Understanding botox treatment
Botulinum toxin works by temporarily reducing the nerve signal to a targeted muscle. With less repeated folding, the overlying skin creases less and existing dynamic lines soften.
Dose and placement are anatomical decisions. Treating the same units in the same spots for every patient is what produces frozen or heavy-browed results; assessing muscle strength and pattern is what produces natural ones.
It is also used for selected medical indications, such as excessive underarm sweating. Suitability, precautions and contraindications are reviewed at consultation before anything is injected.
This may suit you if
- Frown lines between the brows
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crow's feet at the outer eyes
- Patients wanting a temporary, reversible option
What happens at the clinic
- 1
Consultation and consent
Medical history, medications, pregnancy status and previous treatments are reviewed, and realistic outcomes are discussed.
- 2
Muscle assessment
You are asked to make specific expressions so muscle strength and pattern can be mapped before dosing.
- 3
Injection
Very fine needles are used; the procedure takes about ten minutes and most people tolerate it easily.
- 4
Two-week review
Effect is assessed once fully developed, and small adjustments are made if needed.
Aftercare
- Stay upright for about four hours after treatment
- Do not rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise, sauna and facials for 24 hours
- Attend the two-week review
Possible side effects
- Bruising, redness or tenderness at injection sites
- Temporary headache
- Eyelid or brow heaviness in a small number of patients, which resolves as the effect wears off
- Asymmetry, usually correctable at review