Botox Treatments in our Bicester clinic

Botulinum toxin is a protein that blocks the messages that travel from a nerve to a muscle. By blocking the messages, it helps relax the muscles. Because of this, it has been used by doctors and nurses to treat a variety of conditions for more than 40 years. In cosmetic medicine, we use botulinum toxin to treat wrinkle lines.

When you make an expression, such as frowning or smiling, your muscles contract to create the expression. We can use botulinum toxin to stop the muscle contracting and decrease the lines that you get when you make expression.

We generally use Bocouture® by Merz for most indications and Botox® by Allergan or Azzalure® by Galderma.

It is important to understand that there are 2 types of lines, dynamic lines and static lines. Dynamic lines appear when you make an expression and may even be visible in young babies. In younger patients, when the expression stops, the lines disappear. However, as we get older the lines may stay visible even when we stop making the expression. These lines are known static lines. It is important to understand that botulinum toxin is used to treat dynamic lines, those that come and go when you make an expression.

People who have regular treatment may also see an improvement in their static lines, however, this cannot be guaranteed. Botulinum toxin works for about 3-4 months, so you will need regular treatment to maintain the effect.

The Botox treatment will only be targeting areas specifically highlighted by you, so it will only work on the muscles that cause wrinkles you are concerned about, leaving other facial muscles untouched. The dose of the Botox can be also very carefully customised to your needs and simply placed in strategic points of the face that are suited to your desired results. This means we can give you the variety of results starting with a very natural look with no hints that you have ever had Botox, to very a smooth and wrinkle free fresh face look!

In cosmetic treatments, it is used in tiny amounts and so has one of the best safety records of any medicines that we use. People are often concerned that they may have a frozen look after their treatment, however, if we adjust the dose of the botulinum toxin we can create a result that makes you look refreshed but still retain natural expression. The efficacy of the treatment is directly related to the experience of the delivering clinician. This is why it is important to always go to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or dentist for your treatment.

Botox is classified as a drug. It has been used since 1977 to treat strabismus, a problem with the eye muscles. Its anti-wrinkle effect was discovered as a side effect back then! Botox is used to treat Bell's palsy, cervical distonia, migraines, overactive bladder, tooth grinding, cross eyes, uncontrolled blinking, muscle stiffness and spasms..

Botox was first approved for cosmetic use in 2006 in the UK to temporarily improve the apperance of frown lines.

You will feel a series of very sharp scratches and we use various tricks to minimise the pain. For example, using extremely fine needles and topical anaesthetic if necessary. Most patients tell us that they barely feel a thing.

The effect slowly starts to take place around day five after your treatment. It can take two to three weeks for the final result to appear.

We would generally expect the effect to last three to four months. This is, however, hugely dependant on the individual, and it can be anywhere from two to six months.

If we are aiming to achieve a natural look, the effects don't last as long and more frequent treatment may be necessary to maintain the desired result.

Botox for sweating tends to last longer – up to four to six months. In the lower face (chin, droopy mouth corners, neck lift) the effects last about two months as the doses must be smaller.

Treatment for clenching and grinding last three to six months.

It is entirely up to you! Most patients have treatment every three to four months to main the results. Some people prefer to let their results completely wear off and come overy six to twelve months. Generally speaking, natural results require a lower dose, but more frequent treatment is required.

Botox for sweating tends to last longer – up to four to six months.

In the lower face (chin, droopy mouth corners, neck lift) the effects last about two months as the doses must be smaller.

Treatment for clenching and grinding last three to six months.

Yes, because it can stop the the muscle before it pulls on the skin, preventing wrinkles from forming, or getting worse.

The nerve endings will re-sprout and start releasing acetylecholine (the chemical responsible for muscle movement) again. All the movement comes slowly back.

Nothing! You will simply return to where you started. In fact you your wrinkles might be slightly better for a period of time after the Botox has worn off.

This is very individual and depends on the rate of your facial ageing. You have to be over 18 to have Botox, however, it is extremely rare to have treatment under 25.

Botox is licenced for anybody until age of 65, after that it can be used 'off label'.

Complications are rare but they can develop from time to time. This could be something like a bruise, a headache, a tiredness and nausea, drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow. This is very uncommon as long as the Botox is placed correctly.

Most patients can return to their daily life straight away. There is some temporary redness and swelling which tends to settle down within an hour after your treatment. You should avoid bending down for a few hours and avoid exercise until the following day. You should avoid rubbing your face and facial massages for five days afterwards.

It is advisable to avoid taking Ibuprofen, Aspirin and alcohol a day before your treatment. If you are prone to bruising, you may wish to use Arnica or Bromelain.

You should also avoid strenuous exercise immediately before and after your treatment.

No, the treatment will always reverse with time but we don't have any antidote to reverse it instantly.

Some people can be immune to the effects of Botox, either straight after the first treatment or over time. The manufacturer advises to inject the lowest effective dose and waiting the longest time between injections to minimise the risk of developing antibodies.

Most common reasons why Botox doesn't work:

• The product is old, fake or overdiluted
• If it is not injected in the right place
• The dose is incorrect
• Wrinkles are static and too deep