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Botox®

 

What is Botox®?

When we try to use a muscle, our body sends electricity down nerves until the impulse reaches the end of the nerve. Here a special chemical (Acetylecholine) is sent across to the end plate of the muscle. Neurotoxin blocks the release of this chemical, and that particular muscle cannot contract anymore.

 

 

So how can this possibly be safe?

This excellent question stems from the fact that this Botox® (neurotoxin) is the same as that produced by the Clostidium Botulinum Bacteria that causes botulism. The vital contrast is that Botox® (neurotoxin) is injected and acts only on that specific muscle. Botulism as found in rotten meat is the bacteria itself that multiplies wildly and sends ever increasing amounts of this toxin all over the body. It is the difference between drinking some water and being submerged 100 metres under the surface of the ocean.

 

So how could this help me?

As we age, we get tell tale facial wrinkles. These are due to aging skin over a combination of lost fullness (senile atrophy), as well as repetitive use of muscles over the years. Fillers are great at replenishing our losses, but if the muscles are still contracting, the lines remain. This is the perfect time for Botox®, and muscles are chosen that play no functional, only a cosmetic role. This is where choosing a caring and experienced Plastic Surgeon is vital to your safety as well as your perfect improvement. Dr. Shaw assesses your facial structure to address your particular concerns. This includes avoiding muscles that are still needed, or the “Hollywood masks” may result.

 

What can I expect?

After minute volume injections to the treated area, you will not feel any different. Dr. Shaw emphasizes the fact that there is NO sensory change, so don’t expect to have any difference in feeling. Furthermore, bar a minute injection bump which disappears within minutes, there is initially no difference. Over about 72 hours, you just stop frowning (depending on where Dr. Shaw injects). The wrinkles that are caused by or deepened by these muscles (you can test in front of your mirror) disappear at this stage. Deep wrinkles that you have formed over years take longer (weeks) to disappear.

 

Can this spread all over my body?

No. If your Botox® is diluted with a lot of fluid, and a large volume is injected, this can spread to neighboring muscles. This is why Dr. Shaw accurately injects minute volumes of concentrated treatment into the exact muscles to be addressed.

 

How long does this treatment last?

This is influenced by a few factors. The principle influences are your physiology, muscle size and amount of Botox® injected. Similar to alcohol tolerance, people vary in there ability to get muscle action again. In general, however, you can expect gradual return of wrinkles at 6 months. You then return for new treatment if you liked the result. The muscles and the wrinkles return exactly as before, with no other mystical changes.

What happens after pregnancy

Is this better than or instead of a filler?

Both are wonderful aids in Dr. Shaw’s Clinic, and are often used in conjunction. They do work differently, are selected to treat different areas and aim at different outcomes. They are therefore not competing, but assist each other in helping you.

 

Finally?

If your mirror tells you that you are looking tired or stressed, contact Lynn at 0119076621 for an appointment. Dr. Shaw can help you choose the perfect combination for your enhancement.