Botulinum toxin injections are one of the most popular aesthetic treatments administered around the world and specifically in the United Kingdom, according to the International Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery the number of procedures increased by 2.9% during 2019. The treatment is often referred to as the miracle poison, but often patients do not fully understand what it is or how it works. This blog will offer some explanation to encourage better understanding. This will help patients make the right choice when seeking their practitioner and have a realistic expectation of the treatment. Botulinum toxin often referred to as Botox which is a brand name interferes with neural transmission by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the principal neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction, causing temporary muscle paralysis. Termed simply this means the treatment blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle cannot contract which in effect causes wrinkles to relax and soften. The results does not happen immediately it takes around 14 days for the full effect to be evident. This is a temporary response which lasts on average 3 months in most patients. This is a treatment which is only available on prescription, meaning that any patient attending for this treatment should have a consultation with the medical professional prescribing the drug. The most popular areas to be treated with Botulinum toxin injections are forehead lines, the lines around the eyes and frown lines however as we are a CQC regulated clinic we can also treat medical conditions such as:
Hyperhidrosis which is excessive sweating and occurs even when the patient is not hot or exercising.
Chronic Migraines are described as migraines for more than 15 days a month, Botulinum toxin injections have been known to reduce the frequency of the headaches.
Parafunctional Jaw habits such as jaw clenching and grinding which can cause pain and damage to the Temporomandibular Joint and the teeth if left untreated. This treatment can help to alleviate this habit, reducing pain and preventing further damage to teeth. As a CQC registered clinic we are legally able to offer this treatment and also have a registered dental surgeon as part of our team.