What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin A is a naturally occurring protein produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When Botulinum toxin A is injected into a muscle it causes it to become weakened or inactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuro-muscular transmission - ie. it stops the chemical message from the nerve to the muscle.
Licenced brands of Botulinum toxin A include: Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Xeomin® and Dysport®.
How does it work?
By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout a lifetime, the skin is creased in areas of greatest use. The aging process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older, these areas of over-use become damaged and the lines become permanent. By reducing the movement of muscles in these areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften or even fade away. In the areas treated, the muscles are temporarily inactivated (always reversible), during which time the patient can break the subconscious habit of overusing these muscles. Depending on each individual and the dose used, the response to treatment can vary from a relaxation of the muscles to an inability to move the muscles.
For the first couple of years, frequent treatments are required to re-educate the facial muscles. Thereafter, treatments would be less frequent until a yearly maintenance treatment that is normally required.
How long has Botulinum toxin been in use?
As long as 1978, Botulinum toxin was used as a treatment for patients with eye squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle. Since then, it has been used in a variety or therapeutic areas such as spasmodic neck, writer's cramp, tics, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm, to name but a few. In more recent times the use of Botulinum toxin for cosmetic therapy has become more widespread.
How safe is Botulinum toxin?
In high concentrations botulinum toxin is a potent poison. However, Botulinum toxin used in minute doses, as it is in cosmetic therapy, has a high margin of safety.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Dr. Bartlett will take a detailed medical history and assessment of your needs and expectations to ensure this is an appropriate treatment for you.
How long does the Botulinum toxin treatment last?
What is your pre-care advice?
What happens during treatment?
What areas are injected?
Most commonly and popular are 3 specific areas are usually injected:
Less commonly:
What is your after-care advice?
What side-effects are expected?
Side effects of this treatment are rare. Most people find that the injection causes only mild discomfort. Immediately after the injection there may be mild swelling / bruising around the injection sites. This will subside in 48 hours. Some patients experience a headache following treatment for which you may take Paracetamol.
Side effects if they occur are usually temporary and mild to moderate
Most common reported side-effects:
Occasionally a temporary drooping of the eyelid can occur. This may last a few weeks, but will always resolve. Special eye drops can be prescribed during this time to help lift the lid back into normal position.
Should you experience any of these symptoms following treatment, please contact Tullamore Aesthetic Clinic directly to discuss these further with Dr. Bartlett. Dr. Bartlett will provide aftercare advice designed to minimise risk and promote speedy recovery from any expected side-effects.
A 2 week follow up assessment will be routinely offered. This is at no additional cost to the patient and is included as part of the initial treatment fees.
Botulinum toxin A is a naturally occurring protein produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When Botulinum toxin A is injected into a muscle it causes it to become weakened or inactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuro-muscular transmission - ie. it stops the chemical message from the nerve to the muscle.
Licenced brands of Botulinum toxin A include: Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Xeomin® and Dysport®.
How does it work?
By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout a lifetime, the skin is creased in areas of greatest use. The aging process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older, these areas of over-use become damaged and the lines become permanent. By reducing the movement of muscles in these areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover, causing the lines to soften or even fade away. In the areas treated, the muscles are temporarily inactivated (always reversible), during which time the patient can break the subconscious habit of overusing these muscles. Depending on each individual and the dose used, the response to treatment can vary from a relaxation of the muscles to an inability to move the muscles.
For the first couple of years, frequent treatments are required to re-educate the facial muscles. Thereafter, treatments would be less frequent until a yearly maintenance treatment that is normally required.
How long has Botulinum toxin been in use?
As long as 1978, Botulinum toxin was used as a treatment for patients with eye squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle. Since then, it has been used in a variety or therapeutic areas such as spasmodic neck, writer's cramp, tics, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm, to name but a few. In more recent times the use of Botulinum toxin for cosmetic therapy has become more widespread.
How safe is Botulinum toxin?
In high concentrations botulinum toxin is a potent poison. However, Botulinum toxin used in minute doses, as it is in cosmetic therapy, has a high margin of safety.
- The treatment is non permanent and very safe. The Botulinum toxin is metabolised at the injection site and it does not spread to other parts of the body.
- All treatments carry a degree of risk.
- All risks and complications will be discussed with you prior to any treatment being agreed.
- Botulinum toxin should be administered by a healthcare professional with specialist training.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Dr. Bartlett will take a detailed medical history and assessment of your needs and expectations to ensure this is an appropriate treatment for you.
- Except in exceptional circumstances this is not a treatment for those under 25 or over 65
- For best results skin should be in good condition and the target lines not too furrowed. Dr.Bartlett will assess your suitability and advise
- Botulinum toxin cannot be given to pregnant or breast feeding women
- Not suitable for patients with certain neurological conditions
- Not suitable if you are taking certain medications
- Please inform Dr.Bartlett if you are takings Aspirin / Warfarin or any drug that affects bleeding
- Not suitable if you have previously experienced adverse reactions to any Botulinum toxin treatment
- Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area
- Treatment is not recommended if you are feeling unwell in any way (even a common cold)
- Caution is advised if you are planning to attend any special event when any of the side effects described (including a simple bruise), should it occur, would be unacceptable to you
How long does the Botulinum toxin treatment last?
- results are not permanent
- duration will differ from patient to patient
- treatment can take from 4 to 10 days to take effect
- treatments typically last 3-4 months
- however movement can return any time from 4 weeks post treatment
- when you return for regular follow-up treatments the muscles become adapted to the treatment and the effects can last much longer
- frequent treatment at intervals of less than 3 months is NOT recommended
What is your pre-care advice?
- avoid alcohol for 24 hrs pre-treatment (this can help to reduce bruising)
- refrain from wearing makeup to treatment session
What happens during treatment?
- the procedure takes about 15 minutes
- Dr Bartlett will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work & to identify expression lines, examine the symmetry and musculature of each face
- individual patient requirements will be discussed with Dr Bartlett
- bespoke treatment package will be selected tailored to the individuals specific requirements
- an extremely fine short needle is used to inject the Botulinum toxin into the appropriate area
- there may be some slight but brief discomfort but the treatment is essentially painless
- the injection areas may have some slight redness and swelling, which typically resolves in 1-2 hours but can take up to 48 hours
What areas are injected?
Most commonly and popular are 3 specific areas are usually injected:
- Frown expression lines - between the eyebrows
- Horizontal forehead expression lines
- Crows feet - smile lines around the eyes
Less commonly:
- Bunny lines - wrinkling of the nose
- Dimples on the chin
What is your after-care advice?
- do not touch or massage the injections sites for at least 4-6 hours
- do not lie down or lean over for 4 hours after treatment
- avoid extremes of heat or cold for 4 hours after treatment
- refrain from applying make-up for 12 hours
- avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment
- do not do to the gym for 24 hours after treatment
- avoid sun exposure, sun beds and sauna's for 48 hours after treatment
- you can help activate the Botulinum toxin by gently exercising the muscles that have been treated ie. frown & smile as frequently as possible
- for patients who are observed to unconsciously and habitually touch their face it may be appropriate to apply alcohol gel to their hands on completion of the treatment session
What side-effects are expected?
Side effects of this treatment are rare. Most people find that the injection causes only mild discomfort. Immediately after the injection there may be mild swelling / bruising around the injection sites. This will subside in 48 hours. Some patients experience a headache following treatment for which you may take Paracetamol.
Side effects if they occur are usually temporary and mild to moderate
Most common reported side-effects:
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Temporary Headache or sensation of "tightness" or "heaviness"
- Drooping of eyelid or brow
- Asymmetry of expression
- Excessive watering of eye
- Mild inflammation of the surface of the eye
Occasionally a temporary drooping of the eyelid can occur. This may last a few weeks, but will always resolve. Special eye drops can be prescribed during this time to help lift the lid back into normal position.
Should you experience any of these symptoms following treatment, please contact Tullamore Aesthetic Clinic directly to discuss these further with Dr. Bartlett. Dr. Bartlett will provide aftercare advice designed to minimise risk and promote speedy recovery from any expected side-effects.
A 2 week follow up assessment will be routinely offered. This is at no additional cost to the patient and is included as part of the initial treatment fees.