As we age, our skin sags and we develop wrinkles and lines which can make us look a lot older than we are. For many people, this blatant sign of aging can result in a serious knock to their confidence. Many people turn to Botox to smoothen out stubborn and deep lines, in order to rejuvenate their appearance. Botulinum toxin injections are one of the most commonly known non-surgical treatments within the mainstream media. It is one of the most extensively studied medical treatments, is clinically approved to use in 78 countries and over 6 million treatments of Botox are administered each year.
In this blog post, we’re going to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding Botox so you can make an informed decision about if the treatment is for you.
- How do Botox injections work?
Once the toxin is injected into the area, it works by preventing any signals from the nerve cells reaching the associated muscle. Essentially, the toxin temporarily paralyses the muscle from contracting. As the muscle is unable to contract, it relaxes and softens. It’s very important to note that you should not lose any ability to show expressions, unlike the dreaded ‘frozen’ look popularised in the media. When treated by a licensed and trained practitioner, they will know how much toxin is appropriate for your desired results.
- How long do the results last?
You will see the results of your treatment within 1-2 weeks post-treatment. There is minimal downtime and you can resume your day as normal, which is a big positive for many people regarding Botox injections. The results of your treatment should last 3-4 months. As the muscle’s action gradually returns, your wrinkles will begin to reappear and will need to be treated again to keep the desired appearance.
- Are there any side effects to Botox?
There are very few side effects to Botox injections, if they are injected by a trained and licensed practitioner. One of the most common side effects is temporary bruising in the treated area. Some people do experience headaches post-treatment, although these end within 24-48 hours and are very rare. It’s important to not rub the treated area for 12 hours post-treatment. Also, lying down for a few hours post-treatment is also recommended, if the client can fit that into their day.
- Can anyone have Botox?
As with all medical treatments, there are a few reasons why someone could be rejected. In the case of Botox treatments, if the client is pregnant, breastfeeding, has had a previous reaction to Botox, or have a neurological disease, they should not seek the treatment.
- What can Botox be used for?
Botulinum toxin is most commonly used for cosmetic reasons, to reduce the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, Botox has many uses beyond aesthetic. There are a variety of medical conditions which can benefit from the treatment. There are many conditions still being tested, but clinically approved conditions which can be treated with Botox are:
- Eyelid spasms
- Severe neck and shoulder pain
- Migraines
- Hyperhidrosis
- Teeth grinding
If you’re interested in booking a free initial consultation at Persona Cosmetic Medicine, Kent, then you can call us on 0208 302 6937 or email info@personamedical.co.uk.