Home Procedures Botulinum toxin (Botox)
Medical aestheticsBotulinum toxin (Botox)
Small amounts of botulinum toxin injected into set muscles to reduce their movement temporarily. Besides aesthetic uses, it is also used for some medical conditions.
What it is used for
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the brows
- Crow's feet around the eyes
- Brow lift
- A gummy smile
- Neck bands
- Excessive sweating (underarms, hands and feet)
- Teeth clenching (bruxism) and enlarged jaw muscles
- Migraine
What botulinum toxin (botox) is
Botulinum toxin is injected with very fine needles into set muscles; the muscle's contraction is temporarily reduced and expression lines soften. The same effect is used in overactive sweat glands and in some muscle-related complaints. The effect begins within a few days and is temporary. The dose and injection points are determined at the consultation.
Who it is suitable for
Suitability is determined at the consultation, which takes account of general health, current medicines and any chronic conditions.
The conditions listed at the top of the page are assessed at the consultation. A condition appearing in the list does not mean the procedure will be carried out for it, or that a result will follow; the decision is made after the consultation.
How it is carried out
The procedure is carried out at the practice by the physician, with single-use materials. It does not begin before informed consent is taken.
- The treatment area is determined by examination and cleaned
- A topical anaesthetic cream is applied if needed
- The procedure is carried out according to the plan made at the consultation
- Aftercare instructions are given in writing
What to expect afterwards
Short-lived redness, mild swelling and tenderness may appear in the treated area and usually settle in a short time.
Outcomes vary from person to person and the number of sessions is determined after the consultation.
Before the procedure
Regular medicines, known allergies, chronic conditions and pregnancy must be reported to the physician beforehand.
Who it is not suitable for
The procedure is not carried out in the situations below. The list may grow at the consultation; the decision rests with the physician.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Myasthenia gravis and other neuromuscular diseases
- Active infection in the treatment area
- Known allergy to botulinum toxin
- Use of certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides)
Frequently asked
Questions about botulinum toxin (botox)
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions is determined after the consultation. Giving a number in advance would not be right; a plan is made after the assessment and reviewed as it goes.
What should I do before the procedure?
Bring a list of the medicines you take regularly. Tell the practice when booking if you have a known allergy, a chronic condition, or may be pregnant.
Who carries out the procedure?
The procedure is carried out at the practice by the physician. Consultation, decision and procedure are handled by the same physician.
The consultation comes first
Book an appointment for a suitability assessment; the decision to proceed is made after the consultation.