Botulinum Toxin

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as Botox, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used in medical and cosmetic treatments to temporarily reduce muscle activity and treat various conditions. When injected in small, controlled doses, botulinum toxin blocks the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which is responsible for transmitting signals between nerves and muscles. By inhibiting this communication, the toxin prevents muscle contractions and effectively relaxes the targeted muscles.

In the medical field, botulinum toxin is primarily used to treat muscular conditions such as cervical dystonia (neck spasms), chronic migraines, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). It can also be beneficial in managing certain eye disorders like strabismus (crossed eyes) and blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking).

In the cosmetic industry, botulinum toxin is widely used for aesthetic purposes. It is injected into specific facial muscles to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly in areas like the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and around the eyes (crow's feet). The treatment helps smooth out facial wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles responsible for their formation.

History of Botulinum Toxin

The toxin had its beginning as a chemical weapon during World War I and was not used for cosmetic procedures until the 1960s, when it was marketed to treat strabismus and blepharospasm. Its initial forays into therapeutics use unleashed discoveries in facial rejuvenation, which in turn, his growing popularity in the cosmetic field.
The Botox injections we now know as a treatment used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines originated in the late 1990s, but became officially approved for commercial use by the FDA in the United States in 2002.
This toxin is licensed for the treatment of glabellar line and wrinkle treatment in 17 countries around the world. In the NHS, it has been officially approved for clinical use for over 30 years, nowadays, Botuinum toxin is used for several conditions, such as hyperhidrosis, bruxism and even migraine, alongside its popular anti-wrinkle cosmetic use.
Since its introduction, Botox has grown exponentially in its use, making it one of the most popular non-surgical treatments in the UK.

How Is a Botox Procedure Done?

At The Aesthetic Boutique, we strive to provide you with a seamless and comfortable experience during your Botox appointment. Here's what you can expect:

Preparation: Your Aesthetic Practitioner will begin by removing any makeup and thoroughly disinfecting the areas where the injections will be administered. This ensures a clean and sterile environment for the procedure.
Targeting the treatment area: Once comfortably seated, your practitioner will ask you to contract the specific muscle in the area being treated. This helps them precisely target the injection into the intended muscle, optimising the results.
Injection process: Using a small needle, your practitioner will administer a series of tiny injections into the targeted muscles. While you may experience minor discomfort during the injections, numbing cream is typically not required.
Duration of the appointment: The entire Botox appointment typically takes about half an hour, depending on the number of areas being treated. It is a relatively quick procedure that can easily fit into your schedule.
Resuming regular activities: As soon as the series of injections is completed, you can resume your regular activities. There is usually no downtime or recovery period required, allowing you to continue with your day immediately after the treatment.
Results and aftercare: The final results of Botox injections usually become noticeable after about two weeks. To optimise your experience and minimize potential side effects, it is recommended to follow a few guidelines. Avoid consuming alcohol at least one week prior to the procedure. Discontinue the use of aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Refrain from rubbing the injection site, visiting saunas, taking hot baths, or engaging in vigorous exercise for 24 hours to prevent the spread of Botox to unintended areas. Additionally, it is advisable to stay upright for four hours after the injections and take a day off from exercising.

How Long Does a Botox Shot Last?

The effects from Botox will last 3 to 6 months. As muscle action slowly returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are shrinking.

What Are the Side Effects of Botox?

After receiving a Botox injection, it is possible to experience some temporary side effects. These may include:

Bruising. This is the most common side effect and will go away after a few days.
Headaches. Typically, these are rare and end in 24 to 48 hours.
Eyelid drooping. This happens with only a small percentage of people and usually goes away within 3 weeks. It usually happens when the Botox moves around, so don't rub the treated area.
Crooked smile or drooling
Eye dryness or severe tearing
Mild pain or swelling around the injection site
Flu-like symptoms or a general unwell feeling
Upset stomach
Numbness
Weakness in nearby muscles

It's important to remember that while these side effects can occur, they are generally temporary and mild in nature. Most individuals tolerate Botox injections well, and serious complications are rare. However, it's crucial to discuss any concerns or questions with your Practitioner before undergoing the procedure. They will provide you with detailed information and address any specific risks or considerations based on your individual circumstances.

Botulinum toxin can be used to

In aesthetic medicine, botulinum toxin (Botox) can be used to address various cosmetic concerns and enhance one's appearance. Some of the common applications of Botox in aesthetic medicine include:

Wrinkle Reduction: It is commonly applied to treat forehead lines, frown lines (glabellar lines or "11" lines between the eyebrows), and crow's feet (lines around the eyes).
Brow Lift: This technique can create a more youthful and lifted appearance by improving the positioning and contour of the brows.
Jawline Contouring: This can help achieve a more slender and defined jawline.
Neck Bands: Botox injections can be used to relax the muscles responsible for vertical neck bands, resulting in a smoother and more youthful neck appearance.
Excessive Sweating: Botox is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis, a condition characterised by excessive sweating.
Gummy Smile: Botox injections can be utilised to reduce excessive gum exposure when smiling.Botox can help create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Lip Flip: Botox can be used to subtly enhance the appearance of the upper lip by relaxing the muscles around the mouth. This technique can create a slight "flip" of the lip, resulting in a fuller and more defined upper lip.
Dimpled Chin: Botox can be injected into the chin area to reduce the appearance of a dimpled or pebbled chin, creating a smoother and more even skin texture.

Who Should Not Get Botox?

People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease shouldn’t use Botox. You shouldn’t have Botox shots if you’re allergic to cow’s milk protein.