Delicate Smile Design and Facial Aesthetics

Is Botox safe?

This is a question concerning potential clients who would like to consider having anti-wrinkle injections but who are put off by popular misconceptions of ‘botox’ treatments. Numerous examples of celebrities with frozen faces don’t help to give it good press.

Since its first medicinal use in 1980 in America to treat misaligned eyes and uncontrollable eye ticks, botulinum toxin, commonly known as ‘Botox’, has grown into a multimillion pound industry. In fact, despite the recession, market analysts Mintel report the global market for cosmetic procedures has grown by 17 per cent in the last two years and is now worth £2.3 billion. Non-surgical procedures — the most common of which is Botox by far — account for 74 per cent of this in the UK.  
What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin is a purified protein manufactured under stringent control processes in pharmaceutical laboratories. It works by stopping the release of a chemical neurotransmitter so that nerve signals do not reach muscles and the effected muscles no longer contract. When injected into the face, reduced creasing of the skin allows the natural repair mechanisms of the dermis to fill in the wrinkle. This is why it works best on expression lines (dynamic wrinkles) rather than wrinkles unaffected by facial expression (static wrinkles).The latter are better addressed with dermal fillers.

Is Botox a poison?

Yes, it is. Originally produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, botulinum toxin is one of the most powerful neurotoxins known. In the 1800s it caused many deaths by botulism (generalized muscle paralysis), usually after eating poorly prepared meat. When used medically, however, it is produced in a laboratory in purified form and given in minuscule quantities, so that there are no dangerous side effects.

Is Botox safe?

The drug has now been used in medicine for over 30 years. There are approximately 1800 published studies about it, making it one of the best-researched medicines ever. Dosages used to treat children with cerebral palsy may range from 100 to 400 units, whilst typical dosage for cosmetic use is 50-125 units. Botox is used in these small quantities to treat very specific areas of the face. It will not travel into your blood system in any way and effect other parts of your body.

What are the side effects?

There will be a temporary tiny pink mark and a little swelling at each injection site, which usually lasts for a matter of minutes. Occasionally a bruise may occur, as in any type of injection. You can reduce the risk of bruising by avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen-type drugs in the week prior to treatment. Rare side effects can include a headache. Laziness of an eyelid or mild double vision may occur due to technical error by a less experienced aesthetician. Fortunately these effects are temporary and reported to last one to two weeks.

How long does it last?

Botulinum toxin will reduce facial lines and wrinkles for approximately three to four months, so most people have treatment three or four times a year. The results of treatment are not immediately apparent, taking about two days to appear and a week or two to reach maximal effect. Repeated treatments will, after about 2 years, have a longer lasting effect, meaning that twice yearly injections will be sufficient.

What about migraines and excess sweating?

Botox is also very effective in reducing excessive sweating and has been approved for the treatment of migraine in the UK.

Will it produce a blank, expressionless face?

Only if used inappropriately ..and certainly not in my clinic! Unfortunately, many practitioners think that because reduced muscle activity reduces wrinkles, the more the face is paralysed the better. However, it is possible to subtly reduce wrinkles whilst still maintaining effective facial expressions and a very natural appearance.