however, to minimise discomfort and risk of infection and bruising, Dr Natasha Verma thoroughly cleanses and disinfects the area, and applies a topical anaesthetic to numb the area such that only a momentous, mild pressure is noted.
How long does BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) last?
- Botulinum Toxin (BotoxⓇ) treatments take up to 14 days to reach full efficacy and can last between 3-6 months, depending on the area treated. Break-down of the Botulinum Toxin is accelerated if your metabolism is fast or if you use the treated muscles a lot.
What are possible side effects of BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin)?
- Treatment requires minimal downtime. You can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave Skin NV.
- However, you should expect small bumps, mild redness and tenderness at the site of injection.
- Bruising can also occur, however, post-operative instructions will help you manage any bruising should it occur.
- Aches/pain is possible in large, strong muscles.
- Spread of the agent to surrounding muscles. As this treatment is temporary, the effects of this treatment will wear off without any long term effects.
If I don’t continue the BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) treatments, will I age faster?
- No. You are ageing daily as it is and when the treatment wears off after 3-6 months, your skin will return to how it was pre-treatment.
Will BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) compromise my skin in the long term?
- No. When the treatment wears off after 3-6 months, your skin will return to how it was pre-treatment.
What should I not do after my BotoxⓇ/ Botulinum Toxin treatment?
- Firstly, do NOT touch the treated area or have any saunas, hot tubs or massages carried out on this area for 24-48 hours.
- No strenuous exercise for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Try to stay upright for 4 hours and sleep with your head slightly raised at night for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid tight-fitting headgear and eyewear.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol for 24-48 hours pre and post-treatment.
- Avoid make-up for 24 hours after treatment. Dr Verma will apply sunscreen after completion of your treatment so there will be no need to touch the treated area until that evening for your skincare routine.
- Avoid hot showers for 24 hours after treatment.
How do I know how many BotoxⓇ/ Botulinum Toxin injections I need?
- That depends on the area you are receiving treatment for, how active your muscles or glands are and how frequent your treatments are.
- Dr Natasha Verma will assess your muscle/gland activity at the appointment and administer the appropriate dosage at the sites of muscle activity and line formation. She will arrange a review approximately 2 weeks later to assess the result.
- Dr Natasha Verma is conservative with the administration to bring about a natural result, while avoiding the “frozen”, “expressionless” and shiny outcome.
Who should not have BotoxⓇ or Botulinum Toxin treatments?
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women as the effects on the foetus and baby is not clear.
- Individuals with Neuro-muscular disorders or active skin disease or infection.
- All other medical conditions will be discussed at the consultation appointment with Dr Natasha Verma to determine if the procedure is safe.
Can I catch a flight after BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) treatment?
- You can fly 24 hours after administration of BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) however, it is best to consider the treatment 2-3 weeks prior to travelling or any big events to ensure the outcome is suitable.
Are BotoxⓇ or Botulinum treatments vegan?
- Yes, it does not contain any animal products. The developers of BotoxⓇ have also confirmed that there is no evidence of eggs used within their product. However, to be deemed a medical product, the UK government still requires this product to be tested on animals. Allergan is making progressive efforts to reduce this.
What is the difference between dermal fillers and BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin)?
- Botulinum Toxin (i.e. BotoxⓇ ) reduces muscle and gland activity. Dermal fillers enhance, volumise, lift and support the tissues.
- Dr Natasha Verma will assess your skin concerns at your consultation appointment and will advise you of the most suitable aesthetic treatment solution for you and your concerns.
I’ve just had my Covid Vaccine, can I still have BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) treatment?
- Dermal fillers containing Hyaluronic Acid presented more obvious clinical reactions compared to those who had BotoxⓇ (Botulinum Toxin) treatments. No cases of individuals receiving Botulinum Toxin (BotoxⓇ) had an adverse reaction.
- Despite this, it has been advised to avoid Botulinum Toxin (BotoxⓇ) for two weeks before and after your Covid-19 vaccination or booster.
Who can do my Botulinum Toxin (or BotoxⓇ) treatment?
- Botulinum Toxin (BotoxⓇ) is a prescription-only drug which means only a medical practitioner can prescribe this. However, anyone can administer it due to the lack of UK regulation within this industry.
- It is always advised that you seek advice regarding such treatments from a qualified and experienced medical practitioner for several reasons:
- A medical practitioner will possess a superior understanding of the anatomy of the area being treated whilst being aware of which nerves and blood vessels may be involved. Dr Natasha Verma has experience in Head and Neck surgery which she uses as a sound foundation upon which to build her ongoing professional development.
- A medical practitioner will know how to minimise the risk of complications, and in the event of a complication, will know how to diagnose it and how to resolve it.
- A medical practitioner will be insured and part of a wider team that will ensure that you are receiving the utmost support and care. Dr Natasha Verma is a registered member of the General Dental Council and has the appropriate indemnity and insurance required for all the procedures she implements.
- A medical practitioner will be obliged to be consistently fully trained in safe techniques and environments and will follow evidence-based methods and treatments.
- A medical practitioner will fully understand your mental and medical health to determine if you are suitable for the treatment being considered. They will only proceed if it is safe for you and in your best interest. If it is not, we will say “no”.
- This work is a medical practitioner’s bread and butter. They will not compromise your skin or hair for monetary gain. They have a lot more to lose as a result.
“It’s never too early to age elegantly”.
Do you want to know if Botox (Botulinum Toxin) is an option for you?
As always,
Prioritise yourselves!
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