Botox
What are anti-wrinkle injections and anti-ageing treatments in Peterborough and Kings Lynn?
BOTOX contains a highly purified protein. When injected into muscles BOTOX relaxes the target area resulting in a relaxed muscle activity.
For what uses is BOTOX currently approved (licensed) in the UK?
BOTOX has received regulatory approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) for the use of BOTOX in the following conditions:
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity) following a stroke in adults
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity) associated with cerebral palsy in children
- Dystonia (muscle jerking) of the neck (cervical dystonia)
- Muscle spasm of the face (hemifacial dystonia)
- Rapid blinking of the eye muscle (blepharospasm)
- Excessive sweating of the armpits (hyperhidrosis)
BOTOX is not licensed in the UK for use in cosmetic treatment, apart from the treatment of frown lines. The Cosmetic Clinic uses VISTABEL which is the only licensed BOTOX for frown lines. However BOTOX can also be used to treat forehead lines, smile lines, to achieve a brow lift, certain areas in the lower face and neck treatment (Nefertiti jawline treatment to tighten the jowls).Therfore, if your doctor has recommended this treatment for you, the following information may be of help:
A doctor is able to recommend and prescribe any prescription medicine even if it is not approved for the use he/she is considering.
You should be provided with adequate information about the efficacy and safety of the product and consent in writing to receiving this treatment only when you have fully understood the likely benefits and likely side effects.
You should be reassured that the healthcare professional treating you is experienced in providing the specific treatment and is able to provide you with the necessary after-care advice and follow-up.
How do I know I am receiving BOTOX and not a substitute product
BOTOX is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc. The BOTOX product is packaged in a glass vial with a purple lid labelled as BOTOX and an Allergan hologram on the vial. You may wish to ask your injector to confirm that this is the product he/she is using for your treatment.
What side effects may I expect following BOTOX treatment
As with all prescription medicines, BOTOX can cause side effects and your doctor will advise you about these in more detail.
Most side effects experienced by patients are short-lived and are linked to the injections, e.g. pain on injection, redness, swelling etc.
Other side effects such as ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), whilst still temporary in nature can be caused by a spread of the injection into nearby muscles.
Choosing an experienced injector will minimise (but not eliminate) the risk of such side effects.
A detailed list of side effects can be obtained from the Patient Information Leaflet in the product pack. Please ask your physician for this leaflet.
Will the BOTOX treatment hurt
The needles used are very fine so most people experience only mild discomfort. It is uncommon for pain relief to be required although some physicians suggest the use of a topical anaesthetic cream before treatment.
How safe is BOTOX long-term
BOTOX treatment has been used in patients to manage various conditions for over 10 years in the UK and for well over 15 years around the world. For many conditions, the dose used by doctors has been significantly greater than that used by those treating cosmetic patients.
A recent analysis of BOTOX studies has followed over 2000 patients for an average of 12 years of treatment and has concluded that BOTOX has a favourable safety and tolerability profile.
How long will it take for the BOTOX to work
You may start to notice an effect after 1-2 days. However, this varies by patient. The full effect can take up to two weeks following treatment.
Botox for Neck
How long will the effects of BOTOX last
Duration of effect varies by patient and depends on the severity of the condition being treated. Your physician will give advice on realistic expectations for you as an individual patient.
Botox for forehead-before and after
How regularly should I be reviewed following BOTOX treatment
As with all prescription medicines, your physician will advise when he/she will need to review your treatment.
Botox for frown-before and after