How do Botox injections work?

When Botox is injected into specific muscles in tiny amounts it prevents a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) known as acetylcholine from coming out of local nerve cells. The Acetylcholine is normally used to transmit nerve impulses to muscle cells. When the acetylcholine is blocked the nerve cannot send it's signal, which results in a relaxed muscle. Therefore when you laugh or try to frown the skin does not wrinkle while the untreated facial muscles beneath the skin can work normally meaning your facial expressions are not affected. Since it's introduction for cosmetic use Botox has shown a remarkable ability to reduce wrinkles on areas such as around the eyes, forehead and frown lines. Botox has proven to be much more effective than other injectables such as collagen.

How long do the effects last?

You should observe a reduction in wrinkles within 3-10 days and the effect should last from 3 to 6 months. When the effect wears off you can repeat the treatment for a prolonged wrinkle reduced time.

What happens during the procedure?

The practitioner will clean the skin around the area to be treated and then very small amounts of Botox will be injected into the skin. Obviously, the number of injections you have will depend on the facial area you requested to be treated. The injection treatment will usually take about 30 minutes and is undertaken without anesthetic. However, generally, there is little pain felt but you may have some slight redness at the needle entry points in the skin. After the Botox has been injected the doctor or nurse should advise you not to rub the area that has been treated for 24 hours. You can leave immediately after the Botox treatment and carry on with your normal life.

What are the risks of using Botox?

It is very hard to predict exactly how having Botox will affect your facial muscles. The risks are reduced by using an experienced medical practitioner. However very occasionally some patients who have had injections in the forehead have a slight drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows. This droopiness will disappear when the effects of the Botox wear off. Very rarely patients can experience double vision or blurred vision. You should seek immediate medical attention if this happens to you.