Articles Directory | Free Articles | New Articles Daily | What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox® is the commercial trade name for Botulinum Toxin Type A, which is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. When injected into the muscles, Botox® has a local effect which blocks the transmission between the nerve endings and muscle fibres, resulting in weakness (paralysis) of the nearby muscles. What is Botox® used for? Botox® is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for wrinkles and is typically used in people aged between 18 to 65. The product is used to prevent the wrinkles or fine lines that appear following muscle contraction, and is commonly used to treat wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows (frown) and around the eyes (Crows Feet).

Botox® has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles and Botox® injections are becoming increasingly popular. Who can have Botox® treatments? Your doctor will decide if you are suitable for an aesthetic treatment with Botox®. Before starting a Botox® 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. How is Botox® administered and how long does it take? Your doctor will administer several tiny injections of Botox® directly into the muscles of your face. Prior to injecting the Botox®, your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in either the forehead, between the eyebrows (Frown Lines/Glabella) or around the eyes (Crows Feet).

The entire Botox® injections takes approximately 10-15 minutes and is a simple procedure. Botox® treatments do not require a local anaesthetic, and discomfort is usually minimal and brief. How soon will I see results from Botox® treatments and how long will it last? Results following a Botox® treatment will be visible after 2-3 days, and full effects are obtained with Botox® at 2 weeks. Botox® treatment results on average last between 3-4 months, however certain clients will get longer than this and clients who have had a treatment previously should also get longer. When the results from the Botox® treatment are starting to wear off, you will notice contraction of the muscle re-appearing in the area originally treated with Botox®. How often can Botox® injections be given? Generally Botox® treatments are repeated every 3-4 months, however some clients will allow the results to return to normal before having another treatment, and some clients will have a re-treatment as the effects are only starting to wear off. With repeated Botox® treatments, thinning of the muscles can occur and clients find the results last longer. How much do Botox® treatments cost and which areas are treated? North West Aesthetics Botox® treatments start from £95.00 and include a free 2 week top up. The main (basic) areas treated with Botox® are the forehead, between the eyebrows (Frown Lines/Glabella), and around the eyes (Crows Feet).

North West Aesthetics also do advanced Botox® treatments, which include Botox® to the lower face and neck, and also under the arms, palms, and feet for excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis). What are the possible side-effects of Botox® treatments? Following a Botox® treatment, you may have a small amount of redness and swelling where the Botox® injections have been. These will usually settle within a few hours and disappear. Botox® is a very safe and simpe treatment to perform and if you have any further questions discuss these with the doctor at the free consultation. Can anyone have Botox® treatments? You should not have Botox® treatments if you: • Have an infection where the Botox® will be injected • Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox® • Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant • Have a neurological disorder (eg. Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Myasthenia Gravis) What medications can interact with Botox® treatments? Medications that can interact with Botox® include, Warfarin and certain chemotherapy medications. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any medication that you feel concerned about with Botox® treatments.