What Is Botulinum Toxin?

​It's a naturally-occurring protein produced by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum which is purified into a version that is safely and effectively used not only in cosmetic anti wrinkle and line smoothing treatments, but also for a number of medical conditions such as migraine and excessive sweating (Hyperhydrosis).

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What is Botulinum Toxin Used For?

It "freezes" the facial muscles that cause "expression" lines- specifically the frown lines in the upper third of the face, forehead "worry" lines and "crow's feet" lines in the corner of the eyes. 

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It can also be used on other areas such as eyebrow lines, lip lines, the muscles of the lower face and neck to lift the mouth corners & improve the jaw and neck line.  The "chewing" muscles may sometimes also be treated to soften a "square" jaw or to reduce the intensity of teeth grinding and clenching at night by relaxing the muscles that are used in chewing and biting.

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How Does It Work and How Effective Is It?

The toxin blocks the transmission of chemical messages from nerve to muscle so that the muscle stays in a relaxed & resting state. This has the effect of smoothing and softening the lines and wrinkles on your face for a period of 8-12 weeks on average, after which the muscles start to regain some activity.

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There may sometimes only be a PARTIAL reduction in muscle movement and lines & wrinkles, which allows some movement, or a fuller "freezing" effect where you will experience very little muscle movement.  The effectiveness depends on factors that include, but not limited to,  the amount administered, area of injection, your existing muscle "activity" , smoking, stress & anxiety and strenuous activity such as intense exercise.

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Does It Hurt?

An ultra fine needle is used and generally the procedure is considered by most people as being relatively painless, requiring no local anaesthetic.

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Pre-Treatment Do's & Donts’

• Certain medicines and dietary supplements can increase risk of bruising. Examples of these include, but not limited to, blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin & Aspirin; also supplements such as St Johns Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, Omega fish oils, Garlic, and the Vitamins A, C , E.

• It may be necessary to temporarily stop taking these a few days Before and After treatment. Please consult your medical practitioner regarding the above prescription drugs

• It's also advisable not to consume any alcohol 24 hours before treatment for the same reason

• Make up will need to be removed prior to injections and NOT reapplied for up to 24 hours afterwards to minimise any irritation or infection risk

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding manufacturer's advice is to postpone the treatment

• If you have any skin infections or other conditions we advise you to postpone treatment

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After Treatment Do's & Donts'

• It's advisable to avoid extremes of heat & cold, vigorous exercise, lying down or bending over, for up to 24 hours afterwards

• Avoid make up and any facial procedures or treatments for at least 48 hours after

• In the unlikely event of any bruising afterwards, you can apply Arnica cream immediately-this is a natural & effective herbal anti-bruising remedy

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**YOU WILL BE ASKED TO ATTEND AN ESSENTIAL FOLLOW UP REVIEW APPOINTMENT 2-3 WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT**

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When Will I See Any Changes and How Long Will The Effects Last?

You should notice a gradual relaxation in the targeted muscles and softening of any lines & wrinkles from around the 4th day following treatment although for some people this could take longer. The full result can be judged from around 2-3 weeks post treatment. 

During your 2/3 week follow up review appointment the results of your treatment can be assessed and any adjustments made if necessary.

Results tend to typically last 3-4 months, but please be aware that the actual duration of action can vary and could be shorter or longer. Muscle movement and some lines will start to become gradually noticeable from typically around  8 weeks.

For these reasons I don't recommend repeat treatment intervals of less than 4 months. Repeating treatment when muscles recover fully will deliver OPTIMUM results over time as well as reduce the chance of developing a tolerance to the product. The actual duration of action and frequency of treatments may sometimes be reduced according to lifestyle factors, the quality of your skin, the degree of muscle activity and your individual response to the toxin.

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Should you experience any unexpected side effects or anything that you are concerned about,  PLEASE CONTACT US.