BOTOX THERAPY Botox Therapy Information Sheet The aim of this information sheet is to ensure that you understand the nature of the treatment you wish to undertake. Please read it carefully and discuss any queries with your practitioner. What is botulinum toxin Botulinum toxin is a chemical produced by botulinum bacterial Botox is a protein derivative of the toxin, which, when injected into the muscle, causes it to become weakened or inactivated. It stops muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission - ie it stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle. How does it work? By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout life time, the skin is creased in areas of greatest use. The aging process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older, these areas of over-use become damaged and the lines become permanent. By reducing the movement of the muscles in these areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften or even fade away. In the areas treated, the muscles are temporarily inactivated (always reversible), during which time the patient can break the subconscious habit of overusing these muscles. Depending on each individual and the dose used, the response to treatment can vary from relaxation of the muscles to the inability to move the muscles. For the first couple of years, frequent treatments are required to re-educate the facial muscles. There after, treatments would be less frequent until yearly maintenance treatment is normally all that is required. How long has Botox been in use? As long ago as 1978, Botox was used as a treatment for patients with eye squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle. Since then, it has been used in a variety of therapeutic areas such as spasmodic neck, writer’s cramp, tics, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm, parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy, to name but a few. In more recent times the use of botox for cosmetic therapy has become more widespread. How safe is Botox? In very high concentration botulinum toxin is a potent poison. However, Botox used in minute doses, as it is in cosmetic therapy, has a high margin of safety. Are there any side effects? Side effects of this treatment are rare. Occasionally a temporary drooping of the eyelid can occur. This may last a few weeks, but will always resolve. Special eye drops can be prescribed during this time to help lift the lid back into normal position. In extremely rare cases patients have developed an allergy to treatment, while others have shown resistance. Ie it causes little or no effect on the treatment muscles. Occasionally there may be temporary bruising, slight swelling or headaches but all these symptoms resolve naturally in a few days. Consultation Appointment At this appointment we discuss any queries you may have and discuss your expectations and what treatment could be offered. We take a medical history/consent form and photographs. The procedure is explained and an appointment for the treatment is booked and a quote is given. What happens during treatment? A local anaesthetic cream (EMLA) is normally applied to the areas and left for 30 minutes to take effect. The practitioner will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work. An extremely fine, short needle is used to inject the Botox into the appropriate area. This may cause some slight but brief discomfort. The area may have some slight redness and swelling, which normally resolves in an hour or two. The treatment normally starts to take effect after 4 -14 days, but this may vary slightly with some individuals. The effects will normally last between 2 and 6 months, when you will start to notice an ability to move muscles more freely. A post treatment care leaflet is given and explained. After Care Mild swelling for 48 hours or mild bruising may occur – gently apply which hazel and/or arnica cream to the area. DO NOT massage the injected area. DO NOT lie down for 4 hours DO NOT apply make up for 4 hours after treatment DO exercise muscles for 1 hour after injection 2 Week follow on appointment An appointment is arranged to check and make any over or under corrections if necessary. A final photograph is taken. There is no charge for this. Further appointments Normally the procedure is repeated in 4 months, so 3 courses of treatment are recommended in the first year. The effect is cumulative so further treatments are then 6 monthly for another year and possibly annually thereafter . PRICES   Female Male 1 Site £250 £275 Multi Site £375 £450