Botox is the trade name which is derived from the name of a bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum. It is a substance which acts upon the nerves and is administered via a very fine injection. Although it derives from a bacterium, the substance which is injected is a much milder form which works to counteract the muscles which cause wrinkles to appear. It is a safe, well tested and common procedure used to reduce the visual effects of ageing.
Botox works best at reducing facial lines and wrinkles. However, it can also be used for certain medical conditions such as eye muscle problems and severe underarm sweating.
Because Botox is usually used to reduce the signs of ageing, it isn’t strictly a “necessary” medical procedure; however it can dramatically improve the quality of life for some people, increasing their confidence and self belief.
Botox targets the nerves in the area that affects the muscles– this causes the muscle to contract effectively paralysing but not damaging it. This results in more youthful looking skin.
At our Practice, we only focus on three areas:
The effects peak at around 10-14 days. The effects of Botox treatment usually start to gradually lessen after three months as the muscle movement gradually returns. However, people who have had a number of Botox injections report that this tends to extend to six months or so when they have had several injections. There are no problems in returning to have the process repeated.
Despite being a toxin, Botox is usually very safe. However, as with all procedures, there are certain risks which can take the form of after effects. These can include bruising where the injection was administered and also tiredness and headaches.
The treatment isn’t painful though there may be some discomfort in the treated area as would be expected with an injection. The area may be numbed prior to the injection to reduce the likelihood of this. There may be some side effects such as swelling or bruising but these are temporary and will disappear soon afterwards.
As dentists, we are trained to give painless injections all day everyday, so you’re in safe hands!
No, the procedure is very simple and you should be able to continue your daily life straight afterwards. There may be some slight localised bruising though so if you are sensitive about this, you may want to have the rest of the day at home. We advise no lying down (keep upright) and no touching the area for 4 hours.
The whole process will probably take only around 15 minutes although this will depend on the number of injections administered.
Some people think that a face that has had Botox injections is completely paralysed; however this is not the case. You will still be able to smile, frown or look a little surprised as normal; the main difference is that the lines that would normally be caused by these actions will be reduced in size and number.
If you choose to stop having Botox injections to reduce your frown lines and wrinkles, they will simply slowly return as the effect of the treatment wears off.
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At Lushington Road Dental Practice, we fully understand that enquiring about and getting Wrinkle Reduction Treatment needs to be discreet. We are here to help you achieve the look you want and are happy to work around you for appointments (i.e. evening and Saturday appointments available). Book a Consultation today and get your friends talking about how you look so young!
With Dr Anjali Patel BDS MJDF RCS
Registered with IHAS (in treatments you can trust)
