All You Need to Know About Botox: Benefits, Risks, and More

You may have heard of anti-wrinkle treatments, such as Botox, in movies, on television and in the news. Botulinum Toxin has been around for decades and continues to be one of the more popular ways to tackle the signs of ageing. Understanding this treatment in more detail will help you to decide whether an anti-wrinkle treatment is right for you and your aesthetic goals. So, let’s find out what this treatment is all about.

What is Botox used for?

Due to its excellent anti-wrinkle properties, Botulinum Toxin is exceptional at reducing the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Even wrinkles that have developed over time can be addressed quite simply with a few injectable treatments using this solution.

Some of the main uses of Botulinum Toxin include:

• Smooth facial wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, frown lines, lip lines and bunny lines.
• Greatly reduce the appearance of neckbands.
• Correct a gummy smile.
• Improve the overall appearance of dimpling on your chin.
• Lift the corners of the mouth which may be drooping.
• Slimming down a squared jawline.

Although this injectable treatment is mainly used to address facial wrinkles, it can also be used for some medical issues also. Botox has also been used for conditions such as Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), an overactive bladder and have even been used to help prevent chronic migraines.

How does Botox work?

The substance itself is made from a purified substance derived from bacteria.

Following an injection of Botox into the treated area, the substance actively blocks the nerve signals to your muscle. By blocking the nerve signal, the muscle is encouraged to relax and not tense up in its usual activity, thus creating and developing wrinkles. Without a signal, the muscle is not able to contract.

The result for patients is a smoother look and a reduced appearance of your wrinkles. In some cases, they become so hidden that it is impossible to tell they were there.

Who performs your treatment is also key to how well your treatment works. You should always seek treatment from an experienced, qualified and registered medical professional. The techniques used at our clinics in Chelsea, Tunbridge Wells  and Fitzrovia are constantly updated to the latest industry standards.

Is Botox safe?

When administered by a trained and registered medical professional, injections of Botulinum Toxin are considered safe. Anti-wrinkle treatments using the substance have been performed for decades and continue to be administered on a daily basis.

Before any treatment, we would recommend speaking to your GP about whether or not you are suitable for this treatment. We request a full medical consultation where we can look into your medical history in depth before agreeing or proceeding with any treatment. Our team of qualified injectables specialists will never recommend a treatment if we deem it to be dangerous or unsafe for you and your body.

How Much Is Botox?

Botox prices vary greatly due to the areas you can treat so the range can start from low at £125 per area up to £325 per area. At Viva Botox starts at £185 for one area, £225 for two areas and £299 for three areas. This includes a free consulation with our nurses and doctors at VIVA that specialie in cosmetic injections.

Are there any side effects of Botox?

As with most injectable treatments, side effects can be common and expected. Not to worry though, they’re often mild and keep to the site of the injection. Side effects for anti-wrinkle injections typically don’t last longer than 48 hours to one week.

Some of the common side effects of Botox include:

• A slight pain at the injection site, often described as an ache while the solution is working its magic.
• Swelling or bruising at the injection site.
• Headache or flu-like symptoms.
• A crooked smile or drooling if the injections were performed around the mouth area.
• Eye dryness or excessive tearing for injections administered to wrinkles around the eye area.

Everyone’s bodies are different, meaning that reactions to treatment are also. Treatments performed at our clinics are done so by experienced medical professionals using the most up-to-date techniques to ensure that any side effects are minor if at all.

Speak to a specialist about your next anti-wrinkle treatment

If you’re considering an anti-wrinkle treatment using Botulinum Toxin for yourself, speak to one of our injectables specialists about the look you would like to achieve. Consultations are complimentary and are a great way to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the treatment. Our experienced, qualified and talented team are experts in injectable treatments and will be able to give you peace of mind before, during and after your treatment.

Book a consultation and discuss your next treatment with an injectable treatment specialist in Chelsea,  Tunbridge Wells or our Fitzrovia.