Thinking about a face lift? There are many alternative treatments to cosmetic surgery, which give a non-surgical face lift, reduce wrinkles and help you look 10 years younger. In the last few years, Botox has become a very popular treatment. There is a long history of safe, effective use of Botox to treat muscular problems, and now it is used to remove lines and wrinkles on the face caused by daily muscle contraction of your natural facial expressions.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox (Botulinum Toxin) prevents muscles from contracting. When injected into the face, it relaxes the muscles and therefore removes facial lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contraction. It is a temporary anti ageing treatment, lasting for several months. The effects of botox can make you look years younger, and boost your self confidence and self esteem.

Which areas of the Face can be Treated with Botox?

Lines on the face caused by muscle contraction can be treated by Botox. Lines on the forehead, frown lines at the bridge of the nose (glabella lines), eye wrinkles and crows feet (laughter lines) can all be treated with Botox.

When Will I See Results After a Botox Treatment?

The full effects of Botox injections can be seen in 5-7 days. Results may vary on individuals, depending on the severity of wrinkles and the strength of muscles treated.

What are the Side Effects of Botox Injections?

Bruising can occur around the injection site, and occasionally if a blood vessel is damaged, a patient may get "black eye" bruising. The use of an ice pack before and after botox injections will minimise any bruising.

Occasionally, a temporary drooping of the eyelid may occur. The risks of this can be minimised if injections to the forehead are limited to the upper and central areas of the forehead. This also has a beneficial effect of lifting the eyebrows, which improves the appearance of the upper eyelids and reduces any drooping skin around the upper eyes, giving a more youthful, wider eyed look.

If you are considering Botox injections in order to look your best for a special event, it is recommended that you have your Botox treatment at least 7 days before the event, to allow for the full effects of botox and to allow for any bruising to fade away.

Any injection carries a small risk of infection, so Botox treatments are not recommended if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

How Many Botox Treatments are Required?

Botox injections should be repeated every 3-4 months. Patients who have had Botox treatments over 12 months may only require further treatments every 6 months.

Where Can I Get Botox Injections?

There are many clinics and beauty salons offering botox treatments. Many beauty salons have a visiting doctor who carries out the injections, so the treatments may only be available on a limited number of days for a particular beauty salon. If you live in a well populated area, you should be able to get botox treatments without travelling too far from home. An internet search for “botox” and the name of your town should help you find a local clinic or beauty salon which offers the service.