Często zadawane pytania dotyczące przeciwdziałania zmarszczkom

Botox acts by blocking acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions between the nerves and the muscles. Acetylcholine is a chemical that is responsible for causing muscle contraction, therefore, blocking it leads to temporary muscle paralysis.

Botulinum toxin is not only used for treating unwanted wrinkles, i

t is also used for:

- Treating facial asymmetry

- Unwanted facial muscle activity, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm

- Migraine

- Spasticity

- Cerebral Palsy

- Hyperhydrosis (sweaty armpits).

For maximum benefit, there needs to be careful assessment of the face and therefore no makeup should be worn.

Careful assessment and planning by a GMC registered Doctor

The injectable is carefully injected, using a very small needle, directly into the muscles that cause wrinkles. Several injections are usually needed at specific sites, depending on the area treated. (see diagram on treatment page).

Combination treatment may be required eg Cosmetic Fillers

Gentle pressure may be required and the application of arnica cream.

A complimentary 2 week follow up with the Doctor is then booked.

The injectable starts to work 6-36 hours after injection and maximum effect will be achieved after 7-14 days

The effect will last between 2 to 4 months before you will start to notice the muscles working and the wrinkles reappearing.

If the patient wants the effect to last longer, they will require injections around 4 times a year.

If the patient does not like the effect it will wear off between 2 to 4 months

We aim to achieve the desired effect after the first treatment but it may require one or two treatments to decide exactly what the patient prefers in order to gain the optimal effect

Repeated treatments may give a quicker result that lasts longer and therefore increases the time interval between appointments.

Patients encouraged to move the muscles that are injected

Avoid lifting bending or staining for 3-4 hours

Unrestricted activities after 4 hours

Flying and heat is not thought to have an adverse impact

The first effect may be as early as 6 hours and maximal effect is at 14 days

No severe complications after cosmetic use of Botox have been reported in literature. However, despite the risk being very low, it must be discussed and understood

Local (Normally these are temporary) - Pain - Tenderness - Swelling/oedema - Erythema (redness) - Bruising (this can usually be covered up by makeup) - Headache (do not take aspirin)

Regional complications due to the unwanted effect of Botulinum toxin on adjacent muscles. These are self-limiting and wear off in 2-4 months

Systemic effects are rare in cosmetic usage

Anaphylaxis to Botulinum toxin, albumin or normal saline is very rare.

Therapeutic failure or non response can only be truly assessed after 14 days and before 4-6 weeks and may be due to - Persistent muscle activity - Surrounding muscle action - Static lines will not be affected - Persistent wrinkle due to dermal atrophy (thinning of the deep layers of the skin)

Conditions or factors that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment

Pregnancy

Breast Feeding

Patients trying to get pregnant

Previous anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) to Botulinum toxin and other ingredients (albumin, sodium chloride)

Neuromuscular disease (myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, motor neurone disease)

Tendency to excessive bleeding

Thrombocytopaenia (low platelets)

Haemophilia

Anticoagulation therapy

Aspirin