BOTOX
What is Botox?
Botox® is safe and effective treatment for both men and women that is used to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Botox® an injectable treatment used to reduce lines, wrinkles and sagging caused by strong facial expressions by producing muscle weakness in the specifically treated areas.
Botox is a nerve toxin produced by the ‘bacterium’ Clostridium botulinum, which has been safely used since 1980 for medicinal purposes in healthcare. It was then FDA approved in 2006 for cosmetic purposes. It works by blocking nerve signals when injected into muscles, by temporarily blocking the nerve signals, which prevents, wrinkles from appearing and worsening.
Downtime, Treatment Time and Results Time
There is no downtime following the procedure and majority of patients can resume their normal activities immediately. At Pure Medical Aesthetics Clinic, we use anti-wrinkle injections to provide a more refreshed and youthful appearance, not to change your looks. Every patient’s treatment will differ according to their suitability and amount of Botulinum Toxin used. A full no obligation consultation is performed to thoroughly address these requirements prior to treatment.
Treatment time will usually take between 15 minutes and 60 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated.
Patients can see results of the treatment starting to be appear at about 5 days, but the full affect is usually at 3 weeks, and this is when you are invited back into clinic by Deby to have a check to see of you are happy with your treatment results.
Treatment Areas
Frown lines – Forehead lines resulting from animated movement between the eyebrows or fold and caused by squinting and frowning.
Crow’s Feet – Fine lines that form around the eyes
Bunny Lines – Fine wrinkles that appear when you scrunch up your nose, such as when you smile or laugh.
Necklines – Necklines including horizontal ‘necklace lines’ and vertical ‘platysma bands’ (Nefertiti Neck Lift).
Marionette Lines – Creases or folds that start at the outer corners of the mouth and run down to the outside edges of the chin. Marionette lines can be caused by various factors, including bone structure, skin type and the amount of fat and collagen in your face.
Other Areas – Anti-wrinkle injections can also be used to treat medical conditions such as migraines, excessive sweating (underarms, hands, and feet)
Prior to Treatment
We recommend that you tell Deby prior to treatment if you are suffering from any illness and inform her if you are taking any medication. These may affect treatment with anti-wrinkle injections.
o To avoid bruising do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatories prior to treatment.
o Tell Deby if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
o Tell Deby if you have had any problems in the past with previous injections of botulinum toxin or with injections in general.
o Tell Deby if you have any inflammation in the muscles or skin where Deby plans to inject.
o Tell Deby if you have had any problems swallowing.
o Tell Deby if you have had any surgery that may affect the area to be injected or if you have any pending operations.
Administering of Treatment
During anti-wrinkle injection treatment, Deby will use her specially developed technique to administer a controlled amount of Botox into the patient using a fine needle (‘magic needle” An optional numbing cream is available should you need it, but the procedure is relatively pain-free, and many of our patients choose to have their treatment free of anaesthetic.
o Anti-wrinkle injections come in the form of a vial, which contains botulinum toxin in powder form. Deby will dilute this powder by adding a saline solution.
o Once reconstituted, Deby will draw up the necessary amount using a syringe. After disinfecting the patients’ skin (and marking the injections sites) the product will be injected at several points, directly into the muscles.
After your Treatment
o For at least three days post-treatment – do NOT use any products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) or anything other ‘active’ skincare.
o Avoid intentional and direct sunlight for 24 hours. Do not use tanning beds.
o Do not go swimming for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
o Do not wear swimming goggles for a month after your treatment
o No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment.
o No excessive alcohol consumption on the day of the treatment.
o Do not lie face down following the treatment.
o Do not use ibuprofen following the treatment for 2 weeks.
o avoid rubbing / touching the treated area (including applying make-up) for up to 4 hours, post procedure.
o For up to 24 hours, you should avoid strenuous activity and exposing the skin to extremes of heat or cold should also be avoided for up to 1 week.
Side Effects/Risks
Minor side effects are commonly experienced with anti-wrinkle injections. Some redness, swelling, itching, and bruising can appear at the treatment site, which has usually subsided within 12 – 24 hours. This will be explained to you during the pre-treatment consultation, along with any other potential side effects that can occur. Deby and her team are always available to answer any questions about any of the treatments we have available.
