What is Botox?

Botox, Botulinum toxin, Tox, Beautox…….we are sure you have heard plenty about it on social media and on the news……..but what is it?

Botulinum toxin (commonly known as botox) is a drug and it is only available when prescribed by a healthcare professional. You will not see it commonly advertised by responsible healthcare professionals as it is a prescription only medication and the Advertising standards Authority (ASA) in the UK has very strict rules which are expected to be followed by any professional or clinic that provides this treatment. if these are not followed, the ASA can issue fines as a penalty for irresponsible advertisement of the medication.

At Blackabey’s we do not advertise prices or do any form of offer on these types of injections as we believe in maintaining an ethical practice and the use of this treatment is strictly on a consultation only basis. Any medication prescribed and injected should be discussed at length with the patient including the risks and benefits or treatment as well as the patient’s suitability. This can include ensuring there are no medications that the patient is already on that could lead to complications.

However despite some clinics advertising that this product is available in their clinics, there is little out there to explain what botox is and how it works. This blog aims to give you some insight into the treatment and what to expect. Please note this is not an advertisement for this treatment and if you wish to consider this treatment please book your face to face consultation to discuss this further and whether it is suitable for your needs.

What is Botox?

Botox (or Botulinum toxin A) is produced by three different companies in the UK. All three of these companies provide the same drug however with different additional ingredients and methods of production that have their own risks and benefits. It is best to always speak with your healthcare professional to understand what brand of Botox they use and why this would be suitable for you.

Botulinum toxin A is described in the medical profession as a neurotoxin. It works by blocking the activity of nerve impulses to signal instructions to muscles. In other words, it stops nerves talking to the muscles and therefore leads to the relaxation of that muscle. This effect is temporary and eventually the nerve fibres form new communication signals with the muscle and activity resumes.

What is it used for?

Botox is used in aesthetics for a multitude of reasons but the commonest is to relax dynamic movement of facial muscles around your frown line, forehead and around the eyes. This treatment however has minimal if no effect on any wrinkles seen at rest or when the facial muscles are not moving. If static lines are more a concern for you, your healthcare professional may advise other treatment options such as medical grade skincare, chemical peels and microneedling treatment plans. It

Botox is also used for medical reasons such as excessive sweating, jaw/ teeth grinding, chronic migraine and an overactive bladder. This treatments are very different to those provided in aesthetic clinics and are often provided by specialist centres with a specific interest in these other treatments. If you have been thinking of botox for any of the medical concerns described it is always best you speak first with your general practitioner (GP) as a number of these treatments can be available under the NHS in your local area.

What does the Botox consultation involve?

When considering the use of botox, a healthcare professional will assess your suitability for this treatment and whether it would benefit you. They will also discuss alternative options which may be better suited to your needs.

On average, cosmetic botox lasts around 3-4 months with the results visible around 2 weeks after treatment. However, every patient is completely individual and some may find their treatment lasts longer or shorter than others depending on how you break down the drug. This can be affected by your metabolism, your current medication and any development of antibodies from previous botox treatments (although rare).

As well as discussing whether you are suitable, a healthcare professional will also calculate the drug dosage to use which varies greatly between individuals. it is very common to start with the smallest dose of Botox in order to reduce the risk of side effects especially if you are having your first ever treatment.

The risks will also be discussed in depth with you which include but are not limited to pain, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, assymetry, headaches, further treatment and dry eyes. After discussing this and completing a consent form it is advised you have a minimum of a 2 week cooling off period before going ahead with treatment.

Why is a 2 week cooling off period advised?

The reason for having a cooling off period is to give you time to reflect on what has been discussed and have private conversations with friends and family to make sure you want to go ahead. It also gives you time to come back to your healthcare professional to ask any other additional questions which you may think of after the initial consultation.

What happens on the day of botox treatment?

On the day of your treatment the risks and benefits will be rediscussed and your skin concerns reassessed to ensure no new changes during your cooling off period have occured.

The area to inject will be cleaned and marked to make sure the right dosage in the right areas will be administered. The healthcare professional will talk to you throughout and explain how it is all going. At the end of the treatment the area will be cleaned and you will be provided with aftercare instructions.

The commonest aftercare instructions after botox treatment include no strenuous exercise, no alcohol and no saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs for 24 hours. It is also advised to avoid if possible aspirin or ibuprofen in this 24 hour period to reduce to risk of bruising around the injection sites.

You will often be advised to avoid any makeup for 12-24 hours and to use a gentle unfragranced cleanser the evening after your treatment. A contact number for any concerns is also given at the end of your treatment in case you have any concerns.

remember it takes up to 2 weeks to truly see the effect of botox injections so do not feel disheartened if you do not see results straight after treatment.

Questions?

I hope you found this blog on botox interesting and fingers crossed, you now feel a little more knowledgeable about what to look for and what to expect from a healthcare professional for this treatment. Feel free to leave a comment below or email us directly on blackabeys@gmail.com if you have any questions at all.

See you next friday to discuss dermal fillers!