Botulinum Toxin Type A
(Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®)
BOTOX®
Botox is now the world’s most popular cosmetic procedure, with millions of treatments performed safely each year.
Heard about Botox®, but not sure if you want or need it? Botox® is a fantastic treatment for helping to soften lines and wrinkles – and is most commonly used to treat the glabellar area (in-between the eyebrows / frown lines), and around the outer eye area (crow’s feet), as well as to treat forehead lines.
What is Botox®?
Botox® is a purified protein which is derived from Clostridium Botulinum Toxin, a naturally occurring bacteria.
What is Botox® used to treat?
Botox® has been used medically for well over 20 years and no long term side effects have been reported.
When Botox is injected into the muscle it prevents the release of a chemical known as acetylcholine, which makes muscles contract and move.
Relaxing these muscles will help smooth the wrinkles – such as frown lines and crow’s feet – that are caused by repeated muscle contraction.
Medically, Botox® can also be used to treat Eye Spasm, Excessive Sweating and Cerebral Palsy. When used cosmetically, Botox® is injected by a trained clinician into the facial muscles to relax the muscles, softening lines and wrinkles, lifting the brow, correcting a droopy smile and even slimming the jaw line.
Glabellar area (Frown Lines):
Frown lines are the lines between the eyebrows, caused by repetitive use of facial muscles. Having Botox® in this area results in softer lines, which over time and with regular Botox® use can flatten the lines out, giving the eyes a fresh, more open look and taking away the worried” “unhappy look”.
Crow’s feet:
Treatment in this area can be varied to achieve the look you desire. A less crinkly appearance when smiling is a common request or a completely smooth appearance with no movement can be achieved.
Outer eyebrows:
As we age, our eyebrows can lower and the pesky skin that falls onto the eyelids often results in a heavy, tired look. A little Botox® may be able to give a small ‘lift’ to the outer eyebrow, giving you a younger and more wide-eyed look.
Forehead:
A smooth forehead is very rejuvenating to your appearance. The Botox® dose can be adjusted depending on the look you want, whether that is no movement at all, or a softening of lines.
BOTOX ®
Botox is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin type A for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of the procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: People with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at the site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, injection site pain/burning/stinging/bruising/swelling/redness, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids/eyebrows, eyelid swelling, skin tightness, tingling sensations, aching/itching forehead, nausea and flu-like symptoms. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. You will need to pay for this medicine. Normal Doctors visit fees apply. Note: Botox treatment lasts about for months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your Botox NZ specialist about your own situation.
Before Botox
2 weeks after Botox
Before Botox
After Botox
Before Botox frown & forehead
After Botox frown & forehead
FAQ
Is Botox® safe
Botox® procedures are not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, people with infections in the area to be treated, and those with certain neurological conditions.
You should also tell your clinician about any medications you are taking. Botox® has a long track record of safety having been used in medical situations for well over 20 years.
The majority of people experience no side effects from their Botox® treatment. Some people may experience minor and temporary side effects – such as a slight headache after treatment, or a tiny bruise at the site of the injection.
The most significant complication, which is rare, is a drooping of the eyelid, which typically lasts 2-3 weeks after treating the frown lines.
Your clinician will explain the risks and possible side effects of Botox® at your initial consultation. Beth Cardale is a specialist with Botox Auckland goes to for treatments; she will happily answer any questions you may have.
Is the treatment painful?
Most people find that a Botox® injection causes very little discomfort. If there is initial stinging from the needle, it is all over within a couple of seconds.
How long does it take to work and how long does it last?
The treatment itself takes just minutes. The results of Botox® in the treated muscles will begin to appear in 3-10 days. The result usually last around 3-4 months, gradually wearing off depending on the individual reaction to the treatment.
What to expect from the treatment?
A full medical history will be taken prior to your treatment and you will have an opportunity to discuss any aspects with your clinician.
You will be required to complete medical history and a consent form before your treatment. Photographs of the area to be treated will be taken to provide before and after comparisons.
Your clinician will determine exactly the amount of product to use achieve the result that you are looking for.
Because only tiny amounts of Botox® are injected into selected facial muscles using a very fine needle you can go back to your normal activities virtually immediately.
Will I look “Frozen”?
If your Botox® treatment is administered properly by a highly-trained clinician, you will still be able to show expression.
Depending on the area treated, it may be appropriate to only weaken the muscle movement. You can discuss this with your clinician during your consultation.
The vast majority of clients are extremely happy with the results of a Botox® treatment. We aim for natural looking “Refreshed” Rested- look.”
How do I look after myself after the treatment?
To limit the spread of the Botox® to other muscles, within 4 hours after your treatment
- Do not massage the area
- Do not exercise vigorously
- Remain in an upright position: Do not lie down
For the next hour after treatment, it works faster and much more effectively if you use the muscles treated as much as possible.
It is useful to avoid massaging the area for a week or two after the injection, so we recommend not having any beauty treatments, such as facials, for at least 2 weeks after treatment.