Botox
What is Botox?
Botox is the leading form of brand for the Botulinum toxin type-a injection. This works by temporarily relaxing the underlying facial muscles, stopping them from contracting. When injected into a muscle it blocks the signal from nerve, essentially temporarily paralyzing the muscle as the nerve ending cannot tell it to move.Without this ability muscles cannot pull the skin into creases, meaning less wrinkles. Botox treats wrinkles that are the result of facial movement.
The treatment effects lasts 3 – 6 months.
What types of Botulinum toxin are available?
The toxin is unique but due to the high demand there is a large market for the injection. There are many brands which cosmetically use the botulinum toxin type-A, with Botox being the most established.
- AzzalureⓇ
- BocoutureⓇ
- BotoxⓇ
- DysportⓇ
- VistabelⓇ
- XeominⓇ
Is Botox For You?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have injections of the toxin. Any diseases affecting muscle activity should be discussed with a practitioner beforehand.
Typical cost of Botox
The typical of botox is £150 – £400 per treatment area. Lower prices may indicate a lower dose of the toxin being used and therefore lower lasting effects.
Risks & side effects
The risks and side effects are minimal for Botox, as with the results they are only temporary.
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Upper eyelid drooping (partial ptosis) (>1%)