BEAUTY AND COSMETIC

WRINKLE REDUCTION WITH  BOTOX

What is Botox?

Botox is a substance produced by a bacterium, and then highly refined, purified, diluted and used in therapeutic doses.  For lines and wrinkle reduction Botox is administered by injection in small quantities into specific facial muscles, where it temporarily acts as a muscle relaxant.

Male client before and after Botox Treatment

Who would benefit from this treatment?

Both men and women can benefit from the treatment, which is most effective in smoothing lines or wrinkles caused by facial expressions; for example, worry or frown lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. These lines are usually caused by overactive muscles and the treatment stops the muscles from contracting, thereby causing wrinkles. Wrinkles and facial lines are more noticeable as a result of ageing, or from muscle activity and genetic predisposition. In addition, excessive sun exposure, alcohol consumption, emotional and hormonal influences and smoking can increase the likelihood and effect of wrinkles. Whilst you may be able to reduce or control some of the factors, you cannot influence them all, and that is why we all develop some wrinkles as we age.

Our practitioners from Harley Court Cosmetic offer professional consultations and treatments to reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, making you look younger and enhancing your feeling of wellbeing. Please note, however, that you should not have treatment with Botox if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, have a neurological disease, or a known hypersensitivity to it.

How long does the treatment take?

In most cases the treatment will take between 10 and 20 minutes. A full medical history will be required, and we will take ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs, copies of which will be offered to you. The treatment works gradually, and its full extent may not be visible for up to 17 days. Approximately two to four weeks after the first treatment, the effects will be reviewed with your practitioner, when any further treatments or top-ups can be discussed.

Is the treatment uncomfortable?

Very tiny needles are used and only small amounts of Botox administered. As a result, any discomfort is minimal, but we do offer local anaesthetic cream to numb the skin prior to treatment, if required. 

	Female client before and after Botox Treatment to forehead and crow's feet

 
Are there any adverse effects?

In a small number of cases, there may be some localised bruising, slight swelling, or redness at the site of each injection. This usually disappears very quickly, helped by the application of a cool pack to the area. You could have a temporary headache; in rare cases temporary heaviness of the eye lid or brow have been reported. However, Botox has been successfully used by thousands of patients over more than 20 years. It is made in a controlled laboratory environment, highly purified, and administered in tiny quantities. There are no known permanent side effects from the treatment and it has an excellent safety profile. As soon as your treatment is over you can resume normal daily activities and you will be given detailed aftercare information.

Do the effects of this treatment look artificial?

No. Unlike some surgical facelifts, this kind of treatment is very specific and works only on those muscles which are involved in producing the facial lines that you want to reduce. Since other muscles are unaffected, your usual facial expressions remain the same.

How long will the effects of this treatment last?

Initially, improvements will last from 3 to 4 months, although this varies between individual patients. You will notice a gradual fading of the effect, and at that stage you can return for another treatment if you want to. With repeated treatments, the effect inevitably lasts longer.

If you would like to discuss this treatment further please contact The Broadstone Clinic, who will arrange a free consultation. Please note that Harley Court offers a direct debit scheme which allows you to pay for your treatment on a monthly basis, if you wish.