When carefully injected into the muscles responsible for expression lines it partially immobilises them allowing the skin to smoothe out reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

• Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
• Breast feeding
• Heart disease
• Previous allergic reaction to Botulinum Toxin or Botox®
• You have difficulty swallowing
• You have a neuromuscular disease including:
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Lambert-Eaton syndrome
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Bell’s palsy
• Blood coagulation disorders

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics eg; gentamicin, amikacin, neomycin, netilmicin, tobramycin
• Muscle relaxants eg diazepam, amitriptyline

Using Botulinum Toxin or Botox® is a very safe and effective way of reducing dynamic wrinkles on your face. Like any medical procedure it carries potential risks and complications which are minimised by using an appropriate practitioner to carry out the procedure. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Botulinum Toxin A for combination treatment of upper facial lines as research found the product to be safe and effective.

• Nausea
• Headache
• Flu-like symptoms
• Bruising and numbness at the injection site

• Trouble breathing
• Slurred speech
• Muscle weakness
• Worsening or unexpected difficulty swallowing

Ultra fine needles are used for your Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) treatment so pain is usually minimal. The area can be numbed with a cold pack or a topical anaesthetic can also be applied 20-30 minutes prior to treatment to make it more comfortable.

You may notice results starting to take effect between 4 to 7 days but we suggest you allow a full two weeks before any adjustment is considered.

Movement will gradually  start to return from six weeks and you will regain your muscle activity around 3-4 months later. With repeated administration, at regular intervals, you may not regain full muscle activity for 5-6 months .

After around 3-4 months you will gradually start to notice the areas that have been treated by Botox® will return to their pre-Botox® look.

No – Having Botox® doesn’t worsen wrinkles. If you feel they look more pronounced once the treatment has worn off then it will most likely be that you have become used to your face looking smoother.

A treatment takes around 15 minutes to complete. There may be some slight swelling immediately after treatment but this should settle within the hour. There is also minimal risk of bruising.

1. For any swelling or bruising you can gently apply an ice pack. Arnica cream can help with bruising too and if you’re prone to bruising you can also try arnica tablets as a preventative measure – start the day before treatment and carry on for 5 days afterwards.
2. Botox® treatment will not prevent you from washing or continuing with your normal skin care routine however you are advised to avoid rubbing the area for the first 4 hours after treatment. You can apply make up after about an hour although try not to apply too much pressure.
3. Avoid any form of massage or relaxing facial, or treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels for 24 hours after treatment.
4. Avoid bending forward or lying down for at least 4 hours after treatment.
5. Wait 24 hours before taking part in any strenuous activity or anything that increases the heart rate above 100.
6. Wait 24 hours before going in a sauna, sun bed or hot bath/shower.
7. Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption for 24 hours as this will help to minimise bruising.

1. Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before treatment as it can thin the blood and increase the possibility of bruising.
2. Avoid hair removal – shaving, waxing, laser treatment or creams in the area receiving the treatment to minimise irritation and reduce the risk of infection.
3. Avoid anti-ageing creams containing substances like retinol. glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acid to minimise irritation and reduce the risk of infection
4. Do not wear makeup on the day of the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
5. Make sure you eat before the procedure to stop you feeling faint.
6. Certain medicines, vitamins and supplements may need to be stopped seven days before treatment to minimise the risk of bruising. However always discuss this with your practitioner before stopping ANY medication.

• Blood thinners like aspirin
• Anti-inflammatories eg ibuprofen
• High dose Vitamin E
• Omega 3 fish oils.
• Gingko biloba
• St Johns Wort.