botox® Q&A
Is it safe?
It is widely accepted that, when administered by a skilled and responsible practitioner, you are safe. We will discuss in detail the risks and side effects during the consultation.
What can it be used for?
There are so many ways in which Botox can be used, but some of the more common ones are:
The frown line- is perhaps the most commonly requested area.
Crow’s feet wrinkles at the sides of the eyes.
In the forehead, to soften horizontal lines
In the ‘bunny lines’, the horizontal wrinkle lines at the top of the nose.
In the jaw, which can slim the face and can also help if you clench your teeth.
In the chin, to relax an ‘orange skin’ appearance or to reduce a chin from turning upwards- which happens as we age.
Beneath the corners of the mouth, to reduce a downturned-mouth expression.
In the upper lip, to reduce a ‘gummy’ smile.
In the upper lip to create a ‘lip-flip’ a softer appearance to lip fillers.
Above the top lip to help with ‘lipstick lines’
In the neck, to soften a stringy-looking neck and tighten the jawline.
In the nose to reduce nasal flaring.
Beneath the eyes to soften fine lines in those with good skin elasticity.
In the armpits to reduce excess sweating and sweat marks.
How long does it take to work?
You’ll start seeing the effects take hold within a week and the treatment will reach full effect in 10-14 days. The procedure itself takes hardly any time.I would always recommend always booking in for a review two weeks after treatment, by which time the full effects of the treatment will be showing.
How long does toxin last?
Between 3-4 months. Results gradually begin to fade.
What alternatives are there to toxins?
Nothing will relax the muscles that create dynamic wrinkles in the way that botulinum toxins can. But if you don’t fancy it, there are many other approaches to try. You could:
Try other treatments that will reduce the appearance of lines by boosting collagen growth within the skin, such as micro needling and skin boosters,
Try serums containing Argireline. This is a peptide that has a relaxing effect on dynamic wrinkle lines around the eyes. My Meder facials are excellent alongside homecare.
Use a night cream containing retinol. This will stimulate the growth of collagen within the skin and this will reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes!! You must be aged over 18 years- it is illegal otherwise.
What brands of toxins are available?
There are currently 3 brands that are licensed in the UK for cosmetic purposes. They are Azzalure®, Bocouture® and Botox®. You may have heard of them under different names depending on the country, ie: Bocouture® is known as Xeomin® in the US, the brand made famous by Gwyneth Paltrow. I mostly work with Botox® and occasionally Bocouture®. Unless specifically requested I will often choose the brand most suited to you.
If you would like to book, remember a consultation is always required before toxin treatment.
