About Botox®

Botox® (Purified Botulinim Toxin) is a very popular anti-aging product.

It is used in dynamic wrinkles – the areas under which there is a lot of muscle activity, which crumples the skin above it. Botox® is injected into the facial muscles to block nerve signals that make them contract and relax. It temporarily relaxes these muscles for a period of time, causing fine lines and wrinkles to soften.

Most commonly used around the eyes, corners of the mouth, forehead and above the bridge of the nose, Botox® treatments only take a few minutes, with the whole process able to be over and done within your lunch break. Relatively painless, the majority of people require no local anaesthetic or sedative to undergo treatment.

Areas that respond very well to Botox®:

• Frown lines between the eyes
• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet lines (smile lines around the eyes)
• Chin dimpling
• Marionette lines

What are the risks?

Temporary bruising is the most common side effect of Botox® treatment, although many experience no side effects at all. Headaches, lasting one to two days after treatment is a potential risk, along with temporary drooping eyelids. Drooping eyelids are usually caused by the client rubbing the injected area or lying down soon after treatment.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have injections. Those with an allergy to eggs should inform their doctor or skin specialist before undergoing treatment.

What results can I expect?

Used to soften fine lines and wrinkles, you usually begin to see results within three to 10 days after treatment. Results tend to last three to four months, but can last four to six months, depending on how many units were injected and the experience of the specialist performing the treatment.

Over time, it is believed that regular Botox® treatments can permanently soften lines and wrinkles due to the fact that these muscles are continually being relaxed, leading to a reduction in facial expressions that create these lines in the first place.