1.  What is Botox?

 

Botox is a brand name for the purified form of botulinum toxin Type A, which is produced by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum.  It is an injection of extremely small doses into specific facial muscles to stop the problem those muscles cause.

 

2.  How does BOTOX work?

 

Facial expressions occur when the brain sends a signal to muscle tissue.  BOTOX blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines.  This relaxes the muscles to stop them contracting, leaving the overlying skin smooth and unwrinkled.  BOTOX works only on the specific muscles injected leaving surrounding muscles to function as usual, producing normal facial expression without the wrinkles.  It cannot "freeze" your facial expressions because it only works where you want it to.

 

3.  How is Botox administered?

 

BOTOX is injected using a disposable syringe with a very fine needle.  A very small amount of the BOTOX powder is diluted with saline and injected very precisely into several location on the face.  The pain associated with injections is minimal.  Many patients describe it as an ant bite sting for a few seconds.  No local anaesthetic is required and you can resume normal activities immediately.  Treatment takes around 15 minutes, depending on the number of areas you wish to treat.  After injection, it takes 2-3 days for BOTOX to begin taking effect and up to 7 days to see the full effect.

 

4.  Where can it be used?

 

BOTOX is used widely for the elimination of:

 

• frown lines between the eyebrows

• horizontal lines on the forehead

• crows feet or smile lines around the eyes

 

It is being increasingly used to reduce neck lines and in brow lifts to achieve a more youthful arched brow which rounds and softens the eye.  Doctors have also reported good results in the nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth, perioral lip lines ("smokers lips") and chin dimpling or creasing.

 

5.  How long will it last?

 

The advantage of BOTOX is that it is temporary.  The effect lasts for 3-5 months or longer depending on the individual.  You can decide if you like it, then repeat the treatment regularly as you wish, increasing the number of facial areas you want to treat.  The result will wear off progressively and you will need repeat injections 2-3 times a year.  Early clinical studies indicate the duration of effect increases over time as you may require less frequent injections in the future to maintain the result you have come to like.

 

6.  Is BOTOX a common cosmetic procedure?

 

It's the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.  In the USA, 498 204 BOTOX procedures were recorded in 1999, a growth of 216% making it the second most common cosmetic procedure after chemical peels.

 

7.  Are BOTOX treatments safe?

 

The safety profile of BOTOX is considered to be excellent.  It has been used for patients with various conditions for over 10 years in over 60 countries.  The most common side effects are tenderness or bruising  at the site of injection and in some cases, the BOTOX can migrate and cause a temporary weakness in nearby muscles.  In rare cases, there can be a slight and temporary drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow lasting 1-2 weeks.  Your doctor can prescribe eye drops to help reverse this side effect.  The risk depends on the muscles to be injected.

BOTOX is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as sufficient safety studies have not been performed to confirm no impact on the human foetus or breast milk.

Because the effects of BOTOX are temporary any side effects only last a few weeks.  There have been no permanent side effects of BOTOX reported.  BOTOX is approved by various medical bodies around the world.  BOTOX is also what stars and celebrities use commonly and is endorsed by worldwide usage.

 

8.  Can BOTOX be combined with other procedures?

 

BOTOX is often used in combination with other facial enhancement procedures to improve the overall effect.  Because it is a localised procedure it does not interfere with other procedures such as collagen or laser resurfacing.  

 

9.  Is it only for women?

 

BOTOX is equally effective on men and women.  In fact, men increasingly seek out this treatment to leave them looking younger in the workplace.  Because it is effective for worry lines, it is popular with many businessmen to leave them looking more refreshed an approachable.

 

10.  Is BOTOX suitable for my face?

 

To find out if BOTOX might work well for you, please consult with your doctor who is a trained professional and can judge the optimum treatment to enhance your appearance.

 

11.  What else is Botox uses for?

 

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) benefits greatly from the injection of botox in involved areas.  The armpits as well as the palms and soles are the commonest areas for this treatment.  

 

12.  Cost

 

Please discuss with the secretary as the cost is dependent on the areas treated.

 

13.  Booking

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To book for this procedure, please phone (031) 265 1505