Time has etched lines in your skin. Some days you tell yourself your face has character. Other days, it seems more like aging. If you're thinking of smoothing out those frown lines or crow's-feet, you've probably considered Botox — an increasingly popular nonsurgical treatment for facial wrinkles. Botox injections temporarily relax the facial muscles around wrinkles, making them appear less noticeable. But not all facial wrinkles benefit from Botox injections.

What is Botox?

BOTOX is the commercial tradename for Botulinum Toxin Type A. Botulinum Toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. which if taken in large amounts by mouth causes the food poisoning botulism. But when injected in small doses into specific muscles, Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. When the muscles can't tighten, the skin flattens and appears smoother and less wrinkled.

What is Botox used for?

Botox is for people who want to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Treatment areas may include:

• Frown lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose
• Crow's-feet at the corners of the eyes
• Forehead creases
• Thick bands on the neck

BEFORE

AFTER

Who can have Botox treatment?

Your doctor will decide if you can have cosmetic treatment with botox. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have any disorders that affect your nerves and muscles, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are planning to become pregnant soon.

The Botox injection procedure

Your doctor will administer several tiny injections of botox directly into the muscles of your face. Prior to injection, your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area.

The entire botox injection procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and does not require anaesthesia. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief.

BEFORE

AFTER

You should notice an improvement in your frown lines within 3 to 7 days, the effects of which can last up to 4 months. However, results may vary. After a period of time, your frown lines will begin to reappear as the effects of botox wear off.

How often can Botox injections be given?

You can receive botox injections every 4 months. With repeated treatments, thinning of the muscles occurs, which produces longer lasting results.

How much does Botox treatment cost?

Each treatment costs around £200.

Possible side-effects of Botox

• headache
• flu-like symptoms
• temporary eyelid droop
• nausea
• squint/double vision
• twitching of the eye
• facial pain
• redness at the injection site
• muscle weakness

Cautions/contra-indications

Do not have botox treatment if you:

- have an infection where botox will be injected
- are allergic to any of the ingredients
- are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- have a neurological disorder (eg. Myasthenia Gravis)

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