FAQS

Botox® is the registered trade name of botulinum toxin type A manufactured by Allergan. Some other clinics may use other botulinum toxins, but may refer to them as Botox. At Elite Aesthetics, we only use the genuine article.

Botox®, when injected into a muscle, temporarily relaxes the muscle by blocking nerve impulses. The muscle is temporarily unable to contract so that dynamic wrinkles are not formed. This gives the overlying facial skin a softer, smoother and more youthful appearance.

Before

At Elite Aesthetics, all treatments follow a detailed pre-treatment consultation. Your consultation starts with a discussion with the doctor of the look you wish to achieve. Dr Lakhani will advise you which treatments will be most effective at helping you reach your goals. If you decide to proceed she will make a detailed recording of your medical history and conduct a careful examination of your face. This consultation may last 30-60 minutes.
During

After cleansing the skin, the Botox® injections are placed directly into the muscle areas which you have decided to have treated. The needle used is extremely fine and most clients experience only minimal discomfort, if at all. The entire Botox® treatment takes about 15 minutes. You will start to see the effects develop slowly over the following week resulting in the lines visibly decreasing.
After

Following the treatment there may be minimal redness. Bruising is uncommon. Most clients continue with their normal day without anybody noticing. It is important not to massage or rub the areas after treatment so we advise you not to have a facial or do vigorous exercise. We also recommend that you remain upright for 3-4 hours after your treatment.

Botulinum Toxin as a muscle relaxant has an excellent safety record and a long record of use in medicine. It has been used successfully in adults and children in variety medical conditions over the last 30 years. It has been used cosmetically to treat facial wrinkles for over 15 years and has become one of the most popular and frequently used cosmetic treatments.

Botox® Treatment can be used for treating wrinkles in men and women, however men often need slightly higher doses than women.
It should not be used in

• People with infection at the proposed injection site.
• People who have previously had an allergic reaction to Botulinum toxin type A injections.
• People with muscle problems or chronic diseases affecting the muscles, such as Myasthenia Gravis, Eaton Lambert syndrome.
• Children under the age of 18 years.
• Women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

It should be used cautiously in the following conditions:

• People at risk of bleeding as there is an increased risk of bruising post procedure. These include people who have blood clotting disorders such as Haemophilia, those who are taking treatments with anticoagulant medicines such as Warfarin, Heparin, Aspirin and Anti-Inflammatory medicines. Certain herbal remedies such as Gingiko Bilboa, St John’s Wort and Vitamin E.
• People with excessive weakness or wasting in the muscle to be injected, such as those patients with history of Stroke or Bell’s palsy.
• People with chronic breathing problems.

Botox® injections are relatively painless as the injections are performed using a very fine needle. Patients therefore and do not require any anaesthesia. The full treatment takes about 10-15 minutes to perform and you are able to drive and go to work the same day.

It can take about 4-14 days to see the full effects after the initial treatment. The cosmetic effects can last up to six months but typically range from three to four months. Eventually most people require re-treatment as the wrinkles reappear. However in some treated areas (such as frown wrinkles), the wrinkles may return less severe after repeated treatments as the unconscious muscle contraction habit is broken. We offer all our patients a free two week follow up appointment after their first treatment to assess the effect of treatment and administer any top up treatments if necessary.

Most people find that the injections cause only mild local pain and tenderness. Immediately after the injection there may be mild swelling at the injection site which usually subsides within 48 hours. Slight bruising is also possible. Side effects of these treatments are extremely rare. Occasionally, the treatment may relax nearby muscle groups causing temporary drooping of the eyebrow or eyelids. This may last for a few weeks but will resolve with time. As with any medicine an allergic reaction may occur, this is however quite rare. Conversely there may be some unintended benefits in some people such as easing of tension type headaches as the muscles in the forehead relax.

When the effect of the Botox® injection wears off the wrinkles will always return to their pre treatment state. Treatments can be repeated to a minimum of three monthly intervals, but the effects may last longer for some individuals, especially if they have had previous treatments to the same area.

Botox® treatments are designed to smooth dynamic wrinkles in the forehead and around eyes; they do not affect your facial expression. Dr Lakhani is a firm believer in natural results. The final result can be tailored to each patientand can be discussed at the initial free consultation. A follow-up appointment is made 2 weeks after your initial treatment, at which time a top-up can be given if required.

• Try to contract the treated muscle areas for 1-2 hours after treatment, by frowning and lifting eyebrows to allow the toxin to reach all of the treated muscle.
• Remain upright for 3-4 hours after your treatment.
• Avoid rubbing or touching the injected areas and avoid having facials and massage for 48 hours this is to ensure that the treatment remains at the site of injection.
• Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol for 48 hours.
• If bruising develops the you can apply Arnica cream
• Paracetamol can be taken for mild pain post procedure