By Dr. TRACY MOUNTFORD, MBBS MBCAM
You read so much about Botox today, online and off line, sensational headlines, who is having it? the misconceptions, celebrities giving it up for the more natural look… (see our recent article: ‘Backlash Against The Botox Backlash’) the complications / misconceptions……. it rages on and on and will always do so by being such a big headline grabber.
As with all these treatments you need to find an experienced, qualified practitioner that has successfully carried out many Botox procedures over a period of time and question them on their experience and any concerns you may have about the side effects of Botox and how to minimise this happening to you; Make sure you are also offered a thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner before going ahead with any cosmetic procedures.
How does it work?
Botox, (botulinum toxin) is a purified protein which is injected in minute quantities into the muscles of the face in order to relax them or soften the appearance of wrinkles. This acts as a muscle relaxant by blocking the nervous impulses directed towards all the muscles in which it has been injected. This procedure takes about 15 minutes. The practitioner will ask you to pull some facial expressions in order to understand your facial muscles. They will then use a very thin needle to inject the diluted product into the appropriate muscles. It will take 5 – 10 days for you to start to see the effect. This smoothing effect will last between 3 to 6 months depending how many treatments you have had previously. Here at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic it is normal for us to review your Botox treatments at 2 weeks post treatment to ensure you get the best possible results.
The side effects!
Going to a qualified practitioner will minimise the side effects substantially, but the most common side effects are: Headaches, (only 10% of patients may get this on the first treatment), skin redness, and there maybe some slight bruising. These are only possible side effects and are relatively few and far between if you have your treatment performed by an a qualified, experienced cosmetic practitioner.
For more in depth information regarding this procedure please call our reception team on: 01753 646 660
