Frequently asked questions
Where does Botox® come from and how does it work?
Botox® is a drug made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum called botulinum toxin. It is used for medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to diminish wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles.
Botulinum Toxin is the generic name for wrinkle relaxing injections, there are many brand names of which ‘Botox’ is one of the most well known.
Can you be allergic to Botox®?
Although allergies to Botox® are uncommon there have been reported cases. Potential Botox® side effects include pain at the injection site, infection, inflammation, swelling, redness, bleeding and bruising. Some of these symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction. Some of the allergic responses can be to the anaesthetic cream and antiseptic applied prior to the Botox® injection rather than the Botox® itself.
How long does a Botox® treatment last?
In general, it takes a few days to start seeing the effects of the Botox® injections and up to 2 weeks for the full effect. These results generally last up to 3 months, however this differs between each individual. If you have repeat treatments of Botox®, the results from each subsequent treatment will last slightly longer as your muscles become used to remaining in a ‘relaxed’ state.
Will my wrinkles look worse if i stop having Botox®?
If you stop having Botox® injections your wrinkles will gradually go back to how they were prior to your initial treatment. They will not appear in a worse condition than when you began the treatments.
Is Botox® safe during pregnancy?
Botox® treatment is not advisable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Whilst there are no clinical studies to show that the injection is harmful to the mother or baby, medical professionals advise against having treatment under these circumstances.
What are fillers made of and how do they work?
Dermal fillers are clear, sterile gels made from hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is found in all living tissue where it binds to water, producing hydration, softness and volume to the skin. Dermal fillers are used to introduce volume back in to areas of the face that have lost volume during the ageing process.
How long will the effects of fillers last?
The results from this treatment will be seen immediately. The length of time these results will last differs between each individual, the type of dermal filler used and the area that is treated. Hyaluronic acid is something that our body naturally breaks up and those with a higher metabolism will break the product up quicker than those with a slow metabolism. If you have the dermal filler injected into somewhere with a lot of movement such as your lips, this will also result in the product being broken down quicker. However, on average the dermal fillers can last anywhere between 3 and 18 months.
With repeated treatments, the benefits of dermal fillers build up so that the effects will be greater and will stay for a longer period of time.
Are fillers safe during pregnancy?
There has been no research done on the safety of filler injections during pregnancy, so medical practitioners advise against having this treatment whilst pregnant.
Can I wear make-up after having my treatment?
It is fine to wear make-up after having Botox® but we advise not to use too much. It is better to wait 24 hours before applying make-up after having fillers injected. You will be given and aftercare advice sheet after your treatment.