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Writer's pictureMegan McCallum

Botox - FAQs

MISCONCEPTIONS

I don't think there's a person left on this planet who hasn't heard of botox anymore! However that doesn't mean it's not a little confusing. The word botox can conjure a few images to mind many of which aren't particularly pleasant. It's my job to make sure that you know what botox actually is, what it does, how it works and how it might be able to help you.


IT'S REAL NAME

Botox is a brand! A little like Hoover and vacuum we all say we have a Hoover when in fact we may have a Dyson. The true name for botox is botulinum toxin, and type A is most commonly used in the face. Other brands include Azzalure, Bocoutur and there are some new ones on the scene that I won't go into today.


WHAT ACTUALLY IS IT

Botulinum toxins are essentially muscle relaxants. They work by blocking the neurotransmitter responsible for activating muscle contraction and therefore limits movement in your facial muscles. A series of strategically placed, tiny, very comfortable injections are used to place the wrinkle relaxing treatment to generate a result.


WILL IT BE OBVIOUS

You will look exactly the same after your treatment as it takes 4 to 14 days for botulinum toxin to kick in. Thereafter the treatment will be slowly wearing off for approximately 12 weeks. Being frozen is a misconception: we do not need to freeze your muscles entirely and you can be left with some natural movement. But the treatment will work well enough to limit muscle movement in order to keep the skin smooth, prevent wrinkles from forming and stop existing wrinkles fron getting worse.


WHAT ARE THE RISKS

The most common risks associated with this treatment are redness and bruising and asymmetry. Less common risks include a drop to one or both eyebrows, 1 or both eyelids or a completely droopy eyelid. These are incredibly rare when you choose someone that knows their anatomy and will look after you. However you should know that there is no reversal for this treatment and ultimately you would need to wait for it to wear off.


WILL I STILL LOOK LIKE ME

Wrinkle relaxing treatments do not change the shape or the volume of your face in any way: you will be you but smoother! If you choose to continue getting these treatments it is recommended to get them every 3 months for the 1st year or 2 and thereafter as the muscle weakens you may only feel you need the treatment every 6 months or so.


If for any reason in the future you then decide to stop the treatments nothing will happen. Your muscles will just be allowed to work out every day again and gradually become stronger And eventually this will cause wrinkles in the skin.


WHERE DOES IT GO

Most commonly treated areas are the frown lines, the forehead lines and the crows feet or laughter lines around the eyes. Other things we can treat are a dimpled chin, a downturned mouth corner, overactive jaw muscles , migraines, bunny lines on the sides of the nose and we can even improve a gummy smile or perform a lip flip.


These treatments can also be used to reduce overactive sweat glands most commonly hyperhydrosis of the armpits but also of the hands and feet.


FINAL THOUGHTS

Lastly I would just like to say don't be afraid of botulinum toxin it is a wonderful treatment that can be life changing!


I hope this was useful and if in doubt feel free to contact me or book a consultation to find out if you would be suitable for this Treatment.


Megan x

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