Facial Treatments
Who will carry out my treatment?
Wrinkle Softening Injections (Botox)
Treatment of Lost Facial Volume
Who will carry out my treatment?
My name is Andrew Greenwood and I’ve been a practising General Dental Practitioner for 32 years. I’m also qualified to provide Botox injections and Dermal Fillers having been trained by both Allergan (Botox & Juvederm); Galderma (Azzalure & Emervel) and Sanofi-Avensis (Sculptra). As well as working in my own clinic, I am a lead injector for a national cosmetic surgery group.
I also run a training company to teach members of the medical profession how to treat clients with both botox and dermal fillers.
All treatments are carried out by Dr Andrew Greenwood
Wrinkle Softening Injections (Botox)
What is Botox?
It is probably best to describe what Botox is not! Botox is not botulism. Botulism food poisoning is caused by massive amounts of botulinum bacteria creating massive amounts of toxin. Botox, or Botulinum Toxin A to give it its full name, has been used in very dilute amounts for many years in ophthalmology, neurology and for cosmetic cases worldwide. In our treatments we use a miniscule amount of the chemical secreted by the botulism bacteria. There is nothing alive in the Botox injection.
Is it safe?
Perfectly. It is impossible to get poisoning from Botox injections as we use such diluted preparations.
How does it work?
Injections are given into the affected areas which temporarily put the over active muscles to sleep for about 4 months. This freezing of the muscle is always temporary and can never be permanent. So the muscle can be likened to an animal hibernating, the muscle temporarily hibernates.
Will it leave my face numb?
No. There is no change in your skin sensation.
Do the injections hurt?
No. The needles are very fine and the amount injected each time is very small. Some people say that it feels like a small bug bite so local anaesthesia or sedation is not required.
Which wrinkles can be treated?
The most commonly treated areas are the forehead, between the eyes (frown lines) and the crow’s-feet around the eyes. However, other areas can also be treated successfully such as the lower eyelid, décolletage, neck, lips, chin and bunny lines on the nose.
Will I be able to move my face afterwards?
Certainly! Just not as much. Extreme movement of the muscles that caused the wrinkles will have been prevented but the other normal facial muscles will not have been affected.
When will I see the difference?
Usually in 3-5 days but individuals vary. The greatest effect, however, is seen after 2 weeks or so.
How will I look after treatment?
You will notice a slight redness after treatment around the injection sites. This will settle after a few hours. You can apply an ice pack to help reduce redness and make up can be used to cover the redness.
Are there any side effects?
It is a very safe treatment. However, side effects can occur but are very rare. They can include slight bruising at the injection sites, slight headache and sometimes a slight drooping of the eyelid, which would only last a week or so. Because the effects of Botox are completely reversible any side effects are temporary and short lasting.
Is there anything I should avoid after treatment?
During the first 4 hours after treatment, we advise you to avoid vigorous exercise and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Otherwise you can carry on as normal.
You should also avoid rubbing the treated area during this time. Exteremes of heat, sunbeds, saunas & steam rooms should be avoided for two weeks.
How long will it last?
Again, individuals vary. In most cases you can expect excellent results for three months with a gradually diminishing effect over the following 3 months. Regular treatment ‘trains’ the muscles not to move as much so that, over time, less treatment is needed to keep the facial muscles relaxed.
How often will I need treatment?
On average most people like to come back about every 4 months or so when they first start their injections. People who have large facial muscles (like men) or who have very ‘expressive’ faces may require more frequent treatment. People who have regular top ups gradually require less and less treatment as their muscles are retrained.
What if I really don’t like the result?
That would be very unusual, but if that was so then remember that the effects are completely reversible and with a bit of patience you can have all your old wrinkles back.
Can anybody be treated with Botox?
Almost, but not if you are pregnant or suffer from a any muscles wasting disease. We will not treat anyone under the age of 25, unless it is for hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating)
…and the Benefits?
• You’ll have a softer, more relaxed appearance
• You’ll have a serene countenance enhancing your natural appearance
• Your “wrinkle” muscles will be gradually retrained leaving you with smoother, more youthful looking skin
• You’ll enjoy increased self confidence