Injectables

Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are many subtypes, with type A being most commonly used in the medical field. Examples of Botulinum toxin A include Botox and Nuceiva.

Botulinum toxin has many medical uses and was first used in 1978 for the management of strabismus (cross eyes). It was later used cosmetically in 1992, and is now FDA approved.  

In the aesthetic field, it is commonly used to temporarily weaken or paralyse targeted muscles. It is used as a way of treating dynamic rhytids (wrinkles), or to alter the position of certain features, such as in eyebrows (brow lift) or lips (lip flip).

Other common applications include the management of excessive sweating, overactive muscles and vasospastic conditions, such a digital cold intolerance or Reynaud’s phenomenon.

Botulinum toxin can also be effective when it comes to symptom control, for example with conditions such as intrinsic and allergic rhinitis, rosacea, and migraines.

Botulinum toxin is an exotoxin that inhibits the release of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) at the presynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, leading to temporary paralysis or muscle weakness. This blockade further effects other inflammatory mediators and neurotransmitters, which leads to a localised anti-inflammatory and/or anti-nociceptive (reduced pain) effects.

Botulinum toxin effects are irreversible and the duration of action is dependent on nerve cell regeneration.

Botulinum toxin has a good safety profile, but like any drug, it can have side effects. Serious risks are rare, with the most common adverse effects resulting from effecting an unintended muscle. Injection related side effects, such as bruising or bleeding, are common, but all treatments are performed and carried out by Dr Shetha Naji, a highly experienced, fully qualified surgeon, which means side effects are rare.

You will meet our plastic surgery consultant, Miss Shetha Naji, for a face-to-face consultation. You will have a full medical and aesthetic consultation detailing your desires and concerns, and following a thorough and systematic assessment a treatment plan will be devised. This will include a detailed explanation of the procedure itself, associated risks and aftercare. There is no obligation to undertake treatment.

If you wish to proceed, the treatment will typically last no longer than 15 minutes. If desired, topical local anaesthetic or nerve blocks may be performed prior to the treatment, although typically this isn’t required with the methods used by Miss Naji.

The area treated may temporarily appear red or raised. It is advisable to avoid significant heat exposure, such as in a sauna or excessive exercise for 24 hours, due to the risk of reduced efficacy of the treatment. No other formal aftercare is needed.

We do advise against having Botulinum toxin injections immediately prior to any formal or significant event. A follow up appointment, typically at 2-3 weeks, is offered where any required adjustments are performed free of charge.

Botulinum toxin in the UK is often costed ‘per area’. Your specific needs and requirements will delineate the treatment needed and thus, the cost. This will all be discussed at your consultation, with no obligation to proceed.

Botulinum toxin takes 10-14 days to take full effect, however, many patients may see results within 3-5 days.

Everyone is unique, but typically results of Botulinum toxin range from 3-4 months for most uses. Some treatments, such as for hyperhidrosis, may have longer lasting results.