At Remedy Health & Beauty Clinic, your London-based aesthetics clinic, our experts have the skills and knowledge to deliver a range of beauty treatments. Among them is Botox, which we highlighted in our previous post. Despite its popularity, myths and misconceptions about the treatment still abound. Here are 5 things you must know about Botox.
1. Botox doesn’t completely paralyse your face
Many people think the treatment works by completely paralysing or freezing the facial muscles. In reality, botulinum toxin temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscles being treated, reducing their activity and creating a smoother, more relaxed appearance. The effects are temporary and commonly last around three to four months, although this varies between patients. Save Face provides further information about how anti-wrinkle injections work and how long results can last.
It works particularly well on dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements and expressions. For deeper lines and wrinkles, dermal fillers or another treatment may sometimes be more appropriate, depending on the area and the patient’s individual needs.
2. Botox is a prescription-only medicine
Botox is a brand of botulinum toxin type A. Although botulinum toxin is derived from a toxin, authorised products are used in carefully controlled doses for both medical and aesthetic treatments. In the UK, botulinum toxin products are prescription-only medicines and should be prescribed and administered appropriately by suitably qualified healthcare professionals. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency provides current UK safety guidance for botulinum toxin products.
Choosing an appropriately qualified and experienced practitioner is therefore extremely important. Patients can also find independent guidance about safe anti-wrinkle treatment from Save Face.
3. Botox treatment is usually quick
Botox treatment itself can often be completed relatively quickly. Small quantities of botulinum toxin are injected into carefully selected muscles using a fine needle. NHS information from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals explains that botulinum toxin temporarily blocks nerve signals to the treated muscles and that the effects generally last between three and six months.
At Global Health & Beauty Clinic, anti-wrinkle injections can address fine lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin also has several recognised medical uses, including treating excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis.
4. Botox can create a subtle lifting effect
Strategically placed botulinum toxin injections can sometimes create a subtle lifting or contouring effect without surgery. Depending on your facial anatomy and treatment goals, injections may be used around the forehead and brow or along areas of the lower face and neck.
A treatment sometimes referred to as a Nefertiti lift uses injections around the jawline and neck to help improve their appearance. Save Face lists the jawline and neck among areas that may be treated with anti-wrinkle injections. Results will vary, and Botox should not be considered a direct replacement for a surgical facelift.
5. Many patients may be suitable for Botox
Many adults may be suitable for botulinum toxin treatment, but suitability must be assessed individually. Certain medical conditions, medications, allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding or an infection around the proposed injection area may affect whether treatment should proceed.
This is why a proper consultation is essential. Your practitioner should review your medical history, discuss your expectations and explain the potential benefits, limitations and side effects before treatment. Recent MHRA guidance also emphasises the importance of using authorised botulinum toxin products and understanding potential adverse effects.
Book in with the experts
To enquire about Botox treatment or any of our other anti-ageing facial procedures, contact our friendly team at our clinic. For patients holidaying in the Cayman Islands, please visit our sister clinic Aventis. More about Botox. We can arrange a consultation to assess your suitability, discuss the results you want to achieve, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
