Hyper-functional lines of the face including the forehead , frown lines and crow’s feet are common cosmetic imperfections that can cause a person to feel and look tired and aged. Furthermore, problematic muscle contracture can also lead to various medical conditions. This can often have an effect on a person’s physical and psychosocial health and can cause negative impacts on their life. Botulinum toxin is a prescribed medication. The insertion into the muscles beneath the skin allows us to temporarily paralyse the muscles thus creating smoothness of the lines as well as targeting overactive muscles for symptom relief if needed.
Historically, botox has been used in medicine since the 1980’s for treatment of various conditions involving muscle contracture. It was then approved for cosmetic purposes in 2002 and has fast become the most common cosmetic procedure performed today.
So, how does Botulinum toxin do this? It blocks the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which eliminates muscle contraction. In effect this focal administration of botulinum toxin temporarily paralyses the contraction of the muscles which can lead to dynamic wrinkles and furrows. It can also stop problematic spasms. In addition to interfering with acetylcholine release botulinum toxin also interferes with the release of inflammatory mediators which explains why it is used in the treatment of migraine headaches.
The effects of botulinum toxin lasts on average 3-4 months however you may regain some movement at 2 months. This will vary depending on the condition of the skin and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking and exercise. Many patients return every 3-4 months for their treatment to maintain the look and feel they desire. If a patient was to stop having botox injections they should expect normal muscle strength to return in 3-6 months.
The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and recovery time is minimal, most patients are able to resume their normal daily activities afterwards.
All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks and side effects. With Botulinum toxin these can include bruising, tenderness and swelling at injections sites. Less common side effects include, headache, flu like symptoms and temporary eye lid ptosis.
The administration of botulinum toxin requires a thorough consultation utilising a medical approach, taking into account the patient’s medical history, treatment outcomes, potential side effects and the amounts of botulinum toxin needed.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein that prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which reduces muscle contraction. This reduces the appearance of the fine lines and wrinkles that are caused by the muscle contraction
Botox acts on the muscles to smooth the lines. Fillers are used to replace lost volume in deeper folds, wrinkles and other areas of the face.
The average botox treatment lasts approximately 3-4 months. Patient’s new to our clinic are encouraged to return for a review and reassessment to ensure that the correct dosage of botox has been administered for the desired effect.
The muscles that have been treated would return to normal strength in 3-6 months.
You will feel a quick sting with each injection.
The most common treatment areas are the forehead, frown line (between the eyebrows) and the crows feet (side of the eyes) however botox can be used in other areas of the face, neck and body.
A consultation with a prescriber is required prior to all treatments which use botox as it is a prescribed medication. This is to ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate for you. Any patient undergoing a procedure should be fully informed of all aspects of the procedure with their medical history reviewed and the opportunity to ask questions facilitated.
The botox is injected with a small needle. The amount of injections depends on the area being treated and will be discussed at consultation.
You may see results within 3-7 days however final results are not seen for 2 weeks. At this point if you are a new patient a review is encouraged.
Yes the effects of botox on muscle movement are subtle and limited to the treatment area.
Yes, this is possible but very rare.
There is little downtime with botox and most patients can resume their everyday activities following their treatment.
With all medical and cosmetic treatments there are potential risks of side effects. With botox it is common to experience some redness, swelling and tenderness at the injection sites. Bruising can also occur. Any swelling usually subsides within a few hours however can sometimes last a few days.
Less common side effects include headache, flu like symptoms and eye lid ptosis.
Cost varies depending on the number of areas treated. Prices start from £100 and are displayed within the online booking system.
Book a consultations via our booking app. Consultations are £30 which is redeemable against treatments
Rachel Moorhouse Medical Aesthetics Clinic
Aurora – House of Beauty,
195 Monton Rd,
Eccles,
Manchester M30 9PN
T: 07595 999699
E: rmaesthetics1@gmail.com
