Everything You Need To Know About Botox

Lots of us will do all we can to try and slow down the signs of ageing and we will spend hundreds of pounds on multiple moisturisers and beauty treatments to try and keep these dreaded signs at bay. However, the reality is that the majority of us will still experience lines, creases and wrinkles in our face as times goes on.

If you’re unhappy with certain areas of your face then you may be considering botox. If you’re currently researching this cosmetic procedure then keep reading today. Our experienced team here at Woodford Medical have put together a complete guide to everything you need to know about botox.

What is botox?

Simply put, this is an incredibly popular non-surgical procedure that involves an injection of botox into the skin. It is a relatively straightforward procedure and is known for being quite a safe treatment. However, it should always be undertaken by a qualified professional to ensure that the correct amount is being inserted into the right areas.

How does botox work?

Botox injections work by blocking the signals from nerves to specific muscles. The targeted muscles will no longer be able to contract which causes them to relax and any appearance of lines on the skin will be reduced. Often, people associate botox with a frozen look or startled expression when, in reality if the procedure is undertaken by a professional then you will be left looking refreshed and younger.

Does it only work on wrinkles?

Whilst the most popular uses for botox is cosmetic and aesthetic purposes, it is actually incredibly useful for other conditions too. Nowadays, you can get botox to stop sweating, botox for teeth grinding and also jaw botox to relieve clenching. A few simple injections can make such a huge difference to some people's lives.

Is botox permanent?

In short, the answer to this is no. Usually, you can expect the effects of botox to last for four to six months. As your muscles start to return to normal, any lines, creases and wrinkles will start to reappear. So, if you’re wanting to maintain your new wrinkle-free look, you will need to have top-up injections a couple of times a year.

Will the injection hurt?

Some people find botox a little bit painful but for the majority, it is just uncomfortable. Think of it like any other injection you may have had but, the needle used is very small. If pain is a worry of yours then there is always the option to use anaesthetic cream or a cold pack to numb the area before the injection.

When will you see the effects?

You may have heard that results are immediate but in reality, you can expect to see the true effects of your botox injection after 3 to 5 days. Some doctors even say that it can take up to 2 weeks for the maximum results to be visible. At this time the treated area will look much smoother and your whole face will look refreshed.

Are there any side effects?

Like any other cosmetic procedure, there are some side effects but, thankfully the majority of people don’t have any problems. The most common side effects include swelling, redness, bleeding and bruising, but even this will go down by itself over time. Of course, you will be informed of all possible side effects before the treatment is undertaken by a professional.

Getting botox for the first time

Now that you know a little bit more about botox, you will know that the majority of horror stories you hear simply aren’t true. Of course, you should always ensure that you turn to an experienced clinic for the procedure to reduce the risks and side effects associated with the treatment. You can trust that after an initial consultation, your mind will be put at ease.

If you would like to speak to a professional about botox in more detail and how you can tackle your problem areas, contact Woodford Medical today. We have botox clinics in London, Essex, Belfast, Cambridge and Leamington Spa so, wherever you are, we will gladly assist you in this regard. With over 50 years of combined experience, you can relax knowing you are in safe hands with our team of doctors and nurses.