Botulinum toxin is a chemical produced by the botulinum bacterium.  Botox is a protein derivative of the toxin, which, when injected into a muscle, causes it to become weakened or inactivated.  It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission, therefore it stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle.

As long ago as 1978, Botox was used as a treatment for patients with eye squints by weakening the overactive eye muscle.  Since then, it has been used in a variety of therapeutic areas such as spasmodic neck, writers cramp, tics, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm, Parkinson’s Disease and Cerebral Palsy, to name a few.  In more recent times the use of Botox for cosmetic therapy has become more widespread.

By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout a lifetime, the skin is creased in areas of greatest use.  The aging process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so as we get older, these areas of over-use become damaged and the lines become permanent.  By reducing the movement of muscles in lines to soften or even fade away.  In the areas treated, the muscles are temporarily inactivated (always reversible), during which time the patient can break the subconscious habit of overusing these muscles.  Depending on each individual and the dose used, the response to treatment can vary from relaxation of the muscles to an inability to move the muscles.

 

For the first couple of years, frequent treatments are required to ‘re-educate’ the facial muscles, thereafter less frequent treatments are required. If however, the client decides not to have any more treatment then the skin will resort to the same pre-treatment state.

The main areas which are treated with Botox is the upper face region (please see diagram below). This is broadly split into 3 areas, the Crow’s feet/laughter lines, Glabellar region (Frown area), Upper forehead region (above eyebrows). Other more advanced treatments include nose lifts, Chin treatments and chemical brow lifts (eyelid lifts).

The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes.  The practitioner will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work.  An extremely fine, short needle is used to inject the Botox into the appropriate area.  This may cause some slight but brief discomfort.  The area may have some slight redness and swelling, which normally resolves in an hour or two.  The treatment normally starts to take effect after an hour or two.  The treatment normally starts to take effect after 4 to 14 days, but this may vary slightly with some individuals.  The effects will normally last between 2 and 6 months, when you will start to notice an ability to move the muscles more freely.

 

 

 

Hyperhidrosis means excessive sweating. Sweating is one of the most important ways in which the body loses heat; however, people with hyperhidrosis produce sweat in amounts far greater than needed to control their temperature. It has been estimated that up to 1% of the population has some form of hyperhidrosis. It usually starts during teens and twenties.

 

 

Botox is a treatment given by injection into the Skin. It is licensed in direction for treatment of under-arm sweating (auxiliary hyperhidrosis). Small doses are injected into the skin which blocks the action of the nerves that supply the eccrine glands; this prevents the glands from producing sweat. The treatment effect last for several months but eventually wears off.

 

 

The procedure takes about 30 minutes. An extremely fine needle is used to inject Botox into 10-15 places about 1cm apart and spread evenly in each armpit.

 

 

You should notice some change for the better within a week of your treatment. Different people have different response to treatment. In a clinical trial, sweat production was reduced by 33% one week after treatment. Further more, sweating was reduced by at least half in 95% of patients. Your next treatment can be given when the effects of the first course wear off, this usually happens after 4 to 7 months.