Botulinum Toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botuli-num.

Botulinum Toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botuli-num.

In a purified form, as is the case with many drugs/medications such as Penicillin, Botulinum toxin is a very safe, effective treatment not only used in cosmetic clinics, but also for a number of medical conditions, including migraine and excessive sweating.

All botulinum toxins are prescription only medicines (POM) and can only be prescribed by doctors, dentists and nurses with a prescribing qualification, following a face to face assessment and consultation with the qualified prescriber.

It can be used to treat

Frown lines, Worry lines, Crows feet, Lip lines

The toxin blocks the transition of chemical messages sent from the nerve to cause the muscle to contract. Without these messages, the muscle stays in a resting state until the ‘messengers’ recover.

This recovery takes approximately 8-12 weeks on average. The aim of this treatment is to significantly reduce the movement of the muscles causing expression lines (dynamic lines). It may not cause the expression lines to disappear completely, this will depend upon the quality of your skin and may take time over a course of treatments,

It may not ‘completely freeze’ the expression, particularly if extreme effort if exerted to make an expression.

Botulinum toxin is not suitable for lines present without expression (static lines), your practitioner will advise you.

There may be only a partial reduction in movement this very much depends on the amount administered and the location of the product placement – This is not a one size fits all treatment and may be tailored to your individual requirements and expected outcomes – discuss this with your clinician at the time of consultation.

A very fine needle is used and generally this treatment is not painful but can be well tolerated with no anaesthetic. Ice may be helpful in numbing the skin for nervous patients as well as reducing the risk of a bruise.

After treatment

After treatment it is expected that you will start to see an improvement within 2 or 3 days. The full result may be judged at 2-3 weeks. You may be invited to attend a review appointment at 2-3 weeks where the success of the treatment may be assessed and adjustments to your personal treatment plan made, if necessary.

You will be advised to keep the target muscles active for a few hours and to avoid extremes of heat and cold, vigorous exercise, lying down or leaning over for 4-6 hours.

Results tend to last 3-4 months. Movement will begin recovering from 8 weeks. Frequent treatment at intervals of less than 3 months is NOT recommended.

Is it safe?

All treatments carry a degree of risk. All risks and complications will be discussed with you at consultation and prior to any treatment being agreed.

Botulinum toxin should be administered by a healthcare professional with specialist training.

Side effects include, but are not limited to;

-Bruising

-Swelling at injection sites

-Redness at injection sites

-Asymmetry of expression

-Drooping of the brow, or eyelid

-Headache or sensation of ‘tightness’ or ‘heaviness’

Adverse events are uncommon, usually occur within a few days of treatment and are expected to be temporary, usually resolving spontaneously within weeks.

Your practitioner will provide aftercare advice designed to minimise risk and promote speedy recovery from any expected side effects.

Your practitioner will take a detailed medical history and an assessment of your needs and expectations to ensure this is an appropriate treatment for you.

Except in exceptional circumstances this is not a treatment recommended for those under 25 or over 65.

For best results skin should be in good condition and the target lines not furrowed. Your practitioner will assess your suitability and advise.

Botulinum toxin cannot be given to pregnant or breast feeding women.

Not suitable for patients with certain neurological disorders.

Not suitable if you are currently taking certain medications.

If you have previously experienced adverse reactions to any botulinum toxin treatment.

Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from a skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell in any way (even a cold).

If you are attending an event and bruising, swelling or an adverse reaction would not be acceptable to you.