At Nurse Meyers Aesthetics the 2 brands that are used are Botox® and Azzalure.  Both of these products are the brand names of botulinum toxin type A. It is injected into muscle to reduce unwanted muscular contraction. The medication partially weakens the nerve to the muscle for four to six months. Botulinum toxin type A has thus proven very useful in people who suffer from abnormal contractions of muscle. The cosmetic use (anti-wrinkle) of the injections came about when it was noted that lines and facial wrinkles were dramatically reduced.

The cosmetic use of Botox/Azzalure has dramatically increased in recent years and is now its most popular use. This treatment is safe and highly effective at diminishing forehead lines (horizontal lines across forehead), frown lines (vertical lines between the eyes), crows feet (laughter lines at edge of the eyes), neck lines (Nefertiti lift) and vertical ‘lipstick’ lines. It eliminates surface wrinkles, resulting in a refreshed, smoother, line-free appearance.

Please remember this treatment MUST be injected by a medical practitioner it is a prescribed medicine and therefore patients need to ensure it is administered by a medical professional. At Nurse Meyers Aesthetics Tracey is extensively qualified and has a high medical experience.

How is it given?

Very small amounts of Botox/Azzalure are injected into the required areas using a tiny micro-needle. This acts by blocking the impulse of the nerves to the muscles which relate to the lines and wrinkles. The muscles are then relaxed preventing contraction.  Following treatment the skin over the muscles remains smooth and even, while all untreated areas remain unaffected.

Do the injections hurt?

Because the needles are so fine and the quantity of solution so small the pain is minimal. No local anaesthesia or sedation is required, although there may be some itchiness over the treated area immediately afterwards.

How will I look afterwards?

It may take 2-3 days to notice any initial effect, however within a week the improvement is dramatic. The maximum noticeable effect occurs up to 30 days later and will last for up to 4-6 months, when the effects begin to wear off.  As most patients are happy with the effects of this treatment, a top up injection will be required after this period of time to maintain the skin smoothing effects.

How long will it last?

This varies from person to person, but can last up to 6 months. You will notice a gradual fading of its effects at which point it is time for a new treatment.

Are there any side-effects?

Botulin Toxin Type A is not harmful. There may be some temporary localised bruising following injections, or slight swelling at the injection site, but this disappears quickly in 1 or 2 days.

Is the treatment dangerous?

No! It has been used safely and effectively for almost 20 years in the treatment of many medical conditions including neurological disorders. It is now used more popularly for cosmetic purposes.

Will I be able to move my face afterwards?

Some patients ask if they will have a mask-like appearance or lose facial expression after the injections. The answer is no, not when the procedure is done properly. Selected muscles are weakened not totally paralysed, whilst nearby muscles are unaffected. In this way, extreme movements of the forehead and eyebrows, which create the wrinkles, will be prevented, but other muscles in the face will not be affected and will move the face as normal.

Who is suitable for this treatment?

A wide range of patients benefit from this therapy. It is ideal for younger people (25-60) who are just starting to develop wrinkles. It treats existing creases, as well as potential creases before they start. After taking a detailed history and discussing your expectations you will be advised of the most age-appropriate and effective treatment for your individual needs.

Who is not suitable for treatment?

• Pregnancy; although there have been no reports of birth defects with this medicine, no pregnant patients will be treated.
• Breastfeeding; similarly, there is no evidence that this treatment is expressed in breast milk but it is best avoided if breastfeeding.
• Patients with a history of neuromuscular disease (multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis) or other types of diseases involving neurotransmission should avoid this medicine.

•Known allergy to human albumin or Botulim Toxin Type A