BOTOX® Injections (Botulinum Toxin A) - a patient's guide
Editorial Team

What is Botox?

BOTOX® is the commercial tradename for Botulinum Toxin Type A.

Botulinum Toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.

When injected into muscles, Botulinum Toxin has a local effect. It blocks transmission between the nerve endings and muscle fibres around the injection site to cause weakness of the nearby muscle.

What is Botox used for?

Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for moderate to severe frown lines. It is typically used in people aged 18 to 65.

Botox works by blocking nerve transmission to temporarily reduce the contractions of the facial muscles that cause frown lines.

It has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles, and botox injections are becoming increasingly popular.

Who can have Botox treatment?

Your doctor will decide if you can have cosmetic treatment with botox.

Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have any disorders that affect your nerves and muscles, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are planning to become pregnant soon.

The Botox injection procedure

Your doctor will administer several tiny injections of botox directly into the muscles of your face. Prior to injection, your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area.

The entire botox injection procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and does not require anaesthesia. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief.

After the injection

You should notice an improvement in your frown lines within 3 to 7 days, the effects of which can last up to 4 months. However, results may vary.

After a period of time, your frown lines will begin to reappear as the effects of botox wear off.

How often can Botox injections be given?

You can receive botox injections every 4 months.

With repeated treatments, thinning of the muscles occurs, which produces longer lasting results.

How much does Botox treatment cost?

Each treatment costs around £200.

Possible side-effects of Botox

- headache
- flu-like symptoms
- temporary eyelid droop
- nausea
- squint/double vision
- twitching of the eye
- facial pain
- redness at the injection site
- muscle weakness

Cautions/contra-indications

Do not have botox treatment if you:

- have an infection where botox will be injected
- are allergic to any of the ingredients
- are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- have a neurological disorder (eg. Myasthenia Gravis)

There are also a number of medicines that may interact with botox (eg. quinidine, some antibiotics). It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any medication.