Botox

Botox® is the trade name for Botulinum toxin, produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Botox acts by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that cause muscle contraction. This results in temporary muscle paralysis. Botox was first used in 1978 to weaken over active muscles in the eye, which means that we have follow up for over 30 years. It can also be used to prevent and treat wrinkles, migraines and hyperhidrosis (excess sweating).

What does the procedure involve?

What are the risks and side effects of surgery?

The use of Botox is contraindicated in people with neuromuscular disorders (such as myasthenia gravis), those who are taking certain muscle relaxants and antibiotics (such as aminoglycosides) and pregnant or breast-feeding women.

No severe complications after cosmetic use of Botox have been reported in the literature. Very rarely excessive weakening of the target muscles and paresis of adjacent muscles can occur, resulting in facial weakness. This will resolve itself with time. When injecting above the eyebrows, a small degree of upper eyelid drooping may occur. This can be corrected with a further injection or eye-drops, but will also improve as the effects of the Botox wears off.

All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss these with me. Decisions about cosmetic surgery should never be rushed.

What are the results?

Botox usually takes effect 24-72 hours after injection, with maximum effect at about 1 to 2 weeks. Its effects generally last for approximately 3-4 months.

When injected into the muscles that are responsible for expression wrinkles, it gives the face a more relaxed and smoother appearance. Sometimes longer lasting effects (9-12 months) are seen after treatment of excessive sweating. When a gradual fading of treatment effect is noticed you may return to have another treatment.

How much does the procedure cost?

I hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions or require a little more information then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Anne Dancey

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon FRCS(Plast), MBChB(Hons), MMedSci(Hons) and MCh(Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Practice)

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Anne Dancey

@DrAnneDancey

Well done @DhaliaMasud on @BBCWomansHour for advocating the reestablishment nationally of #BreastReconstruction. 👏👏👏#PlasticSurgery @BAPRASvoice twitter.com/UKSurgeo…

9:06 pm · 14th October 2021

Anne Dancey

@DrAnneDancey

@lsutherlandqc Similarly, telemedicine is a wonderful aid, however, it cannot replace the effectiveness of a face-to-face consultation for patients seeking #PlasticSurgery.

10:59 am · 11th October 2021

Anne Dancey

@DrAnneDancey

Not as much as presenting at an overseas’ #PlasticSurgery conference as a surgical trainee. twitter.com/jetfury/…

10:22 am · 11th October 2021

Anne Dancey

@DrAnneDancey

@AliNoorani1, fancy joining in with Her Majesty’s #PlantaTreefortheJubilee? twitter.com/QGCanopy…

9:11 am · 11th October 2021

Anne Dancey

@DrAnneDancey

@Lucie_911 Thankful when operating at @hssh_health to have so many great choices nearby. @NandosUK @CaldesiW1 @108Marylebone @AliNoorani1