Botulinum Toxin A is injected into the target area where it acts as a muscle relaxant. It works by partially and temporarily blocking the nerve impulses to any muscles injected and will reduce the excessive contraction of these muscles.

It helps to prevent the appearance of “dynamic lines”, i.e. lines which appear upon movement of the face, like laughter lines at the sides of your eyes.

It is absorbed by the body and its optimal result occurs within 14 days of treatment. It is then metabolised over a period of around 12 weeks. The treatment can be repeated 12 weeks after the initial treatment.

Exclusions: The following patient cannot be treated:

• Anyone under the age of 18 years
• Patients who are pregnant or actively trying to conceive
• Patients who are breastfeeding
• Patients with active skin infections
• Patients with certain known allergies
• Patients with certain autoimmune disorders such as Lambert-Eaton syndrome
• Patients with neuromuscular diseases
• Patients who suffer from cardiac conduction disorders
• Patients taking medications (certain antibiotics, anticoagulants and other drugs)

Though this is a clinically proven treatment, it is not entirely without risk, there are several possible side effects, most of which are very uncommon.

Short Term Post-Operative Side Effects

• Redness around the area injected
• Swelling (face, eyelid, around the eyes)
• Pain at Injection Site
• Bruising
• Tenderness

These side effects are generally described as mild to moderate and typically resolve within a few days of treatment. However, bruising may last beyond 2 weeks.

Less common side effects include:

• Drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid
• Headaches and or nausea
• Localised muscle weakness
• Dry mouth or difficulty in swallowing (neck injections)
• Inflammation of the eyelid or eye pain
• Visual disturbances
• Anxiety
• Numbness
• Sensitivity to light
• Muscle twitching
• Itching
• Fever / flu symptoms
• Dizziness

Very rarely, allergic reactions after one or more treatments can occur. If you begin to experience hives, swelling (including swelling of the face and throat), wheezing, feeling faint or shortness of breath (possible symptoms of a severe allergic reaction) we ask that you please contact the clinic as soon as possible and seek medical attention immediately.

In rare cases the treatment has little or no effect. Results cannot be guaranteed.

Before Treatment:
For any patient undergoing a cosmetic injectable procedure, we would always encourage you to take the time to do your research and discuss thoroughly with the practitioner the issues you wish to address and the outcome you hope to achieve.

You will have a pre-treatment consultation with your practitioner, which will include a full review of your medical history. This will also include a discussion about the areas of concern, the treatment options available and a realistic discussion about what can reasonably be achieved.

Prior to treatment you should avoid taking any aspirin or aspirin containing products to reduce the likelihood of bruising. This will include similar medications such as ibuprofen, and most over the counter analgesic pain medications. If you take prescription medications that thin your blood, you should be aware that you are more likely to have bruising from your injections and you should let your practitioner know before treatment.

Also, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that cause muscle weakness, swallowing difficulties, speaking difficulties, or breathing difficulties, you must let your practitioner know.

If you wear make-up on a daily basis this will be removed as the treatment area must be cleaned prior to the procedure. If you exercise on a daily basis, you may wish to do this prior to treatment as it is recommended to wait for four hours before physical exertion following your treatment.

After Treatment:
Most patients have no significant issues after treatment but listed below are some precautionary measures which we suggest you take in order to give you the best results from treatment.

• Do not apply makeup for 24 hours
• Do not massage or press on the injection sites for 24 hours
• Do not have any facials or device facial treatments for two weeks
• Do not indulge in heat treatments such as saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds or jacuzzis for two weeks.
• Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours

If you experience any issues, please call the delegate who delivered your treatment immediately. Alernatively, you can call Inspired Cosmetic Training on 0141 638 4098/079 6656 1474.