Q: How much downtime is there after treatments?
A: With any injectable treatment there is a small risk of bruising, localised bleeding and swelling. However, this will all subside after the coming hours after treatment.
Q: How do I know if I’m suitable?
A: You shouldn’t have Botox® injections if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, since the effects on the baby aren’t known.
Q: What happens during the treatment?
A: Your treatment will take place in one of our private treatment rooms. The medical injector will cleanse the area being treated and perform the injections.
Q: How does Botox work?
A: Botox is not a chemical or poison so please do not believe any myths you may read in magazines or online.
When injected into a human muscle, this purified protein binds to receptors on the muscle and block the signals telling the muscle to move or contract. When the muscle is relaxed, the skin overlying it is therefore also relaxed. Immediately, you will see a smoothing of the mild to moderate lines on the skin. Some of the deeper lines may still be visible, but they will look softer. Another way the Botox works is due to the skin not being traumatised by daily movement, and it can then slowly repair for a smoother appearance.
Q: How long does the treatment last?
A: The manufacturer of Botox confirms in their guidelines that the muscle will remain relaxed for 3-4 months. After this time, the muscle will generate new receptors and slowly regain all movement. In some people, this can take a little longer, and the lines may not re-appear for 5-6 months, so it may seem that the treatment has lasted longer.
Q: When should I repeat my Botox treatment?
A: Based on the fact that the muscle will begin to regain movement at 12 weeks, we recommend that you repeat your treatment between 3-4 months for the most effective maintenance of the results. This will ensure that the skin remains line free, or in the case of very deep lines, they will remain softer and potentially continue to repair.
Q: Is Botox painful?
A: Everyone has a different sensitivity to the feeling of a fine needle in the skin, but most people find that there is only a very mild discomfort associated with having Botox. The needles used are extremely fine and the treatment is over within minutes. For this reason, no topical anaesthetic is required.
Q: What will I look like after my treatment?
A: At the injection points, the skin may look red, raised and slightly swollen. These effects only last up to 20 minutes. Bruising is uncommon, but it can occur. It is not a major problem and will heal within 5-7 days (or sooner with herbal Arnica). You will be given specific aftercare advice if bruising is expected. We recommend that before your treatment, purchase Arnica 30cc (Boots, Holland & Barrett and other stockists are available) and use it only following your treatment, as directed by your practitioner.
Q: When will I see the results?
A: Results will be seen 3-4 days following injection of the Botox. It will take 10-14 days for the full effect to occur and you will be offered a follow up appointment at that time to ensure that both you, and your practitioner are happy with the outcome.
Q: What if I don’t like the result or it’s too frozen for me?
A: Our Medical Injectors are experienced with all aspects of Botox and the type of results achieved. Botox treatment is not a ‘one size fits all’, and the injector will discuss the best ‘look’ for you in your bespoke, detailed consultation. We can assure you that your treatment will be delivered safely, and in accordance to your wishes. It is a popular treatment because most people are really happy with the result. Please understand, however, that we do not have a crystal ball and therefore cannot guarantee how much you will love the result!
Q: What if I don’t like the results or it looks too unnatural?
A: Our Medical Injectors are experienced with all aspects of HA Dermal Fillers and the type of results that can be achieved. Dermal filler treatment is not ‘one size fits all’, and the injector will discuss the best ‘look’ for you in your bespoke, detailed consultation. We can assure you that your treatment will be delivered safely, and in accordance with your wishes based on a thorough consultation. Dermal Fillers are a popular treatment because most people are really happy with the results. Your Medical Injector will endeavour to completely understand your expectations, however we cannot guarantee how much you will love the result!
Q: What can I do to ensure I get the best results from my injectable treatments?
A: Here are a few tips to optimise the outcome of your treatment:
- Avoid having any alcohol the day before your treatment. This will help to minimize the chance of bruising.
- In the week before your treatment, try to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen or any other type of anti-inflammatory medication as this will also increase your risk of a bruise occurring.
- For Botox – please do not plan to have any other facial treatments (peels, facials, waxing, threading, semi-permanent makeup) for a week following your treatment. It is ok to have these treatments at any time before your Botox visit.
- For Dermal Fillers – please do not plan to have any other skin treatments (peels, facials, microdermabrasion, micro needling) for 1 week prior and 2 weeks after your dermal filler treatment.
- If you have been unwell with a cold virus, cold sore (herpes) or any other skin rash or condition, please phone the clinic to check if you should still attend your appointment. Your general medical health is important, and we are happy to reschedule your aesthetic treatment if necessary.
- After your treatment, please closely follow the aftercare advice given to you by your Medical Injector, and please do not apply anything else to the treatment area, unless previously discussed.