Cheshire Cosmetic

What is Botox®?

Botox (Botulinum toxin type 'A') is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It was developed during the 1970s – 1980s to treat blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids) and strabismus (squint). In 1997 it achieved FDA approval for cosmetic use in the USA and by 2006 was granted a license by the MHRA in the UK for the treatment of frown lines and wrinkles. Worldwide, now more than 3 million Botox treatments take place per year

How does Botox® work?

In addition to skin cell changes, collagen depletion and damage due to free radicals, fine lines and wrinkles are caused by muscle contraction. For example, when you are angry or confused, you draw your eyebrows together and downwards. This causes pleating of the skin which results in frown lines and wrinkles. Similarly, elevation of the eyebrows causes horizontal lines on the forehead and smiling / squinting causes crows feet around the eyes. Botox is injected into the target muscle and works at the neuromuscular junction by blocking the transmission of signals from the nerve ending to the muscle. This causes temporary paralysis of the treated muscle, which results in the reduction or loss of fine lines and wrinkles. The result of Botox injections is not permanent because the nerve ending re-establishes it’s signalling by forming new nerve sprouts. This sprouting takes approximately 3-6 months, at which point the muscle regains it’s activity and the common skin problem, fine lines & wrinkles begin to reappear.

Botox®Treatment

• A few tiny Botox injections into facial muscles using a very fine needle
• No local anaesthetic required – discomfort is minimal
• Takes 10 mins to perform – no downtime necessary
• Noticable lines and wrinkle reduction in 3-5 days
• Botox last at least 3 months

Botox® Treatment is for who?

Before having Botox to treat your skin problem, you should discuss with your cosmetic physician / Dermatologist, as to whether your current condition is ok to have a cosmetic treatment such as Botox.

You should let your dermatologist know if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, planning be pregnant or you have anything else that affects your nervous system, before having Botox so the cosmetic physician can make an informed decision about whether it is ok for you to have the treatment or not?

Botox® Aftercare (within the first 6 hours)

• DO gently exercise the treatment areas by frowning, smiling, squinting and lifting the eyebrows occasionally - this will optimise the result from your Botox treatment
• DO NOT rub or massage the treatment areas – this may increase the risk of complications by spreading the product
• AVOID alcohol, aspirin and ibuprofen for 24 hours which can increase the risk of bruising and swelling
• AVOID lying flat or bending down excessively
• AVOID very strenuous physical activity

Possible side effects of a Botox® Treatment

• Small area of redness at the Botox treatment site lasting 2-3 hours (common)
• Bruising / swelling of Botox treatment area (less common)
• Dull heavy sensation +/- occasional headache (less common)
• Ptosis (droop) of eyebrow or eyelid (rare)
• Double vision (very rare)

Botox® for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Botox can also be very effective in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the armpits). It works by reducing the signaling between the junction of the nerve ending and sweat gland. Following several fine injections of Botox into the armpits, significant sweat reduction is achieved within 2 weeks and the results can last for up to 12 months.

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Botox® FAQs