MUSCLE RELAXERS

 

Muscle-relaxing injections can keep your face smooth and supple. Not only can lines and wrinkles can be a past worry; we can further enhance your lovely features. Do you want a more youthful and radiant appearance?

 

Muscle relaxing injectables consist of naturally occurring protein derived from the plant bacterium. This is a naturally occurring protein that blocks the signals from our nerves to our muscles so that they can no longer contract. This lack of movement reduces the lines linked with expressions, which may disappear over time. Anti–wrinkle injections are commonly referred to as ‘Botox’, short for Botulinum toxin.

 

THE POWER OF BOTOX

 

There is no cream that will give you the same blockage of muscular action as this muscle relaxing treatment. Clinical trials of topical muscle relaxants have so far been unsuccessful.

 

With age, we develop fine lines and wrinkles. Constant frowning causes vertical lines between the eyebrows. Whilst horizontal lines are caused by the frequent raise of eyebrows. But, did you know that the skull changes shape as we age and it is this that causes our forehead lines. We also develop fine lines around our eyes due to forming expressions.

 

The point of this treatment is not to remove movement, but to smartly reduce it. We aim to give our clients a refreshed look. We want to give you a helping hand to grow older as gracefully and naturally as possible.

 

 

PREPARING FOR YOUR BOTOX APPOINTMENT

 

Although most clients do not bruise with treatment, if you are prone, you may wish to take some arnica before and after your treatment.

 

We suggest booking your treatment time carefully in order to allow the treatment to take effect. Ideally you would allow for one month in order to see the end results, which would allow for a two-week touch up. We find it helpful if you abstain from wearing makeup when you visit us for the procedure.

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING TREATMENT?

 

It is very important that any wrinkle reducing treatment is performed a) by an experienced qualified practitioner and b) after a consultation whereby a discussion should take place as to exactly what you are hoping to achieve, and how the outcome should look.

 

As no two clients are the same, we will take a picture of you to note any areas of asymmetry. Sometimes we mark up the skin and take a photo in order to record exactly where the injections are administered for your file.

 

Tiny injections will be placed precisely into the muscles that are causing your lines to form. The treatment is virtually painless, described as a sharp scratch.

 

Known for taking our client comfort extremely seriously, we take action to minimise any pain sensation. We use extremely fine imported needles to minimise discomfort. Topical anaesthetic is typically not necessary for these injections as many patients tell us they hardly feel a thing. There is no downtime after being treated with Botox.

 

BOTOX – AFTER TREATMENT ADVICE

 

After the treatment, you might have a small bump on the area of skin that was injected, however this will only last for about 20 minutes. You can apply mineral make-up immediately and regular make-up the next day onwards.

 

You can return to work immediately afterwards, however we recommend no exercise or facials for 24 hours. We recommend avoiding bending down for a few hours or rubbing the area.

 

Contrary to popular belief, your face will not go numb. Botox tackles the nerves that make movement as opposed to those that transmit feeling. Therefore, you will not experience any loss of sensation.

 

ARE BOTOX INJECTIONS SAFE?

 

As long as you choose a qualified medical professional, the risks are minimal.Botulinum toxin has been in medical use for over four decades. It was first used 1977 to treat a problem with the eye muscles. Thereafter it was approved in the US for cosmetic use to improve the appearance of frown lines.

 

 

Botox is administered in such a way that it only affects your muscles and sweat glands. It does not reach any other part of your body. Whilst complications are rare, they do occasionally occur. Side effects might include a headache, tiredness, a bruise following treatment, or drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow. These are rare events and can be caused by using too little or too much Botox, or being placed in the incorrect area.

 

To minimise risk, we prefer a cautious approach, and to add more solution for optimal results. This would occur at a check-up appointment after two weeks. We often provide this as a normal part of our treatment, particularly if you are a new client. There is no way of reversing Botox, even though the effects of the treatment revert with time. Sometimes there will be no need for a return visit.

 

WHO CAN HAVE BOTOX?

 

Many of our Botox clients are men. In order to retain a natural and masculine look we reduce, as oppose to eliminate the movement of the muscle.

 

Botox can also be used as a preventative measure. We can prevent wrinkles from forming or getting worse by stopping a muscle before it pulls on the skin. Ideally, we prefer not to treat clients under 25 without good cause. However, some people develop fine lines and wrinkles early in life. If these lines begin to become deep-seated into the tissue, then it is appropriate to commence treatment.

 

This treatment is not approved for use during pregnancy, or whilst breastfeeding.

 

WHAT IS BOTOX USED FOR?

 

Botox is a hugely versatile treatment. The most common areas you are probably aware of are the frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet. Traditionally used to treat the upper portion of the face, nowadays, advanced medical practitioners also treat the lower areas of the face. We provide muscle relaxants injections on various areas of the face including:

 

SMOOTH YOUR FOREHEAD AND BANISH EYE WRINKLES

 

Our policy is to make your appearance far from ‘frozen’. Our skilled technique will gently soften your lines, so you can keep plenty of natural movement in your face.

 

We can treat your forehead lines, frown lines and wrinkles around your eyes. We can also treat those lines underneath your eye (bunny lines) to prevent the eye from shutting too much when you smile.

 

BOTOX FOR A NEW SMILE

 

If you are conscious of showing a little too much gum when you smile, we can inject tiny amounts of muscle-relaxing treatment to reduce the upper lip lift. Alternatively, we can subtly flip out the upper lip border. Botox can also be used to reduce your fine vertical lines on the upper lip.

In addition, muscle relaxant injections can be applied to turn a downturned mouth into a happier looking mouth by treating the muscles that pull the corners down.

 

NON-SURGICAL BROW LIFT

 

We can give you a mild brow lift without the need for surgery. Drooping eyebrows can make you look tired and feel older. With a few small muscle relaxing injections, we can provide the subtle lift required to open your eyes for/to a more youthful and alert appearance.

The exact areas treated will depend on your anatomy, but could include around the eye, along the eyebrows or in the forehead. There is usually a limit of 2-4mm when having a Botox brow lift.

 

DEFINE YOUR JAW AND LIFT YOUR NECK

 

This treatment targets the muscles at the back of the neck and jawline to prevent the neck and jawline being pulled downwards. It is not suitable for all clients – only those who have strong muscles in this area that inhibit a strong jawline.

Further down, we have found Botox to be highly effective at treating chest lines and wrinkles.

 

TEETH CLENCHING

 

In these current busy times, most of us suffer some form of stress. By treating the chewing muscles, you can reduce the strength of your clenching. We inject the masseter muscles of clients who grind their teeth. But, for clients who clench, it may also be necessary to treat the muscles in the temple and neck to achieve the best results.

 

SLIMMING THE FACE

 

We can prevent overdeveloped chewing muscles (enlarged masseter muscles) from working so strongly. This can make your face look wider than you might like. Botox causes them to temporarily shrink, thus slims and softens the lower part of the face.

 

MEDICAL USE

 

As well as cosmetic use, Botox is highly regarded in the medical field. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions such as:

• Reduce hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

• Ease tooth grinding and jaw clenching

• Migraine and headaches

• Eye problems

• Muscle stiffness and spasms

 

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?

 

After five days you will slowly start to see the results. Botox typically becomes fully effective after about two weeks.

The length of time your treatment lasts will vary but can be up to six months. Although, this will vary from person to person and the more regular the treatment, the less visits will be needed. You will simply notice that movement is returning as the neurons gets to work again.

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE BOTOX?

 

Most clients have treatment every 3-4 months to maintain results. Others prefer to have treatment every 6-12 months to let their results completely wear off.

 

Due to this treatment being customised how you want it, you can look as natural as you want. You can even choose which lines and wrinkles you wish to keep. Most of our clients tell us that others seem to sense something positive about their appearance, but cannot pinpoint exactly what. There is no need for a shiny forehead if you do not wish to have one. You will still be able to raise your eyebrows and move your face as normal, but your ability to frown will be reduced.

 

Should you desire a more natural look or want Baby Botox, the effects will not last as long and more frequent treatment may be necessary to maintain the desired results. Botox treatment for sweating tends to last longer than injections in the lower face. This is due to the size of the dose.

 

Should you wish to return to your pre-treated self, as some believe, there is nothing to suggest you will look older. Due to the lack of movement in this area for some time, your wrinkles will actually look better for a while after the Botox has worn off.

 

DO I NEED FILLER OR BOTOX?

 

Both treatments treat different things, but can also be used together.

 

• Botox is used when trying to relax a muscle pull such as in the frown line area, around the eyes or in the lower face.

• Dermal fillers are used when there is volume loss in the face, or when enlarging a particular feature. For example, lips cannot be made larger using Botox. Dermal fillers have many applications, and it may also be appropriate to them when performing skin improvement treatments.

 

Each client is assessed on an individual basis. There are times when the volume loss is obvious, such as two furrows from frowning. The wrinkles might be too deep for Botox to have an effect on its own. If the wrinkles are present at rest, it’s likely that Botox will only soften them, and you may need filler for further improvement.

 

WHEN BOTOX HASN’T WORKED

 

Very occasionally people are immune to the effects of Botox. This can either be upon first treatment, or happens over time. In this instance, the immune system neutralises the Botox. The manufacturer advises that the risk of clients forming antibodies can be minimised by injecting the lowest effective dose and waiting the longest feasible time between injections. A minute 1-3% of people who are injected will develop antibodies.

 

Most common reasons for Botox not working include:

 

The product may be old, fake or over-diluted. It does have a use by date in order to work. Some clinics over dilute the product to make the injections go further, as it is prepared at the time of injection and comes from the manufacturers in a powder format. There is also a problem with counterfeit products if the product is not purchased from a reputable pharmacy with clear lines of supply.

 

Other reasons for lack of results might include it not being injected in the right place. Or else the dose might be incorrect.

 

NOTE:

 

i) Due to wrinkle relaxant injections being classed as a drug and a prescription product, this treatment is only available after a consultation with our qualified professional. This allows us to identify and agree on your needs.

 

ii) Actual results may vary according to the individual and no guarantee is made of any outcome. Refunds cannot be given under any circumstances.