Botox® Injections
In today’s age of social media perfection, it’s no wonder that more and more people are seeking ways to become the best versions of themselves, no matter their age. One popular treatment is Botox®, a household name in the world of non-surgical rejuvenation. If you’re considering Botox®, it’s important to know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What is Botox?
Botox® is a well-known brand name for Botulinum Toxin Type A, a muscle relaxant injection that has significantly impacted both the medical and cosmetic fields.
In addition to its medical uses, Botox® has found a significant role in cosmetics, as it can be used to temporarily reduce wrinkles and facial lines. It’s important to note that Botox® is subject to strict regulations in the UK. At Nura Skin Aesthetics, practitioners are specialist healthcare professionals who have undergone extensive training in aesthetics for both basic and advanced Botox® techniques.
The botulinum toxin protein works by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. This results in the muscle becoming relaxed, which in turn makes the overlying skin appear smoother.
Before You Schedule Your Appointment
1. Check Your Diary
If you have an important event coming up, it’s wise to plan ahead. Botulinum Toxin injections typically take 1-2 weeks to show noticeable results, and effects start wearing off within 3-6 months. Most practitioners recommend a follow-up appointment about 2 weeks after your initial treatment, so be sure to factor these timelines into your plans.
2. Do Your Homework
Research is your best friend. You can kickstart your journey online by reading various blogs and reviews. The Nura Blog is regularly updated with information, tips, and educational resources. You can also contact us anytime via WhatsApp or Email for answers to all your burning questions.
3. Choose the Right Practitioner
Selecting the right practitioner is paramount since Botulinum Toxin is a prescription-only medicine. It can only be administered by a healthcare professional who has undergone specialist training in aesthetics, like the practitioners at Nura Skin.
4. Schedule a Consultation
Before any treatment, a face-to-face consultation with your practitioner is essential. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question. With Nura Skin, your practitioner will focus on your specific areas of concern, outline expectations, and provide expert advice.
5. Explore Alternative Options
Consider other treatments like chemical peels, micro-needling, dermal fillers and surgery as viable alternatives. Your practitioner may also recommend a skincare routine that complements your treatment for enhanced results.
6. Take Some Time to Reflect
It’s normal to need some time to mull over your decision, especially if it’s your first time. A Nura Skin practitioner is always on hand to address any lingering questions you may have before you commit to treatment. Visit our Contact Page for all contact details.
7. Cost Considerations
Treatment costs are typically based on the number of treated areas. At Nura Skin, our prices include the consultation, treatment, and a review/top-up appointment, ensuring you know what to expect upfront. To maintain results, regular treatments will be needed 3-4 times a year.
8. Photo Consent
As a patient, you might want to see the before-and-after results. Be sure to provide consent for photos, which may be used anonymously for marketing purposes.
During Your Botox® Treatment
1. Consent Matters
The consent process is a crucial part of your consultation. Your practitioner will discuss the procedure’s risks and benefits in detail, and will get your signature for consent before any treatment starts.
2. Prepare Your Skin
Please wash your face and remove all makeup before your treatment, ensuring your face is free of any oils or creams to optimise the treatment’s effectiveness.
3. Facial Assessment
Patients will be asked to make a variety of facial expressions to allow the practitioner to assess the facial muscles and mark out the injection points based on where lines form.
4. Treatment
The practitioner will clean the treatment area. Botox® is injected using a fine needle directly into the targeted muscles. Discomfort is minimal, but you may feel a slight sting at the injection point.
Knowing Your Next Steps
When you book with Nura Skin Aesthetics, you’ll receive comprehensive aftercare instructions via email. Your practitioner will guide you through the post-treatment process, and your practitioner will be in touch to schedule a Review/Top-Up appointment as required.
After Your Botox® Treatment – Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Keep upright for four hours to allow the toxin to settle.
- Lightly wash your face at night.
- Gently apply mineral-based makeup if needed after 1 hour.
- Sleep on your back to prevent any pressure on the treated areas.
- Consider using a bruise gel such as Arnica if you experience bruising.
- Reach out to your practitioner if you have concerns or experience side effects.
- Schedule a review appointment for two weeks post-treatment to assess and discuss results.
Avoid:
- Lying down or leaning forward for four hours to prevent Botox® from spreading.
- Wearing restrictive headgear, such as headbands.
- Touching, massaging, or rubbing the treated area for 24 hours.
- Intense physical activity, including the gym, for 24 hours. Light exercise like walking or jogging is acceptable after 4 hours.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Facials, chemical peels, massages, saunas, or microdermabrasion for at least 2 weeks.
- Aspirin and other painkillers that may increase bruising.
The Difference Between Botox® And Fillers
Botox® and Dermal Fillers are both cosmetic injections used to enhance the skin’s appearance, but they work differently and target different issues.
Botox®:
- Botox®, specifically botulinum toxin, is a type of neurotoxin.
- It’s mainly used for treating facial wrinkles caused by muscle movements.
- When Botox® is injected into a muscle, it blocks the signals that make the muscle contract.
- As a result, the muscle relaxes, and the skin above it looks smoother.
- Botox® is typically used for wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, mouth and between the eyebrows.
Dermal Fillers:
- Dermal Fillers are injectable substances, often made from hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body.
- They are used to add volume to the skin.
- Dermal fillers can plump up thin lips, reduce wrinkles, enhance shallow areas, and improve recessed scars.
- Various types of dermal fillers are available, each designed for specific cosmetic concerns.
In simple terms, Botox® makes wrinkles less noticeable by relaxing the muscles causing them, while Dermal Fillers add volume and smooth out wrinkles by filling the space beneath the skin.
Now that you know what to expect before, during, and after Botox® injections, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision and embark on your journey to a more youthful, rejuvenated you. At Nura Skin Aesthetics, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your desired look while prioritising your safety and satisfaction.