What is botox?

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is the injection of a purified protein into the skin which blocks the message from the brain to the muscle when its signaling for the muscle to smile or frown.

Why do people use botox?

Patients choose botox injections to break the habit of frowning as well as achieve temporary immobilization of these facial muscles. By freezing the muscles the frown line is not being created or reinforced and so lines and wrinkles are temporarily halted from forming.

What is the difference between botox and injectable fillers?

While botox blocks the message to the brain and freezes the muscle, fillers plump up ad fill the creases and sunken areas in the face. Soft-tissue fillers can temporarily restore a youthful smoothness to the skin, botox breaks the habit of lines forming.

How often should I have botox?

Typically patients will have a series of treatments over a 1-2 year period to break the facial habit identified and the age and lifestyle of the patient.  Commonly, most patients treatments between every 3 – 6 months depending on their indications.

How quickly does botox take effect and how long does it last?

The effects of botox can be felt after a 3 days – 10 days and by 2 weeks the muscles will be completely ‘asleep’. The effect of the procedure will last for 3-6 months depending on the type of lines being treated.

Can botox be used to treat anything else?

Other common problems which botox can treat include excessive sweating of the armpits, hands and feet and also to help relieve the pain caused by migraines.

Are there any risks or side effects with using botox?

In most patients there are no side effects except potentially some small red marks where the needle has been inserted. The substance cannot cause any damage because due to the injection technique used whereby the substance attaches itself to the muscle and cannot migrate from there to anywhere else in the body. There is a very small risk of eyelid or eyebrow droop, slight puffiness and occasional bruising following the injections. In the unlikely event that you experience any side effects they are temporary and can be easily treated.