Reduces the look of forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet.
Helps a tired or stern expression look brighter and more relaxed.
Helps reduce excessive sweating of the underarms, palms and soles.
May help prevent migraine attacks linked to muscle tension.
As its purpose and results have become better understood, botox has grown into one of the quickest and most practical ways to reduce wrinkles worldwide. Long used to treat a range of neurological conditions, it is now also widely chosen for aesthetic purposes.
Contrary to popular belief, botox is not snake venom but a bacterial toxin. Like many medicines, it can be used safely when given at the correct dose by a specialist, so the word 'toxin' need not be a cause for concern.
Every movement we make relies on signals sent from the brain to the muscles via the nerves, and sweat glands are also controlled by the nervous system. Botox blocks the release of the molecules that carry these signals at the nerve endings, temporarily interrupting communication between the nerve and the muscle or sweat gland.
Years of facial expressions etch dynamic lines into the skin, such as horizontal forehead lines, vertical frown lines between the brows, crow's feet and lines around the mouth. As botox relaxes the treated muscles, these lines gradually soften, and a tired or stern expression gives way to a younger, more vibrant look.
Applied to sweat glands, botox helps reduce excessive sweating; for the underarms, late spring, especially May, is an ideal time. For migraine linked to muscle tension, it works by helping prevent attacks rather than relieving pain. Effects usually begin within 7 to 10 days and, for migraine, last around four months.
Your goals are discussed and your expressions and treatment area are assessed.
The target muscles and appropriate dose are determined by your specialist.
Botox is injected into the target muscles or sweat glands using fine needles.
Effects usually begin to show within 7 to 10 days.
Treatment can be repeated once the effect begins to wear off.
