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Posts Tagged ‘Botox’

Suffering From Hyperhidrosis? See What Botox Treatments Are Available?

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

Suffering From Hyperhidrosis? See What Botox Treatments Are Available?

Do you sweat profusely throughout the day, even during cold weather or when you’re not exercising? If yes, you might have hyperhidrosis. But if you’re not aware of what hyperhidrosis is, don’t worry; this blog will explain everything you need to know about this condition and how to treat it effectively with botox treatment. 

How To Stop Sweat In My Hand Permanently?

Sweaty hands can cause many problems and embarrassment, especially when you wish to hold hands with your special one. While there are numerous short-term treatment options available to treat hand-sweating, such as using baking soda, keeping hydrated, using botox, and eating a balanced diet, some permanent solutions are also known to treat the sweating of hands. This include:

  • Iontophoresis – Iontophoresis has been regarded as one of the effective methods for permanently treating hand-sweating. In this procedure, a mild current is passed through the water below the skin’s surface, reducing the sweating on the hands. 
  • Medications – according to the Columbia Unversity’s Centre for Hyperhidrosis, certain drugs also effectively combat hand-sweating. Your physician will prescribe a suitable medication after a thorough clinical examination. 
  • Surgery – if none of the above treatments works, your physician may consider surgical treatment to solve this issue permanently. 

I Have Hyperhidrosis. What Do I Do?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Hyperhidrosis is characterised by excessive sweating. The sweating can either take place on the entire body, or it can occur only in certain parts like the hands. If you have hyperhidrosis, various treatment options are available to combat this problem. The first step is to consult your healthcare physician, who will perform a detailed examination and advise some necessary tests to diagnose the underlying issue. Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment can be done through any of the following available options:

  • Short-term Treatments 
  • Using antiperspirants when needed
  • Alcohol swabs or wipes to remove excessive moisture 
  • Antiperspirant creams
  • Botox injection 
  • Permanent/ Long-term solutions 
  • Iontophoresis treatment
  • Medications 
  • Surgical treatment 

Is Botox A Cure For Hyperhidrosis?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Botulinum toxin A, also called Botox, is an effective option for treating excessive sweating, besides being a remedy to eliminate skin creases and lines. In this treatment, your doctor will inject the diluted form of botox toxin into your underarms to curb excessive sweating. The effects of this treatment last for about 6 months on average. Afterwards, a new treatment is needed for continued results. 

In What Areas Is Botox Injected?

The most commonly used site for injecting botulinum toxin is the underarms. However, studies have shown that this anti-sweating treatment may also be effective on other body sites. For example, in some cases, skincare physicians use the botulinum injection to prevent excessive sweating on the scalp in post-menopausal women. It may also be used to control sweating on the hands and feet. 

How Does Botox Stop Sweating?

Besides removing sagging lines and skin creases, botox treatment is also effective in treating hyperhidrosis. This treatment works by temporarily stopping the release of a chemical that stimulates the sweat glands in the body. In this way, sweating is controlled temporarily. However, frequent botox injections are needed for continued efficacy in cases of excessive hyperhidrosis. 

How Many Different Things Can Be Treated With Botox?

There are two main uses of botox treatment. The first is to remove skin creases and lines. This is achieved by injecting a diluted form of the botulinum toxin A, which temporarily paralyses the skin muscles, thereby resulting in their stretching and the elimination of skin lines. The second use of botox is as an anti-sweating agent. Botox transiently stops the release of a chemical that regulates sweat production, thereby showing efficacy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. 

If Too Much Botox Is Injected, How Do You Reverse The Effects?

Once injected, the effects of a botox injection cannot be reversed. Luckily, injecting too much botox does not cause severe side effects besides causing unwanted drooping of the eyelids or other facial landmarks. The results of the injection will slowly go away in 3-4 months. If there are undesirable cosmetic changes due to the injection, they can be reversed by injecting the injection on the opposite side to compensate for the changes. 

Can Botox Injections Cause Health Problems?

Botox treatment is generally safe and does not cause severe allergic reactions. However, if too much of the toxin is injected, it may cause unwanted facial changes, such as drooping or tautness of the eyelids or other facial regions. That is why it is important to visit a qualified, experienced skincare specialist for botox treatment. 

What Are The Side Effects Of Botox Injections?

The side effects associated with botox treatment are generally non-severe. Some of these include:

  • Transient pain, swelling or bruising at the site of the injection 
  • Drooping eyelids or cockeyed brows
  • Headaches or flu-like symptoms 
  • Drooling 
  • Dryness in the eyes or excessive tearing 

What Is The Best Affordable Treatment For Hyperhidrosis?

Your dentist will recommend a suitable treatment for hyperhidrosis after a thorough clinical examination and determination of your medical needs. However, botox treatment has been regarded as one of the most  cost-effective and efficient treatments for hyperhidrosis. 

If you are suffering from excessive hand-sweating and looking for a renowned and reliable skincare specialist in Oxford, The Smile Practice is at your service! To find out how hyperhidrosis treatment in Oxford or Didcot can help beat excessive sweating, please request a free video consultation today. 

 

Dermal Fillers, Naturally Derived Solutions For Facial Revitalisation

Monday, July 4th, 2022

Dermal Fillers, Naturally Derived Solutions For Facial Revitalisation

In today’s modern world, the need to look beautiful is evergrowing. From the clothes you wear to your shoes, your body and even your smile – people notice everything! That is why there has been an unprecedented rise in the demand for cosmetic treatment in the UK. Among these cosmetic treatments, dermal fillers are routinely used for treating facial aesthetic problems such as wrinkles, creases, and sagging skin. So, if you are also one of those who feel self-conscious around people because of their facial defects, dermal fillers are the answer to your cosmetic problems. 

But, “what are dermal fillers and are they safe?” you might ask. Well, the answer to these questions and many others lies in this article. So, continue reading to find out everything you need to know about dermal fillers and their use for smile enhancement. 

What Are Dermal Fillers Used For?

According to the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, dermal fillers or injectable fillers are materials that are used for improving the appearance of the skin and restoring skin volume. For example, facial dermal fillers are used to smooth facial wrinkles and creases and to volume or “plump up” the skin by filling the contours, restoring facial aesthetics and making one look younger and prettier. 

Some of the common uses of dermal fillers are to improve:

  • Facial lines wrinkles 
  • Deep smile lines across the corners of the mouth 
  • Vertical “smokers lines” on the upper lips
  • Lip unevenness and volume 
  • Acne scare 
  • Appearance and shape of the nose

How Long Will Dermal Fillers Last?

Dermal fillers are not permanent and will require re-treatment after some time. However, high-quality dermal fillers injected by an experienced cosmetic specialist produce better results and last longer than regular ones. According to the National Health Service (NHS). Dermal fillers can last anywhere between 6 and 18 months. Their lifetime also depends on the type of filler used for dermal treatment.

What Is The Difference Between Dermal Fillers And Botox?

Although the function of  is the same, i.e., to improve skin appearance and volume, they work differently. For example, botox or botulinum injection contains purified bacteria that freeze the facial muscles, thereby helping in minimising the skin creases and lines around the face. On the other hand, dermal fillers contain ingredients that physically add volume to the skin, thereby reducing wrinkles and treating sagging skin. 

Do Dermal Fillers Really Help In Removing Wrinkles?

Dermal fillers add volume to the skin and remove wrinkles and creases around the face. The fact that dermal fillers physically remove facial defects by adding sufficient volume to the skin shows their effectiveness in improving one’s appearance. Different dermal fillers are used by cosmetic specialists, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen-based dermal fillers, all of which have been proven to provide excellent aesthetic results. 

How Does Dermal Filler Work On The Face?

Dermal fillers are directly injected into the skin. The procedure is painless at takes around 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on the area being treated. Once the fillers are injected, they add volume to the skin and remove creases and wrinkles, thereby rejuvenating the skin. 

What Are The Expected Results Of A Dermal Filler Treatment?

Unlike Botox injections, dermal fillers take time to provide their aesthetic results. Similarly, the skin-rejuvenating effects of dermal fillers last longer than botox. Please keep in mind that slight swelling and discomfort are not uncommon for the next 24-48 hours after the procedure, which gradually decreases over time. For best results, physicians advise against doing heavy physical work or weight lifting for the next 72 hours after the procedure. Similarly, alcohol intake should be avoided for the next 24 hours post-operatively. 

How To Prolong Dermal Fillers And Make Them Last A Long Time?

Like botox, dermal fillers are not permanent. However, there are ways in which you can prolong their life and aesthetic results, such as:

  • Avoid Putting Pressure on the first day of the injection, avoid touching your face or applying pressure. Similarly, you should try avoiding sleeping on the sides, as it may result in the movement of the fillers away from the treatment site. 
  • Stay Hydrated – Staying hydrated reduces facial wrinkles and maintains the injections. In addition to drinking water, you should use topical hydration sources such as moisturisers to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing. 
  • Avoid UV Exposure – excessive exposure to UV rays can reverse the effects of cosmetic treatment. That is why, you should avoid exposure to the sun after dermal filler treatment and use high-quality sunscreen when going out. 
  • Eat Right – avoiding a carbohydrate-rich diet and processed food helios in subsiding the inflammation and accelerating the overall healing process. 
  • Avoid Stress – Stress is a common factor in our routine life. While it is impossible to eliminate it, we should find ways to rescue it as much as possible. Excessive stress results in the release of a hormone called cortisol, which accelerates the ageing process. So, by avoiding stress, you can enhance the lifetime of dermal fillers. 

If you search the internet for dermal fillers, you will find numerous practices providing this service. However, you must visit a qualified and trained esthetic medicine specialist or dentist for your filler treatment, to ensure long-lasting results and safety. So, if you live in Oxford or neighbouring areas, you visit The Smile Practice for all your facial aesthetic treatment needs, where all services are available under one roof. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free video consultation appointment with us today, and let us give you a lasting and healthy smile. 

lip injections, are they a good idea?

Tuesday, March 5th, 2019

Lip injections, are they a good idea

As a practice that offers facial rejuvenation from our clinic in Oxford and Didcot we are often asked about lip injections, people often want to know if they are a good idea and what the potential problems could be. Our latest blog post is dedicated to answering these questions.

Do lip injections hurt during/after lip injections?

Lip injections will always be given with a topical numbing cream such as lidocaine and prilocaine, this ensures that the skin is numb prior to having any injections.

After treatment you may find there is some mild discomfort as the injection sites settle down, this will not normally last longer than a couple of days.

Why use lip fillers to enlarge your lips?

Lip fillers are one of the most natural ways to enlarge your lips, hyaluronic acid (dermal fillers) is a naturally occurring acid in your body. It is using your body to bind water and retain moisture, hence, as we age and hyaluronic acid levels decline asking can look drier and more wrinkly due to the dehydrated skin. Fillers can help to reverse this process.

Do lip injections damage lips?

So long as the lip injections are done in a controlled environment by professional with full training then no, lip injections do not damage your lips. This is one of the reasons that dental practices are some of the best places to go for a lip injections, dentists have such a detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the muscles, nerves and blood vessels in your head, face and neck. Beauty therapists, on the other hand do not have this detailed knowledge.

What is the lip enhancement or lip augmentation procedure?

The process is usually quite simple and includes:

  • An initial consultation to work out if lip fillers are the best form of treatment for you. During the consultation we will discuss any possible side-effects, additional treatments, ongoing care and costs.
  • Treatment begins at an appointment time suitable for you.

Usually all treatment can be accomplished in one single appointment.

What’s it like to undergo lip augmentation?

Treatment is usually:

  • Comfortable. Anaesthetic is given to numb the skin.
  • Affordable. Lip enhancement is usually start from about £380.
  • Quick. Treatments can often be completed in a single appointment.
  • long-lasting. Treatments often last for up to 2 before needing to be redone.

How long do lip injections last?

Typically treatments will last up to 2 years. Typically you may find that anywhere between 6 and 12 months you might see some difference in your appearance and require a top up.

What did your lips look like before and after lip injections?

The easiest way to answer this question is to show photographs of patients having before and after lip injections.

Before lip augmentation

Before

After lip augmentation

After

Before lip filler injections

Before

After lip filler injections

After

How much do lip augmentations usually cost?

Treatment costs can vary depending on the exact nature of the augmentation of treatment and the exact treatment. Typically lip enhancements start at around £380 and lip contouring from £350. There are also usually many special offers available.

More information on fees here.

Do lip fillers shrink lip size afterwards?

No, however after your lips have been made fuller and more plump with lip fillers, by contrast, once the fillers have been fully absorbed into your body it may look as though your lips have shrunk, they will only however have shrunk back to what they were prior to treatment.

Why are Botox and filler injections so expensive?

Botox and filler injections are always worth investing in the highest quality. After all, you are going to be asking someone to inject something into your face! You need to be sure that:

  • You know absolutely 100% what is being injected. NEVER purchase these treatments online and try to inject yourself.
  • You 100% trust the person doing the injections. A dentist is the ideal person to trust for this type of treatment as they have a detailed knowledge of the anatomy of your head, face and neck. Someone that has been on a short training course will not have this detailed anatomy, nor may not have the emergency facilities available in the event of any unforeseen allergic reaction.
  • The environment in which you will be seen is completely clean and sterile. You want to ensure that any cross contamination chances are all but eradicated, again this is another good reason to choose a dental practice as they will have proven cross infection control procedures in place and will also be highly regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

It is for the reasons above of using the best materials,  the best clinician in the best environment that makes Botox and fillers injections expensive.

One last thing to say about the cost is that it is worth considering this over the life of the treatment. A typical augmentation may cost £380 but could quite easily last two years, taking the cost over a two-year period means that treatments cost approximately £3.64 a week – The price of a large cup of coffee!

What is the difference between dermal fillers and botox?

These treatments working completely different principles. Wrinkle relaxation treatments such as Botox are a toxin which reduces the ability of muscles to move, by reducing visibility to move we can make the wrinkles disappear. Fillers, on the other hand inject hyaluronic acid into the treatment site, this is a naturally occurring body acid which binds water, therefore making your skin look more hydrated and younger.

Depending on which area of your face you would like rejuvenated will depend upon which treatment you have, dermal fillers or wrinkle treatments such as Botox.

4 surprising uses for Botox

Tuesday, June 5th, 2018

Did you know that Botox is a prescription drug and therefore it is not possible to walk into any clinic and ask specifically for Botox? Botox may be one of the treatments offered to help resolve your problem and indeed, the practitioner may decide that another form of botulinum toxin is preferable over the use of Botox. Throughout this article the terms botulinum toxin and Botox will be used interchangeably for the same treatment.

There are however a considerable number of uses for Botox which you may be unaware.

Facial lines and wrinkles

This is the most common use and is the most widely known use for botulinum toxin injections. The toxin works are relaxing the muscles and as they relax facial lines and wrinkles also disappear. Botox can also be used for:

Chronic migraines

This was first reported by Dr William Binder back in 1992. He was a doctor in Beverly Hills and he noticed that as he used Botox on his patients they tended to report fewer headaches after treatment. One of the manufacturers of Botox then began Testing his claims and found that they were indeed true.

Whilst the research conducted did indeed show a link between the use of botulinum toxin and headaches, it didn’t conclude as to whether the link was medical or placebo.

Excessive sweating treatment

This was also a side effect noticed by many clinicians in the early days of using Botox to treat facial lines and wrinkles. Botox stop excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) by blocking the neurotransmitters that stimulate the sweat glands. Hyperhidrosis is a condition which affects approximately one percent of the population and doesn’t discriminate between men or women. The treatment was approved in the United States in 2004 and involves several injections around the affected area, usually in the armpits. The treatment last for around eight months each time.

Reducing gummy smiles

A “Gummy Smile” is a phenomenon that when some people smile, their upper lip elevates too far above their upper teeth, exposing gums and producing an unattractive smile. This happen due to a number of causes which can be assessed by your dentist/practitioner (This is one of the advantages of having a dental practice work with botulinum toxin as well as treatment). One of the causes is hyperactivity of the muscle which elevates the upper lip. Occasionally, the gummy smile is also aggravated by a thin upper lip that further contributes to the problem by exposing the upper gum even more.

Simply and safely we can help correct your gummy smile by reducing the muscles strong pull on the upper lip. To make a thin lip look fuller you may also wish to have some dermal filler treatment.

Bruxism or tooth grinding treatments

Bruxism is a medical term that describes the act of grinding the teeth and clenching the jaw. Regular and persistent grinding of the teeth can result in an ache in the jaw, headaches, earache, disrupted sleep and can also contribute to the wearing down, darkening and breaking of the teeth.

Most cases of bruxism occur subconsciously during sleep. It is usually associated with contributing factors, such as stress or anxiety. Severe bruxists often have overvdeveloped muscles giving them a swollen square like face.

It’s possible to treat patients with bruxism using a combination of botulinum toxin and mouth guards to help relax the muscles involved.

As mentioned previously when we were talking about headaches, you may also notice a reduction in the headaches after treatment for bruxism with botulinum toxin.

A word of warning About Botox

You should not be treated with BOTOX® if you have:

  1. a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease], myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome).
  2. allergies to any botulinum toxin product
  3. had any side effect from any botulinum toxin product in the past
  4. a breathing problem, such as asthma or emphysema
  5. swallowing problems
  6. bleeding problems
  7. plans to have surgery
  8. had surgery on your face
  9. weakness of your forehead muscles, such as trouble raising your eyebrows
  10. drooping eyelids
  11. any other change in the way your face normally looks
  12. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BOTOX® can harm your unborn baby.
  13. are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if BOTOX® passes into breast milk.

What is Botox, is it safe and how does the procedure work?

Friday, November 10th, 2017

Questions and answers about Botox

A quick search on Google trends shows that the interest on the web for Botox is ever increasing, with more people searching it’s good to take advice on the safety, treatment and procedures for Botox. This blog post takes a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about this popular treatment.

The increasing searches for BOTOX

Common questions and answers

What is Botox?

In Botox is one of the leading brands of botulinum toxin,  typically used to treat the course and the signs of ageing, facial rejuvenation, excess sweating (hyperhidrosis) and gummy smiles.

What is it made of?

Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type a, it’s made from a bacteria which blocks nerve activity in the muscles causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity.

Is it safe?

When administered by professional in measured doses Botox is safe. You should however avoid Botox if have:

  1. a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease], myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome).
  2. allergies to any botulinum toxin product
  3. had any side effect from any botulinum toxin product in the past
  4. a breathing problem, such as asthma or emphysema
  5. swallowing problems
  6. bleeding problems
  7. plans to have surgery
  8. had surgery on your face
  9. weakness of your forehead muscles, such as trouble raising your eyebrows
  10. drooping eyelids
  11. any other change in the way your face normally looks
  12. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BOTOX® can harm your unborn baby.
  13. are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if BOTOX® passes into breast milk.

What is Botox used for?

Botox is typically used as an antiwrinkle treatment in the following areas:

  • Forehead lines.
  • Frown lines.
  • Eyebrow reshaping.
  • Bunny lines.
  • Gummy smiles.
  • Crows feet.
  • Lip lines.
  • Dimpled chin.
  • Marionette lines.
  • Platysmal bands.

Botox treatment areas

How long does itlast?

The effects of treatment will usually last between 4 and 6 months.

Does it hurt?

Any discomfort from the Botox is usually minimal and brief. Your practitioner may none the area to be treated prior to injecting the Botox. A cold pack or numbing anaesthetic cream may be used.

What does Botox feel like?

Botox won’t radically change your facial appearance, you won’t feel as though you have had a huge amount of work done and a full facelift. Botox works very specifically on just the muscles into which it has been injected. You will still be able to smile, laugh and frown after you have had Botox. The treatment usually lasts approximately 20 min.

Does Botox stop sweating?

Whilst Botox is not a miracle cure for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) it can have a dramatic effect and improve the symptoms immediately. The injections work by blocking the nerve action around the sweat glands located under your arms. The Botox is injected under your arms in a grid like pattern in a procedure which lasts approximately 30 min. The effects last between 6 and 12 months.

Does Botox wear off?

Yes, the effects of Botox wear off and you will be required to have top ups if you wish the results to continue.

How long does it take to wear off?

When used to treat facial lines and wrinkles Botox lasts between 4 and 6 months, it last a little longer, up to 12 months, if it is used to treat hyperhidrosis.

Does Botox stop blushing?

No, Botox does not help with blushing or hot flushes.

Does Botox lift eyebrows?

Yes. Our eyes and brows can be pulled down by the action of the muscles around our eyes. As we age this is exacerbated. Botox injections work by relaxing the muscles around your eyes and this results in a temporary inhibition of their movement and they no longer pull your eyes down.

What are the side effects?

Side-effects are rare but can include infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling and localised pain. An experienced Botox practitioner will be able to keep all of these to a minimum.

Can it be used for migraines?

Yes. Botox was approved for migraine use in 2010. Because migraines are often chronic the treatment is given every 12 weeks approximately, it takes around 15 min each time to give the injections. When your muscles contract they release a chemical, Botox blocks this release and prevents the contraction of these muscles, this causes the muscles to become less stiff and it is thought that it is these muscles which are sensitive to pain, because they are less stiff they are less painful.

Botox or fillers?

Botox and fillers are typically used in different ways. Botox blocks the nerve receptors which prevent muscles from moving, if the lines and wrinkles caused by this muscle movement in Botox will help. Fillers fill in deeper lines and crevices around your face, typically these lines are not caused by muscle movement. Fillers and Botox may be used in conjunction to rejuvenate your face.

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  • Plus lots more…

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