Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) Injectables

Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox® and Dysport®, are treatments that have a number of uses, but are most commonly known for helping to relax the muscles in the face. These types of injections reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on areas of the face, including around the eyes – known as crow’s feet and lines caused by expressions such as frowning. The injections can temporarily alter a person’s appearance without the need for surgery.

Usually taking no more than 15 minutes, the procedure involves the product being injected into the problem area using a fine needle. Patients often experience a little discomfort, but there is no need to undergo any pain relief beforehand or any anaesthetic during the procedure. As a result, patients are free to leave the clinic as soon as the treatment is completed.

Botox® has also proven to be effective in controlling excessive sweating – also known as hyperhidrosis- in a number of areas, such as the hands and armpits. This process involves it being injected into the sweat glands in order to block the nerve impulses that cause the body to sweat. The procedure is relatively safe as it does not affect any other nerve functions.

The effect of the treatment take between three and five days to become visible, and can take around two weeks for the full effect to be seen. It is important you refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated areas for three days post-treatment.

The effect of the injections generally last for between four to six months. However, if you want to maintain the appearance created, follow-up injections will be required.

Botox® is so effective because it keeps the muscles that give the appearance of wrinkles still. Botox® essentially blocks the transmission of signals from the nerves to the muscle. With no signals to act upon, the muscle is no longer able to contract; this causes the wrinkles to relax, softening their appearance. The treatment only works on wrinkles which have been caused by muscle movement and does not work on wrinkles caused by sun damage as this is damage from the surface – not below the surface.

A single area starts at around £199 but will reduce in price if more areas are covered in one session.