Botox®
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In our treatments we use an injectable and purified form of the protein Botulinum Toxin A.
We inject it in small amounts into the facial muscles. This causes a relaxing effect which diminishes facial lines and reduces the aging effect of wrinkles, to produce a natural and relaxed appearance.
The protein blocks nerve impulses and prevents them from reaching the muscles which cause facial expressions. These muscles then relax which reduces the frown lines and crow's feet lines, amongst others, creating a younger appearance.
The effect of treatment becomes noticeable from 3 to 5 days after injection,with a peak in effect at about 2 weeks. The effect lasts between 3 and 4 months, after which time it becomes necessary to repeat the procedure to maintain the effect.
When Botox® is injected continuously into the same muscle, that muscle will eventually learn to contract less, resulting in a longer-lasting effect. Results vary from client to client.
In comparison to corrective surgery, Botox® treatments are quick, virtually painless, have very few side-effects and require no down time afterwards.
Please feel free to discuss any concerns with us prior to treatment.
It is a good idea to do proper research on the subject beforehand, so that you know what to expect in the doctor's office and to make sure that you are going to a credible and experienced doctor for treatment.
Botox® injections should only be administered by qualified and experienced GP's, dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
Botox® has been used medically since the 1990's for the treatment of crossed eyes, cerebral palsy and all kinds of muscle spasms. They also discovered during this time its ability to decrease frown lines, crow's feet around the eyes and other wrinkles in the upper facial area and that it also treats excessive sweating.
Since it has been approved by the FDA in April 2002, Botox® has become an extremely popular cosmetic tool to enhance and rejuvenate one's facial features without having to go under the knife.
What is Botox®?
Botox® is derived from the protein Botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The protein blocks the release of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that conveys messages from the nerves to the muscles to make them contract and move. Once communication has been stopped, the muscles relax.
When Botox® is injected into a certain muscle, it temporarily paralyses the muscle that causes the wrinkle, resulting in a smoother more relaxed look. Botox® is used to improve the appearance of worry lines, frown lines, crow's feet, laugh lines and any other lines that occur due to facial muscles contracting.
The Botox® Procedure
Once you have found the right doctor, phone and arrange a consult with the doctor.
During the initial consultation the doctor will answer all your questions about the treatment, discuss your expectations, do a health screening for potential factors that will cause adverse effects and establish the amount of Botox® that will be needed for the required areas. Once both you and the doctor is satisfied with the examination, the Botox® can be administered straightaway.
The whole procedure lasts about 15-30 minutes. The doctor starts by taking photos of the areas so that you can compare it with the results.
No anesthesia is required, usually anaesthetic gel and an ice-pack are used to numb the area. The doctor will ask you to move certain facial muscles around to determine exactly where the injections should be administered. The protein is injected into the muscle using a fine needle to minimize discomfort and ensure accuracy.
After the treatment is done, you may carry on with your daily activities as usual.
You will be given a post treatment form that will advice you on the things you should do and what you should avoid to maximize the effects of your treatment.
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