"Botox" is actually the brand name of just one type of Botulinum toxin medication. Botulinum toxin is produced by the natural bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. From this, a specific protein is extracted and purified to create Botulinum Neurotoxin Type-A. When a small amount of of this medication is injected into a muscle, it blocks specific nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract in that area. Cosmetically, the effect is that it will temporarily reduce those specific facial muscles from contracting that are causing the skin to contract and crease, therefore reducing the formation of skin wrinkles in that area.

Description tVery fine needles are used to inject small amounts of clear solution containing Botulinum Neurotoxin Type-A into the specific facial muscles required. Most patients comment that the treatment is only mildly uncomfortable, if at all. Prior to treatment, you are welcome to have a small amount of topical anaesthetic cream applied, however this is rarely needed. You are encouraged to discuss this at your first consultation, so that we can make your treatment as comfortable as possible for you. Treatment will generally take around 10 minutes to perform once your consent has been obtained and photos have been taken.ext goes here

Like all medications, there are several side effects that could be experienced following treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type-A. During your consultation, your Nurse Independent Prescriber will discuss the full known side effects and will explain to you as part of the consent process. You can then decide if you wish to proceed. General side effects related to the procedure itself include: mild localised swelling, mild bruising and a possible temporary numbness. For some, the treated areas may initially feel a little unusual as the body continues to try and contract the treated muscles. This usually settles within a week or so of taking effect. You should plan your treatments around social events in case you do experience any effects that could affect your appearance, such as mild bruising. You will be given your practitioner's hours mobile telephone number, should you require urgent advice. 

Yes, although these will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment:

-Avoid touching the treated areas for 4 hours after treatment.

-Do not lie down or bend over for 4 hours after your treatment.

-Avoid high-impact exercise for 24 hours.

-Do not massage the treated areas for 48 hours.

Yes, minor adjustments can be made to the areas treated with Botox. Your practitioner will explain this process to you during your appointment. Please note that adjustments can only be carried out between 14 and 21 days after your initial treatment.

Results of Botulinum Toxin Type-A are not immediate and generally take 2-14 days to take effect. In most cases, you can expect to see a pleasing improvement in the appearance of the dynamic lines treated.

The effect of duration can vary from person to person, but generally lasts 12-16 weeks. In order to maintain the effect, it is advised to repeat the treatments each 12 - 16 weeks and you will be offered to book your next appointment at the end of your treatment for your convenience.

Once the effects of a current treatment cycle have worn off, the areas will simply return to their previous activity, and wrinkles may return.