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?
Botox is injected directly into the muscles that cause the wrinkles, using a very small needle. Several injections are usually needed at specific sites, depending on the area treated. When used to treat excessive sweating in the armpits, Botox is injected into the armpit skin. A slight sting and bruise can occur, as with any injection. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
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)
I chose Anne Dancey as I wanted a female surgeon and was impressed with her experience… https://www.facebook.com/pg/DrAnneDancey/reviews/
Sheila Gaskin, 10 Mar 2017
Anne is an exceptional surgeon but her expertise goes way beyond her skill with a scalpel…Anne has quite literally changed my life, physically and psychologically
… https://www.facebook.com/DrAnneDancey/reviews/
Sherry Armstrong-Wilkinson, 7 Aug 2016
I was diagnosed with lymphoedem
a about 4 years ago and… I have just had my fourth lymphoedem a surgery with Anne and..I feel like my life will no longer be controlled by the condition…https://www.facebook.com/pg/DrAnneDancey/reviews
Heidi Marie, 14 Nov 2017
Amazing, she literally works wonders and made me feel so normal and relaxed!
EC (Kingswinford), 3 Nov 2017
Anne is an excellent surgeon with a understanding and caring manner. Anne’s aftercare was excellent , she answered any questions promptly by email and totally put my mind at rest , easing any worries I may of had post surgery. I am extremely pleased …
JK (Solihull), 4 Nov 2017
I found Anne Dancey to be extremely professional. Anne listens to your concerns and has a calm nature. Anne also responded to emails really promptly to reassure any worries that I had.
LP (Tamworth), 3 Nov 2017
Fabulous, very professional, extremely talented surgeon, who also has the human touch to make one feel at ease.
SD (Stourbridge), 4 Nov 2017
A very fulfilling experience with great results, I couldn’t be happier with my body and wished I had done it years ago.
ES (Stafford), 17 Nov 2017
Anne is a fantastic surgeon who has changed my life! She is kind, extremely skilled and very professional.
GH (Bournemouth), 3 Nov 2017
Nicotine and Surgery
Patients may wonder why it is important to stop smoking before, during and after surgery? This is simply because of nicotine and not the cigarette itself (please see article https://bit.ly/2C5gTE3). Patients who use it and have elected for surgery must be aware of the main associated risks and complications: · The impact of nicotine on […]
Public funding and lipoedema
The NHS recognises lipoedema as being “a chronic (long-term) condition where there’s an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs and buttocks, and sometimes in the arms”. (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lipoedema/ accessed 23/11/17) The NHS direct website has a section on lipoedema that describes tumescent liposuction as being the only effective treatment. There is also a […]
@candzjay @lymphsurgeon I have everything sympathy for #Lipoedema sufferers and wished there were more #PlasticSurgery colleagues to support them. Understanding the complexity and demands of this #Liposuction treatment is slowly improving.
@candzjay @lymphsurgeon UK’s plastic surgeons are trained in #Liposuction, however, most do not offer this to #Lipoedema patients. This can be because lower limb or lymph node surgery is not their specific area of expertise. Also, not being offered on NHS limits learning opportunities. #PlasticSurgery
bit.ly/2C5gTE3 - article looking at smoking and #PlasticSurgery. Smokers increased risk of complications requiring hospital treatment or have a serious adverse event. I will not operate on patients who do not quit nicotine (in all forms) prior to a procedure. pic.twitter.com/c28O…
bit.ly/2C5Keyj - interesting #Liposuction study comparing TLL and SAL. TLL fat extraction quicker with less effort but total fat removed and infiltration volume was the same in each group. Sample size shows no clinically significant reduction in bruising. #PlasticSurgery pic.twitter.com/DIDn…
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