Mr Adam Topping - Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon

The information contained gives a general idea about "Botox" and does not replace a consultation.
The consultation is personal and specific to the individual concerned.
All consultations involve taking a thorough medical history and a physical examination of the relevant area involved.

What is Botox?

Botox is short for Botulinum toxin and is a product made by one particular company. There is another brand called Dysport
Botulinum toxin is a very strong toxin produced by a bacteria
It stops nerves working which is why in high enough doses it can kill

How does Botox help?

Wrinkles in the skin increase in number and depth as we get older.
Small, shallow wrinkles are caused by the sun.
Deeper wrinkles such as on the forehead (frown lines) and around the eyes (crows feet) are caused by the action of the muscles underneath.
By paralysing these muscles and preventing them from working, the wrinkles they produce then disappear.

Where can it be used and how long will it last?

Botox can be used around the eyes for crows feet, on the forehead for frown lines and on the neck for bands plus occasionally other areas.
It takes about 3 days to work and then can last between 3 and 5 months on average.
It can then be repeated.

Are there any side-effects?

The muscles that are paralysed are only the muscles of expression (such as frowning) and so the loss of them only loses that particular action.
It is very important that Botox is administered by a trained individual who knows where to put it and how much to use.
Botox can paralyse other muscles if placed incorrectly. Around the eye this could produce a drooping eyelid for instance.
The site of injection can be a little sore for a day or so.
Occasionally infection has been described at the injection site but this is rare.
It is not permanent and so would need repeating.
Where there is excess skin present as well, such as bands in the neck, then Botox can actually worsen this effect as the muscle causing the band will sag. A neck lift should be advised here.