London and Glasgow Botox Specialist

The popularity of Botox (R) injections has increased significantly over the last decade. The treatment is no longer the exclusive privilege of the rich and famous but something many regular men and women use to maintain their appearance as they get older.

Botulinum toxin works by blocking the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles, preventing the muscles from being able to contract. When injected in small doses to specific muscles in the face this can lead to a reduction in lines and wrinkles associated with contraction of those muscles. With careful injection technique it is also possible to elevate some of the facial features to a more youthful and attractive position.

The areas that are most commonly treated are the lines across the forehead, the frown lines between the eyebrows and the lines around the eyes and lower eyelids. In selected patients it is also possible to treat the lower face and neck. Although botox is often seen as a miracle cure in the media, it is important to realise not everyone is suited to the treatment and good patient selection is crucial to obtaining an optimal result.

The treatment works best in patients aged 30-50 who are beginning to see the signs of ageing. There are an increasing number of patients in their 20s requesting this treatment as a 'preventative' measure however we usually advise against this as starting too young can lead to long term adverse effects. The treatment also needs to be used with caution in the 50+ age group since these patients typically have more skin excess and a more conservative approach is warranted.

The duration of results vary from person to person, although most people have their treatment repeated every 4-6 months. As the treatment wears off the first thing you will notice is an increase muscle activity although this is not immediately associated with a return of lines and wrinkles. Typically it will take another month or more before the wrinkles return and it is only when the wrinkles start to reappear you should come back for your next treatment. This approach will not only make the treatment more economical for you but it will reduce your risk of long term complications, such as immunity or muscle atrophy.

Complications can arise from some of the toxin diffusing into nearby muscles that were not intended to be treated, which can result in drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow (ptosis). This is a relatively uncommon effect which usually wears off gradually over a period of 2 to 6 weeks. There also seems to be a curious relationship between botulinum toxin injection and headaches. Some people who have suffered from headaches long term report their disappearance following treatment. Conversely however some people who don't usually suffer headaches report a dull headache for a week or two following injections. Although this is a well recognised phenomenum, no one quite understand why it happens.

Over use of botulinum toxin in the long term can lead to permanent thinning (or atrophy) of the muscles. It is also possible to become resistant to the toxin with long term use. Botulinum toxin has now been used widely for over 20 years now and so far there appear to be no other long term adverse effects.

Most clinics currently charge for botox treatment on a 'zone' basis where you pay depending on the number of areas injected. Every face is unique however and there is a wide variation in the number of injections and doses injected in each of the so called 'zones'. Charging per 'zone' can also lead to an inappropriate sales relationship between the doctor and the patient where there is scope to make decisions based on sales rather than what is in the best interests of the patient. For a combination of these reasons we charge a single fixed price for treatment. This price includes the initial consultation, as many injections as required to achieve an optimal result for you and follow up care. The price is currently set at Ł250 (fixed price).

Botulinum toxin treatment works best on treatment of lines and wrinkles that are caused by underlying muscle activity. If you have lines that are present at rest the improvement may not be as significant and other treatments dermal filler (Restylane / Juvederm), chemical peels, laser treatment or surgery may be more appropriate.

For more information drop us an email or call us on 0800 011 27 29 to arrange a consultation.



					BOTULINUM TOXIN (Botox/Dysport) The popularity of Botox (R) injections has increased significantly over the last decade. The treatment is no longer the exclusive privilege of the rich and famous but something many regular men and women use to maintain their appearance as they get older. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles, preventing the muscles from being able to contract. When injected in small doses to specific muscles in the face this can lead to a reduction in lines and wrinkles associated with contraction of those muscles. With careful injection technique it is also possible to elevate some of the facial features to a more youthful and attractive position. The areas that are most commonly treated are the lines across the forehead, the frown lines between the eyebrows and the lines around the eyes and lower eyelids. In selected patients it is also possible to treat the lower face and neck. Although botox is often seen as a miracle cure in the media, it is important to realise not everyone is suited to the treatment and good patient selection is crucial to obtaining an optimal result. The treatment works best in patients aged 30-50 who are beginning to see the signs of ageing. There are an increasing number of patients in their 20s requesting this treatment as a 'preventative' measure however we usually advise against this as starting too young can lead to long term adverse effects. The treatment also needs to be used with caution in the 50+ age group since these patients typically have more skin excess and a more conservative approach is warranted. The duration of results vary from person to person, although most people have their treatment repeated every 4-6 months. As the treatment wears off the first thing you will notice is an increase muscle activity although this is not immediately associated with a return of lines and wrinkles. Typically it will take another month or more before the wrinkles return and it is only when the wrinkles start to reappear you should come back for your next treatment. This approach will not only make the treatment more economical for you but it will reduce your risk of long term complications, such as immunity or muscle atrophy. Complications can arise from some of the toxin diffusing into nearby muscles that were not intended to be treated, which can result in drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow (ptosis). This is a relatively uncommon effect which usually wears off gradually over a period of 2 to 6 weeks. There also seems to be a curious relationship between botulinum toxin injection and headaches. Some people who have suffered from headaches long term report their disappearance following treatment. Conversely however some people who don't usually suffer headaches report a dull headache for a week or two following injections. Although this is a well recognised phenomenum, no one quite understand why it happens. Over use of botulinum toxin in the long term can lead to permanent thinning (or atrophy) of the muscles. It is also possible to become resistant to the toxin with long term use. Botulinum toxin has now been used widely for over 20 years now and so far there appear to be no other long term adverse effects. Most clinics currently charge for botox treatment on a 'zone' basis where you pay depending on the number of areas injected. Every face is unique however and there is a wide variation in the number of injections and doses injected in each of the so called 'zones'. Charging per 'zone' can also lead to an inappropriate sales relationship between the doctor and the patient where there is scope to make decisions based on sales rather than what is in the best interests of the patient. For a combination of these reasons we charge a single fixed price for treatment. This price includes the initial consultation, as many injections as required to achieve an optimal result for you and follow up care. The price is currently set at Ł250 (fixed price). Botulinum toxin treatment works best on treatment of lines and wrinkles that are caused by underlying muscle activity. If you have lines that are present at rest the improvement may not be as significant and other treatments dermal filler (Restylane / Juvederm), chemical peels, laser treatment or surgery may be more appropriate. For more information drop us an email or call us on 0800 011 27 29 to arrange a consultation.

BOTULINUM TOXIN (Botox/Dysport)