Dr. Barbara O'Beirne M.B.

What is it?

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Botox® is a natural purified protein that relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles to create a rested, rejuvenated appearance. It has been used for medical and cosmetic purposes for over twenty years in tens of thousands of patients worldwide.



How does it work?

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It temporarily blocks the chemical signals that make muscles contract. This muscle relaxation enables the skin to relax and heal and fine lines smooth away. Only the injected muscle is affected, with the affect usually lasting three to four months. With repeated use its affects may last longer.



Uses



Botox can be used to treat: -



         Fine Lines and wrinkles

         Hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating)

         Blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid twitching) 

         Other medical conditions



Assessment



There is an art to good Botox® therapy with each patient requiring individual assessment and a unique treatment plan. Preserving individuality is essential and when delivered by a skillful doctor Botox® can make you look prettier, more awake, happier and less anxious.



Procedure



Initially you will be assessed by your doctor which will include asking you to make a series of facial expressions to assess your muscle movement. This allows them to determine the correct injection site to achieve the best results for you. Botox® is administered by several tiny injections which feel like pinpricks. No anaesthetic is required and you can return to work or day to day activities immediately.



Prior to Botox® treatment foods and medications which increase the tendency to bleed including garlic, ginger, vitamin E, fish oil, alcohol and aspirin should be avoided for at least 48 hours.



Potential Side Effects



Side effects from Botox® are rare but may include slight bruising at the site of injection. There may also be slight swelling or a feeling heaviness at the site of injection which usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours.



Rarely a temporary drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow may occur but this only lasts a few weeks.



Contraindications



Botox® should not be used during pregnancy or when breast feeding. It should be avoided in certain skin infections and skin conditions. Your doctor will discuss this and other medical conditions with you to ensure your suitability for the treatment. If your skin is inflamed or infected treatment should be deferred until this has resolved.



Aftercare



You can return to normal activities immediately but the injected area should not be massaged or rubbed for 24 hours. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for 4 hours after therapy and facial treatments are best avoided for a week.

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You will be re-assessed by your doctor 2 weeks after treatment to ensure the results are optimal.