Botulinum Toxin is a prescription only medication. It is injected, using a fine needle, into the target muscle to temporarily block the nerve signal, resulting in weakening of the muscle action which can result in an improvement in the appearance of lines of facial expression.

Botulinum toxin can only treat the lines that are present.

Facial expressions occur when the brain sends nerve signals to the facial muscles causing them to contract. Botulinum toxin blocks the transmission of the chemical signal from the nerve reaching the target muscle. Without this signal, the muscle is unable to contract and remains in a resting state, therefore facial expressions are relaxed. It is not always possible or desirable to stop all movement as a completely frozen look may not be aesthetically pleasing. It is important to discuss your expectations with your practitioner prior to any treatment.

The effects of botulinum toxin are not instant, and most people will start to notice the results after about 4 days, having the full effect by about day 10. You will be offered a follow-up appointment at 2 weeks, when the effects of treatment can be reviewed. Additional botulinum toxin may be administered at this time if needed.

Over approximately 3 to 4 months, the nerve terminal recovers and movement in the treated area restarts. Treatment can be repeated at this time to maintain the desired results.

Botulinum toxin is injected using a fine needle, similar to the size used on an insulin pen. It is generally not painful and most people will only experience minor discomfort. Some people describe the sensation like plucking an eyebrow.

Very rarely, for people who cannot tolerate the procedure, a topical anaesthetic cream or ice may be applied prior to treatment to reduce the sensation.

Treatment results are often more successful when the skin is in a good condition, with good elasticity, where facial expressions are not excessive and there are no or only minimal static lines in the area to be treated.

You may not be suitable for treatment if any of the following apply:

· Botulinum toxin is generally only recommended to those aged between 25 to 65, although it may be used off-license for people outside this age range.

· Botulinum toxin cannot be given to pregnant or breast-feeding women and is not recommended if you are actively trying to get pregnant.

· Patients with certain neurological disorders (such as myasthenia gravis).

· You are currently taking certain medicines (including antibiotics, such as clindamycin).

· You have previously experienced adverse reactions to any botulinum toxin treatment.

· Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area, including cold sores.

Millions of botulinum toxin treatments have been performed worldwide and it has an excellent safety profile. However, as with any medical aesthetic procedure, there are certain risks and side-effects which should be discussed with you during your initial consultation.

Most common side effects include:

· Injection site pain

· Bleeding and/or bruising at the injection sites

· Redness, itching, irritation at the injection site

Less common:

· Swelling, including under eye puffiness

· Headache, which may last several days

· Nausea and/or hot flushes

· Poor cosmetic results

· Uneven effect on one side

Rare side effects:

· Drooping or heaviness of the brow or eyelid

· Abnormal appearance of the brows (Mephisto or Spock brow)

· Blepharitis (inflammation of the eye lids)

· Eye pain or visual disturbance

· Paraesthesia (abnormal sensation)

· Muscle twitching

· Flu-like symptoms

· Anxiety symptoms

· Rarely, muscle or joint pains