Patient Information: Facial Aesthetics
Source: Ali Q ENT
A Guide to Botulinum Toxin (Botox)
Botox is a prescription muscle relaxant medicine used to treat a number of conditions within the body.
It contains the active substance Botulinum Toxin A. It works by partially blocking nerve impulses and the effect depends upon where it is injected. If injected into a muscle it will reduce excessive muscle contraction.
It can be used for the temporary improvement in the appearance of vertical lines between the eyebrows (Glabella) seen at maximum frown and fan-shaped lines from the corner of the eyes (Crows feet) at maximum smile.
It can also be used around the eyes and injected into deeper muscles to treat teeth grinding and slim the appearance of the face.
The effects can last from 3 to 6 months. Although this will vary between individuals and depend on the dose and site injected.
For new patients, I always start with a low dose, this allows us to assess how sensitive you are to the treatment and provides an opportunity to increase the dose at post treatment review.
Please Note:
Due to the subjective nature of the treatment it is not possible to guarantee results
Longevity of treatment results may vary between individuals.
Patients can react differently to the same treatment
What are the risks of Botulinum Toxin (Botox)?
Complications are uncommon, however most patients will experience one or more of the following at the injection site redness / bruising / swelling.
Other rarer complications have also been described, these include:
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Hypersensitivity, Allergic response, Anaphylactic reaction (rare but can occur)
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Asymmetry of facial expressions
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Muscle weakness, twitching
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Bruising/swelling/skin redness
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Stinging/burning
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Headaches
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Drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow (ptosis)/local muscle weakness, double vision, dry/teary eyes
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Hives, feeling faint, nausea or flu like symptoms, tiredness
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Swelling of the face or throat, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
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Infection at treatment site
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Period of time to take effect, further treatment needed, reduced muscle movement
A Guide to Temporary Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid)
Dermal fillers can be used to correct loss of volume, shape, contour and reduce the appearance of fine and/or deep lines.
Fillers consist of Hyaluronic acid which is a natural occurring gel produced in the body, which is injected into the treatable area. Fillers consist of a gel, most of which contain a local anesthetic which minimizes discomfort.
I use a range of injectable filler products for facial lines and areas of dermal depression. The thickness of the filler will depend on the site injected and intended result. We will discuss this at your consultation.
Common sites for filler injection are the lips, corner of the mouth, cheeks, chin and folds either side of the mouth (nasolabial folds and marionette lines). The aim of each treatment is to avoid over correction and allow patients to achieve a natural and refreshed appearance.
Please Note:
Due to the subjective nature of the treatment it is not possible to guarantee results
Longevity of treatment results may vary between individuals.
Patients can react differently to the same treatment
What are the Risks of Dermal Fillers?
Most patients will experience some swelling after the procedure, this is to be expected and will settle down in a few days. Ice can be applied to reduce the effects of swelling. There is also a risk of minor bleeding from the injection site and stinging/burning sensation. If you are concerned you will be able to contact me to discuss these.
Other rarer risks and complications include:
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Hypersensitivity, Allergic response, Anaphylactic reaction (rare but can occur)
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Formation of nodules (lumps) around the treated area
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Slight visibility/palpability of the product under the skin
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Persistent bruising which may last up to several weeks
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Infection/abscess formation following treatment, eruption of cold sores
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Small/Rare possibility of filler being injected into a blood vessel which could lead to blockage of the blood flow to the area supplied by the blood vessel causing skin soreness, coldness, numbing and discoloration. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible in this instance.
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Perfect symmetry may not be achievable.
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Limited or non-response to treatment
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Extremely rare risk of blindness if filler is injected into certain anatomical sites e.g Nose. It is important to have your treatment performed by a qualified and trained individual.
Post Treatment Advice
Interested in Botulinum Toxin or Dermal Fillers?
If you are interested in an injectable treatment you can arrange a consultation with Mr Ali Qureishi.
Each consultation consists of an aesthetic assessment with photography followed by an individualised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. As an ENT surgeon he is well aware of the complex anatomy of the face and how best to avoid complications and provide subtle refinements and avoid an 'over treated' appearance.