Why do people have botox?
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures on the market today with an estimated 3.2 million injections carried out in America during 2004 alone.

The procedure is mainly used to reduce frown lines from the forehead and is often applied to crow’s feet around the eyes or wrinkles on the neck. The treatment is also used to relieve migraine headaches, muscle spasms and excessive sweating.

The application of Botox temporarily freezes the nerves that cause wrinkles and the effects can last anything between eight weeks and four months, depending on the skin type, age and general health of the patient.

Most people have Botox to boost confidence in their appearance by ‘smoothing’ out what they regard as unsightly lines. The result is a fresher, younger appearance.

Realistic expectations
It is critical that you spend time thinking about what you want to achieve from the application of Botox. Everyone’s body type is different and the surgeon will discuss what you can realistically expect to achieve.

What happens during consultation?
The surgeon will ask you whether you have had any facial injuries, discuss the area you want to be treated and advise whether your hopes are realistic. Remember every person is different according to skin colour, ethnic background or age.

It is important that you discuss any medical conditions (such as allergies) you may have and give details of any medication you are taking. Aspirin, for example, can lead to an increase in bruising.

Getting the most out of your consultancy
Often in cases where clients are unhappy with the results of a procedure it is because they did not discuss their expectations thoroughly or were afraid to talk about the outcome or risks.

You have to make an informed decision before signing the consent form so make sure you ask plenty of questions. You want to feel relaxed, confident and completely understand what will happen during a Botox application.

You may want to know:

	•		About the surgeon’s qualifications.
	•		How many Botox procedures are carried out each year.
	•		How you can prepare for the procedure.
	•		What realistic results can be expected and when.
	•		How long the results will last.
	•		About the side-effects and possible complications.
	•		How long it will take to recover.
	•		About how it will change in time.
	•		What happens if anything goes wrong.

What happens during a Botox procedure?
The doctor is likely to apply a cold press or ice to the area being treated. This is designed to cause the vessels to constrict and reduce potential bruising as well as numb the treatment surface.

Prior to this you may be asked to contract the area to be treated, for example by frowning for forehead lines, so that the injection can be specifically targeted at the centre of the muscle contraction point.

Depending on the extent of the procedure you will receive approximately three injections for each muscle. You will feel a small pin prick and then experience a mild sense of warmth in the treated area as the Botox flows into the muscle.

The process takes about 10 minutes to an hour depending on the number of areas to be treated.

After Botox treatment

	•		As soon as the injections are complete you can return to your normal activities.
	•		The surgeon may ask you to hold an ice pack to the treated area to reduce bruising or discomfort.
	•		The full effects of the procedure can take up to a week to appear.
	•		Any discomfort, bruising or swelling should be treated with a mild analgesic like Paracetamol. Do not use aspirin.
	•		The surgeon is likely to ask to you to avoid bending or lying down for around four hours after the injections to allow the Botox to make a solid connection to the muscle.
	•		You will also be advised not to rub the treated area to avoid spreading the Botox to line-free parts of your face.

How long does Botox last?
As mentioned, the procedure can last between three and six months depending on the skin type, age and health of a patient. As the Botox wears off the facial lines will reappear. However, it is important to note that they will not be any worse than before treatment.

Deciding on Botox
It is important that you take your time to make an informed decision about Botox. Complications are extremely rare as this is a very common procedure, however you must consider any potential outcome.

	•		Small bruises or tiny red marks may appear where the injections took place. However, these usually fade after a few days.
	•		Some patients who received injections to their forehead have occasionally complained of headaches and feelings of nausea. Such cases are rare.
	•		It is possible that muscles close to the treated area may feel weak temporarily, but the effects soon wear off.
	•		Injections close to the eye, again in rare cases, may cause the eyelid to droop, while injections to the neck may lead to minor problems swallowing.
	•		If you experience a sense of unevenness you must contact your surgeon immediately.

Complications are rare and depend greatly on individual circumstances such as a person’s health and skin type or the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to explain how the risks apply in your circumstances and give you more information.