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)
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
She is an amazing surgeon but also a lovely person. I will be forever grateful for her clinical expertise as well as her ongoing support. Lymphoedema was a real nightmare but, thanks to Anne, I am…. https://bit.ly/2XkPNRR
Sue Judge 19th Feb 2019
My whole experience with Anne has been amazing. From start to finish she has made me feel extremely comfortable and excited about the whole surgery process. To say my life has been changed would be an understatement, there is nothing I could fault. I… Read more
EM (Wolverhampton), 20 Oct 2021
Anne was professional with a very caring manor.
KB (Redditch), 8 Jan 2019
Overall my surgical experience was amazing, I was very nervous in the lead up to it but I was made comfortable and at ease. All of the staff made me feel relaxed and comfortable, especially Anne.
LC (Northampton), 31 May 2018
From start to finish I was in safe hands with Anne and all of her team.
SD (Rugeley), 10 Jan 2019
Anne is extremely caring and supports her patient from the start of their journey right through to their discharge. https://www.annedancey.co.uk/download/360-degree-report-a-dancey-pdf/
Edgecumbe Doctor 360, 9 Feb 2019
Was delighted to of met Anne at a Lipoedema UK Conference and at a personal consulatation in 2016, then finally started my journey to become Lipoedema Free….https://www.facebook.com/pg/DrAnneDancey/reviews
Gemma Robinson, 31 Mar 2018
Excellent, would highly recommend Anne.
DG (Stratford), 10 Jan 2019
I am extremely happy with the results. Throughout the procedure Anne was approachable and friendly. I was never made to feel as if I was bothering her when I had any questions.
VP (Walsall), 12 June 2018
Breast Implant Removal
I often consult with patients who have decided to remove their implants for a variety of reasons and not have them replaced. What is common to all patients is that they are worried about what they will look like without the implants and want to know the options. This article explores the reasons why patients […]
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 […]
@NigelMercer …don’t forget the enduring #PlasticSurgery debate on the economies of #DIEPFlap #BreastReconstruction…😉
I just want to say a big thank you to Mr Hosaam Nasr (Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon) and the @HeartlandsUHB team for getting a close family member (Melaney) back on her feet & smiling again. 💐😊 So grateful for your great skill and care. 🙏 @premier_veins @uhbtrust
@MrPKalu Interested nominees can look forward to outstanding mentorship and learning under Oxford #PlasticSurgery guardianship.
Join the conversation...