FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Botox® is a purified protein which relaxes muscles by temporarily blocking the message which is sent from the brain to the muscle which makes the muscle contract. It is these muscular contractions that cause the appearance of lines and wrinkles. By preventing the contractions, you prevent the wrinkle formation.
The Botox® only stays in the body for about 3-4 days before it is broken down and eliminated.
Both treatments involve injections, however BOTOX® restrict the muscle contractions which result in wrinkles, while dermal fillers simply plump out the skin and smooth wrinkles. BOTOX® is more suitable for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles which appear when you move your face) and dermal fillers are recommended for static lines which are present when the face is at rest. Botox is not reversible and the effects can last up to 6 months, whereas Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers may be reversed and depending on the product used, may last up to 18 months. Sometimes the best results can be achieved with a combination of the two treatments.
The possible side effects from BOTOX® can be split into three groups.
Side effects from the injection:
A small, pin-prick bruise at the site of injection, which commonly disappears within 72 hours
Bleeding on the day is normal and will stop before you leave
There is a theoretical risk of introducing an infection to the body as you are piercing the skin, however this risk is minimal.
Redness is normal and can last up to 30-40 mins after the injection.
Side effects from the product:
Allergic reaction to BOTOX® is rare
1 in 10 may suffer from a headache, and this can be treated how you would usually treat
Side effects from incorrect placement, or movement of toxin
Droopy eye lid, dry eye and double vision many be experienced by 1 in 100. However this may be avoided using specific protocols and good technique.
1 in 100 may experience a heavy feeling in their brow
1 in 100 may experience flu like symptoms for 24hrs following injection, such headache and runny nose.
Asymmetry may be pre-existing or as the result of a muscle not fully responding. In many cases this may be rectified at your 2 week follow-up appointment.
BOTOX® is a prescription-only medication that should only be given by an appropriately trained healthcare professional such as a doctor, dentist, pharmacist prescriber or nurse prescriber. Legally the prescriber can delegate the administration of the injections to another person, but they are responsible for ensuring it is given safely.
It is important to take the time to find a reputable practitioner who is properly qualified and practices in a clean, safe and appropriate environment. Ensure you always ask the practitioner what they would do if something went wrong.
I always have people ask me if they can get botulism from BOTOX®? The answer is no, you could inject an entire bottle and not get it. However, while this is the case with Allergan's BOTOX®, serious cases of botulism have been connected to non-approved forms of the paralytic. So always be sure you are receiving an FDA-regulated brand. As mentioned above, always ensure you are being treated by a reputable practitioner.
Research has shown that you can achieve quicker and better results if you use the muscles which have been injected directly after treatment.
You should aim to reduce blood flow to the face for 48hrs post treatment to avoid washing the toxin away from its target area before its had a chance to work. You should therefore avoid saunas, steam rooms, exhausting exercise, sunbeds and excessive alcohol.
During your consultation I will ask a variety of questions to establish whether BOTOX® is suitable for you, however, in general BOTOX® should be avoided in the following situations:
If you are allergic to BOTOX® or any other botulinum toxin brand.
If you have a skin infections or other condition in the injection area.
If you have ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome or other disease that affects your muscles or nerves.
If you plan to undergo surgery
If you have weakness in your forehead muscles
If you have drooping eyelids
If you are taking certain medications- so please always let your practitioner know about all medications, vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Deso face and Deso body are the next generation in injectable ‘fat dissolvers’, treating localised pockets of fat. The treatment contains an active ingredient called Sodium Deoxycholate. The fat dissolving injection is injected into the fat with a cannula. The fat is then dissolved, so that it can be removed from the body through the lymphatic system. The ingredients in the injection can take time to work in the tissue area and therefore the process of breaking down the fat can take a few weeks before you start to see the desired results and a more defined you.
Wherever you have stubborn fat, Deso body or Deso face (depending on the area) can be used. Double chins, stomach fat, muffin tops, bingo wings and fat thighs are just a few examples of the types of excess fat that can be removed. The treatment cannot however be used below the ankles, behind the knees or near breast tissue.
Before you have this treatment, you need to make sure that you are fully informed about the procedure, so you know exactly what you expect. You can go through all of this with the practitioner as well as ask them any questions that you might have.
Make sure that you aren’t taking any kind of anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen for at least five days before you have your treatment. You also want to try and avoid alcohol for a couple of days before your treatment to reduce the risk of any bleeding. Make sure that you have disclosed any and all medication and other relevant medical information.
Fat dissolving can give amazing results, however must be done in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. The number of vials used and treatments required vary according to the amount of fat and the desired results. The average number of treatments is between 3 and 6 and 6 weeks is recommended between treatments. It must be noted that this is not a method of weight loss and if you are not leading a healthy lifestyle or participating in regular exercise, the fat will return.
Following the treatment you may experience redness, swelling, tenderness and itching. This is completely normal and may last for 5-7 days. Side effects will be minimised with the use of compression garments. It should be noted that these side effects may be unnerving when occurring in the chin or neck area. If you have any concerns contact me immediately.
*When having tummy, inner or outer thigh areas or chin treated it is suggested to wear a compression garment after the treatment for 72 hours e.g spanks.
*Your normal daily routine may carry on and you may exercise as normal.
*Avoid hot showers or baths on the day of your treatments.
*For 7 days after your fat dissolving injections its a recommended to massage the treated areas.
*Avoid self tan for a week until the skin has fully healed.
*It's recommended to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid a day.
*During the treatment bruises may occur and that's why it is advised to pause with taking substances that dilute the blood and increase the risk of bruises, such as aspirin, nurofen, voltaren, vitamin E. Do not stop taking medication prescribed by your doctor.
*An occurrence of painful nodules is usual and is a consequence of the inflammatory process that develops when fat is dissolved.
*it is important to maintain a healthy diet (no fatty food) while released fat is being metabolised to avoid fat storage elsewhere and to avoid weight gain.
*Arnica tablets may be taken; 2 30c tablets every 2 hours for 5 days prior to treatment.
Dermal fillers are made of various kinds of natural and man-made or synthetic substances e.g. hyaluronic acid which is injected into the dermis. They help restore skin and facial contours to their former youthful appearance and are most commonly used to fill and smooth away wrinkles on the face. They can also be used as ‘volumisers’ to plump and lift cheeks, add volume and definition to thin lips and improve the appearance of ageing hands.
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that exists naturally in almost all living organisms. It binds water and can act as a lubricant and shock absorber in movable parts of the body such as joints. It is also important for the transport of nutrients, regulating water balance and giving volume and structure to our skin
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are used primarily in the lower half of the face. Although dermal fillers can, in some circumstances, be used on most areas of the face. The product chosen by the practitioner is dependant on the type of skin and the depth of line. Lines and folds can be lifted and smoothed, cheek bones can be highlighted and definition added to the jaw line. It can also be used in the frown lines above the nose, often in conjunction with muscle relaxing injections.
The most common areas treated are:
Nose to mouth lines (the nasolabial folds)
Lip enhancement (adding volume, shape and hydrating lips)
Cheeks and chin (shaping and contouring)
Back of the hands, décolletage, face, neck (skin revitalisation)
By boosting the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid, Dermal fillers revitalise and add volume to the skin, instantly diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and giving a natural softer look. A soft gel consisting of stabilized (minimally modified), non-animal hyaluronic acid is injected. The gel is tissue-friendly and closely resembles the hyaluronic acid that exists naturally in the body. It is long-lasting but not permanent. Dermal fillers are specifically designed to add volume to facial features and improve facial contours. There are a number of different fillers available. Each is designed to work in different levels of the skin to achieve the optimum treatment outcome.
Dermal fillers, unlike anti wrinkle injections (Botox) that relax the muscles that cause the wrinkles, fill/smooth away lines and/or creases
Treatment provides an easy, fast minimally intrusive way to enhance your looks. The results of a single treatment are seen instantly and can last up to a year. You will achieve a natural looking result that does not affect facial expression. Remember your face changes over time, which is why we use non-permanent dermal fillers allowing you to control your looks subtly as you age.
Healthcare professionals (Doctors, Nurse Independent prescribers, dentists and pharmacist prescribers). Always ask the healthcare professional if they have been trained and certificated to use Dermal Fillers, are properly insured and how long they have been treating clients (in other words, how much experience they have). Check that they are a prescriber and so if a complication were to arise, it could be dealt with promptly and efficiently
During your consultation you will discuss your treatment expectations and what you to want achieve. I will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment, if any.
After the consultation, if you are happy to proceed with treatment, I ask you to complete a medical history form and sign a consent form before treatment
During
Topical anaesthetic is applied to the skin. Dermal filler are then injected into the skin in small amounts using a very fine needle or cannula. The gel provides natural volume to smooth away the appearance of lines and wrinkles, enhance facial shape, or create fuller lips.
Treatment with does not affect facial expression and the benefits can normally be seen instantly
After
Dermal Fillers will naturally be broken down and be absorbed by the body. To ensure an optimal and long lasting result, a top-up treatment may be recommended 6-12 months after your initial treatment.
After a treatment some reactions might occur, these include; are slight redness, swelling, itching, bruising, pain and tenderness. The reactions are generally mild to moderate and usually disappear shortly after injection. They typically resolve spontaneously within one or two days, but for some treatments they may last longer
One of the great advantages of treatment with hyaluronic acid fillers is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent. Duration depends on many factors, such as the individual’s skin type, skin condition lifestyle and age.
After the initial treatment, follow-up sessions are normally recommended around every 6 to 12 months depending on the individual and the area treated.
All products I use contain local anaesthetic for a more comfortable treatment experience.
Generally, further pain relief is not necessary. Some people may experience mild discomfort or be more susceptible to pain. If this is the case, a local anaesthetic topical cream can be applied to the area prior to treatment.
The lips tend to be more sensitive and, therefore, topical anaesthesia may be required for longer before lip enhancement.
There are risks involved with dermal filler injections, these include bleeding, bruising and swelling. Less common, yet more severe side effects may include blockage of blood vessels, necrosis (skin cell death) and blindness. The risk of these side effects are very small and can be minimised with safe injection techniques. For this reason it is important to ensure your practitioner is medically qualified, fully trained and has experience in the procedure they are performing. Always ask your practitioner what they would do in the case of an emergency. Check your practitioner is a prescriber and able to deal with complications promptly and efficiently.