BOTOX® is a simple effective non-surgical treatment administered by specially trained cosmetic nurse specialists or doctors to temporarily soften facial lines. BOTOX® is a brand name for a medicine, made by Allergan Pharmaceuticals, that has been naturally derived in much the same way as penicillin comes from mould. It is used to treat many medical conditions, as well as having cosmetic uses.

Some of the areas BOTOX® can help with:

Frown
Crow’s feet (eyes)
Forehead lines
Downturned mouth

The treatment takes less than 15 minutes, with a few tiny injections, to achieve softer facial lines that may last three or more months. The results appear gradually over the following few days.

BOTOX® is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the treated muscles.

How does BOTOX® work?

Some lines and wrinkles form in areas where muscles are particularly active, such as between the eyebrows which leads to a frown, smiling which leads to lines around eyes, and forehead lines. BOTOX® temporarily reduces the action of treated muscles. Relaxing of a facial muscle with BOTOX® can result in softer lines or wrinkles in the overlying skin.

What else is BOTOX® used for?

BOTOX® has been used for decades as a therapeutic treatment of muscle spasms. It is only in recent years that it has been used for cosmetic treatments. New uses for this amazing medicine are being discovered all the time. The doses for cosmetic treatments are generally much lower than those used for therapeutic use.

Some of the problems that BOTOX® has been used to help:

• Neck spasm (torticollis)
• Spasm of the muscles in children with cerebral palsy
• Migraine
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Bladder problems

Frequently Asked Questions about BOTOX®

BOTOX® – isn’t it a toxin?
BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is made from a modified protein. Yes it is toxin, but most medicines are potential toxins. Toxicity is about dose or how much is used. Many many things that are safe for humans in small doses are toxic in high doses. For example salt or sugar. In small doses BOTOX® is very safe and has a therapeutic effect. It would be too expensive to give somebody enough BOTOX® for it to be Toxic! Arsenic is a commonly used homeopathic medicine. That is something that we all know is very toxic even in small doses, but none the less it seems to also have a therapeutic effect at very low doses.

I am worried that if I have BOTOX® I might look frozen like some of the celebrities?
This is a common concern. The large majority of my clients do not tell – not even their husbands. There are thousands and thousands of women (and men) who have had Botox® and nobody knows. Nobody knows that they have had BOTOX® because they have a very natural effect. Everybody wants a different look so while it is possible to achieve that frozen look with BOTOX® most New Zealand women opt for a softer more natural look.

I’ve heard that some people get a droopy eye, is this true?
Yes it is possible to have a droopy eye from BOTOX®. While it is not a pleasant thing to have happen, it is always temporary. The incidence of droopy eye is more common in less experienced practitioners but it is a risk with all practitioners. Mostly the droopy effect wears off within a week or two. All known side effects of BOTOX® are temporary. The safety profile of BOTOX® is very good, when used by well trained practitioners.

Does it hurt? I’ve never been a fan of needles, especially not near my face!
Lots and lots of people have a fear of needles. I think it is probably a very basic instinct and therefore quite normal and understandable. The needles used for BOTOX® are a bit like acupuncture needles – ie very small and fine. Most people find the treatment uncomfortable rather than painful, and usually the discomfort is much less than they expect. The trade off in terms of results makes any discomfort well worth it. I have had clients that have been so nervous and “needlephobic” that they actually though they were going to be sick during a treatment. But that didn’t stop them coming back for more. The thing to remember about BOTOX® is that it is a very quick and simple treatment to perform so any discomfort is over and done with quite quickly.

How long does it last, I’ve heard from some only 3 months, and some up to 6?
How long BOTOX® lasts varies quite a lot between people. On top of that everybody seems to measure it differently. Some people say that when the muscle starts to move a little bit that the BOTOX® has stopped working and others say that when they have full movement back that the BOTOX® has stopped working. Most people find that with regular treatment the effect lasts longer.

I have heard that when you relax some muscles with BOTOX®, other muscles may get stronger and you get new lines or wrinkles?
BOTOX® affects only the muscles that it is injected in to. It would be very unusual for new lines to develop.

I have heard that BOTOX® is from rat poison or snake venom?
BOTOX® is a purified protein that is created in a laboratory setting. It does not come from another animal, but a specific type of bacteria is involved in its production, in much the same way as penicillin is derived from mould. The point to make is that there are lots of rumours about BOTOX® and most of them aren’t true. BOTOX® used for Cosmetic purposes uses tiny doses 10-50units, where as when BOTOX® is used for therapeutic purposes such as for treating muscle spasm in children with cerebral palsy, several hundred units are frequently used. The implication being that if it is safe for a 4 year old to have 200units for example then it is certainly safe for an adult to have 30 units.

Is BOTOX® right for me?

It’s not about looking younger; it’s about looking great for your age (at Caci we like to call this 'positive ageing'). More and more people discovering that BOTOX® helps them look them look fresher.

If you are thinking that you look more tired than you feel or if your frown lines make you look worried or cross, then BOTOX® may be for you.

To find out if BOTOX® is right for you, just phone your nearest Caci medispa for a consultation with one of our excellent BOTOX® specialists on 0800 438 438 and within a few days you could be looking like you’ve just been on holiday.

BOTOX® continued.....

BOTOX® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin type A for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: People with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning/stinging, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids/eyebrows, swollen eyelids, skin tightness, tingling sensations, itchiness, nausea and flu like symptoms. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. You will need to pay for this medicine. Normal Doctors visit fees apply. Note: BOTOX® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation.