Are you looking for a way to turn back the clock on ageing, or seeking relief from chronic migraines and excessive sweating? Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, also known as anti-wrinkle injections could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
The dual benefits of this treatment make it an excellent choice of treatment for cosmetic and anti-ageing concerns while also providing solutions to health conditions such as migraine relief and excessive sweating.
Life is too short to feel uncomfortable in your skin, so let’s explore how Botulinum Toxin Treatment can give you that confidence boost you’ve been looking for and improve your quality of life.
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Surprisingly and unknowingly to many, Botulinum Toxin is a toxin that temporarily paralyses the muscles by blocking chemical signals to the nerves that control the muscles.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may be used for cosmetic use on the upper and lower face, while they are also used for medical conditions such as the treatment of chronic migraines and sweating in the underarms, face, scalp, hands and feet.
Cosmetic Benefits Of Botulinum Injections
When it comes to injections for cosmetic benefits, botulinum toxin type A injections are used for their anti-wrinkle properties and can treat several different areas such as:
Upper Face
Anti-wrinkle injections, also referred to as botox treatment can help to paralyse the muscles, reducing movement and therefore reducing the appearance of wrinkles around your forehead, crow’s feet and frown lines. The reduction of wrinkles gives a softer and more youthful appearance.
You can expect it to take up to 2 weeks to see the full results, and often a 2-week top-up of Botox may be required. Once full results have been achieved, they can last anywhere between 3-6 months.
Lower Face
Botox injections to the lower face can be used for jawline contouring, chin dimpling neck wrinkles and lip or smoker lines.
Just like anti-wrinkle injections to the upper face, they cause muscle paralysis leaving the area looking smoother and more youthful. The effect of botulinum toxin can again take 2 weeks to see results. The expected duration of these results can also last for around 3-6 months.
Health Benefits Of Botulinum Injections
When it comes to the health benefits that can be treated with botulinum, it is botulinum toxin type B which can be used to treat muscle spasms, migraines and sweat concerns.
Migraine Relief
The use of botulinum can often help sufferers of migraines by carrying out several injections under the skin or into the muscles. These injections include in and around the head of the forehead, above the ears, and into the neck. It’s not clear why Botox is effective in reducing migraines, however, it’s thought that it works by blocking chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from within your brain offering migraine relief.
The results from the treatment can be expected to last for approximately 3 months, with repeat treatments being recommended 4 times a year if this treatment successfully reduces the discomfort felt and the number of migraines experienced.
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis can affect the underarms, face and scalp, as well as the hands and feet, and is relatively common in both men and women.
If you have tried different treatment options to stop excess sweating, such as oral medications and strong deodorants, botulinum toxin injections can aid in reducing the amount of sweat produced.
The treatment areas include underarms, face, scalp, hands, and feet. The treatment works by blocking the signals to the nervous system to supply the sweat glands.
Safety & Side Effects Of Botulinum Toxin Use
When it comes to safety and any serious side effects, you must ensure that you follow all advice given before and after the treatment.
The use of botulinum toxin type A to treat facial lines and wrinkles is well researched with multiple published, independent clinical studies reporting that treatment is safe with minimal side effects.
There will be little to no discomfort or downtime following treatment. Some side effects include slight redness, swelling, or bruising where the botox is injected, but in most cases, this will fade within a day.
There is a risk that you will experience something called ptosis, that can affect the upper eyelid or eyebrow, causing a droop downwards. Patients are screened and dosed accordingly to avoid this happening.
Rarely you may experience a headache, feel sick, or experience muscle pain or weakness after treatment.
With an injection of botulinum toxin type b for medical issues, there have been reports that some migraine sufferers may experience several headaches in the first month, with a reduction in the following months.
All patients receiving treatment with botulinum toxin will be made aware of the signs and symptoms of toxin spread, such as muscle weakness and breathing difficulties, and advised to seek medical advice immediately if this is the case.
The Consultation Process
Before any injections are performed, you’ll attend an initial consultation to assess your areas of concern and your suitability for treatment. This will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, discuss your medical history, complete a facial analysis, discuss any possible side effects and get a realistic understanding of the results you can expect to receive.
This minimally invasive treatment is not known as a particularly painful treatment. Before the botulinum toxin is injected, your practitioner will mark the areas which will be the injection sites and an anaesthetic cream will be applied. After around 20 minutes the area should be significantly numbed and your injections will be able to be completed comfortably.
Results aren’t noticeable immediately after treatment and it can take up to 72 hours for the toxin to begin working.
After two weeks, depending on your treatment and the results that you have currently received, you may receive a top-up treatment in these areas.
Depending on the problem being treated, the effect may last 3 to 4 months. To maintain the effect, you’ll likely need regular follow-up injections spaced at least three months apart.
Recovery Time & Aftercare Tips
Following your procedure, it is advised to refrain from touching, massaging, or rubbing the injection site or treated regions for 24 hours. Additionally, it is recommended to remain in an upright position for at least 4 hours post-injection to prevent the toxin from spreading to untreated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do results last?
With a dose of botulinum toxin, you can expect your results to last anywhere from between 3-6 months as each individual takes to the toxin differently.
How often do you need treatments?
If you would be looking to maintain the after-effects of your treatment, depending on your area, it is recommended that you attend for repeated injections around every 3 months.
Is it painful?
When it comes to the pain level and discomfort of this procedure, you’ll be pleased to know that this treatment is not regarded as a painful procedure. Your treatment areas will have an anaesthetic cream applied before any injections happen, and we also use ultra-fine needles to deliver the injections. The injections are usually accompanied by a very small sting, as with any injection.
How much do Anti-Wrinkle Treatment / Botulinum Toxin Injections cost?
Prices for this treatment vary due to the different treatment areas and different treatment requirements. Therefore it’s best to get in touch to discuss your requirements. Prices start from £196.
Have We Found The Treatment For You?
The benefits of botulinum toxin injections for anti-ageing and health are brilliant. It is a minimally invasive and relatively painless solution to health issues and cosmetics concerns.
Ready to rejuvenate your appearance or find relief from migraines and excessive sweating? Book your consultation today and start your journey towards a new you. Contact us at 01706 822689 or book your consultation online now.
