Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a prescription-only medicine provided by a legally authorised prescriber on a named patient basis only after a face to face consultation. It should only ever be administered after medical examination of the patient.
Botox and fillers can be used for the treatment of facial lines, and the rejuvenation of skin and underlying tissues. Botox works by stopping the transmission of nerve impulses to the facial muscles that contract and cause wrinkles. Unable to frown or perform other basic muscle contractions, patients find that about a week after a Botox injection their facial wrinkles smooth out, giving them a more relaxed and youthful look. This effect lasts for two-to-three months, at which point the facial muscles start to work again. Usually patients then return for a top-up.
Botox can also be used to control muscle spasm, pain and excessive sweatiness, and in these cases may be available to patients on the NHS.
Fillers work by bulking up facial tissue, and can be used to fill in lines and contour dips in the face. Most fillers are temporary, lasting between six months and two years. You should be very careful if considering permanent fillers because they often have undesirable complications which are difficult to treat.
If you have Botox injected by somebody without seeing a medical professional first then the procedure is illegal. Always use someone registered and qualified.
You can find more information about non-surgical procedures, such as Botox injections, and who can perform them safely at http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/cosmeticsurgery/pages/non-surgicalprocedures.aspx.
Further information can be found at http://www. baaps.org.uk/procedures/botulinum-toxin-injections or http://www.bapras.org.uk/public/patient-information/surgery-guides/botulinum-toxin-and-fillers.
Save Face provides a national register of qualified, safe and credible practitioners of non surgical cosmetic treatments – www.saveface.co.uk.