Anti-Wrinkle Injections – Frequently Asked Questions

Botox® FAQs

What are facial injections and specifically what is the product called Botox®?

Botox® is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and is used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in people 18 to 65 years of age for a short period of time (results vary from person to person but can last between 2-6 months).

Botox® is administered by a healthcare professional as a simple, nonsurgical treatment that is injected directly into the muscles between the brows. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows. Individual results may vary.

Does it hurt?

When your forehead is injected, the worst it will feel like is a scratch or an ice cream headache.

Will you be able to tell I’ve had it?

Sometimes your forehead will be slightly marked for an hour but generally people leave and go about their day. Make up can be applied right away to conceal any marks.

Why can only prescribers give you facial injections such as Botox®?

Firstly, Botox® is a prescription only drug and only fully qualified Botox® doctors and nurses should prescribe and carry out your treatment. You will be treated with genuine FDA approved Botox® which is why you can expect the best results that last longer.

Botox® injections are non-invasive and most often used to smooth away forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet and laughter lines to give your skin a fresher, more youthful appearance. The effects can last up to 3 to 4 months.

Are all injectable products called Botox®?

Some back street suppliers say they are using Botox®. Botox®, however is a trade name specifically owned by a company trading as Allergan. Other products include Azzalure, Bo Couture or Dysport.

The muscle relaxant Botox® is an anti-ageing treatment commonly used to help smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Laughing, smiling, frowning and lifestyle factors all contribute to the development of facial lines and wrinkles.

Can I drink alcohol after treatment?

All we ask is that you have no alcohol on treatment day, avoid tilting your head forwards for a few hours afterwards and do not exercise for 24 hours. If you’ve any temporary discomfort, just take ordinary painkillers.

How does Botox work?

Botox® is a prescription medicine that works by blocking the nerve impulses to the injected muscles. The muscles then relax, are unable to contract and in turn lines and wrinkles relax and soften to give you a younger looking complexion.

Botox® is a prescription medicine that is used to improve the look of frown lines across the forehead, between the brows, around the eyes and other many other areas.

Why do we get fine lines?

Over time, your face will naturally start to develop fine lines and wrinkles as collagen and elastin break down. These fibres help support the skin structures which in turn help to maintain a smooth looking complexion. When the collagen and elastin fibres break down, skin loses its strength and elasticity and lines and wrinkles begin to appear.

Over exposure to sun on holidays, smoking, city living with high pollution, squinting at monitors and mobile phone screens – all these factors can take their toll on your skin. The stress of a busy life can accelerate the ageing process leaving your skin with tired lines and wrinkles. Most people first notice fine lines and wrinkles around their eyes and mouth

How quickly does it work?

Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate-to-severe frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to 30 days, and results can last for up to 4 months. Individual results may vary.

How long does it last?

Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months. Your own results may vary – be sure to talk to us about what you can expect and when to schedule your next appointment.

Will I still be able to move my face?

Although the results are visible, a treatment with Botox® will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you’ve “had work done.” The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is temporarily reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.

All treatments are individualised to the patient’s needs and goals.

When can’t you have anti-wrinkle injections?

• had an allergic reaction, allergies or side effect to any other botulinum toxin product in the past
• have a skin infection at the planned injection site
• a disease that affects your muscles and nerves
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed

What’s the very worst side effect?

dry mouth
discomfort or pain at the injection site
tiredness
headache or neck pain
eye problems such as double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of eyelids and dry eyes
redness
infection

I’ve heard Botox can be used to stop sweating?

This is called hyperhidrosis.

Botox® can also be used as an effective treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in areas such as the armpits or hands. It can be injected into sweat glands to block nerve impulses that cause your body to sweat without affecting other nerve functions.