A PDF version of this leaflet can be viewed here. Alternatively, the information is provided below.

Need this information in another language?

This leaflet is also available in:
Polski (Polish)
Română (Romanian)
Kurdî (Kurdish)
Slovenský (Slovak)
اردو (Urdu)

Botox Treatment

The aim of this information sheet is to ensure that you understand the nature of the treatment you wish to undertake. Please read it carefully and discuss any queries with your practitioner.

Botulinum toxin Type A is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It works by temporarily weakening the muscles that cause frown lines and wrinkles. Other areas that can be treated include the face, neck and conditions such as jaw ache due to clenching. It is also a very successful treatment for excessive sweating. It has been used in a variety of therapeutic areas such as writer’s cramp, tics, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm, Parkinson’s Disease and cerebral palsy, to name but a few.

How does Botox therapy work?

In the areas treated the muscles are temporarily (always reversible) inactive, during which time one can break the subconscious habit of overusing these muscles. Depending on each individual and the dose used, the response to treatment can vary from a relaxation of the muscles to an inability to move them. Frequent treatments are required to ‘re-educate’ the muscles.

How does the treatment work and what does the procedure involve?

Small quantities of the protein are injected into the muscles. This temporarily blocks the nerve signal to the muscle/neuromuscular transmission, which in turn relaxes the muscles.

The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes. The practitioner will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work or mark with a pen the most painful area. An extremely fine, short needle is used to inject the Botox into the appropriate areas.

How soon will I see the effects and how long do the effects last?

The initial effects of the treatment start within 48 and 72 hours, but it can take up to 14 days to see the full effect. A follow-up appointment is made for three months if you would like your treatment reviewed.

The effects of the treatment are not permanent. They usually last between 3 and 6 months; this will vary from person to person. Movement will start to return any time from 8 to 12 weeks.

Is it safe and does it hurt?

The safety of the product is well established. Treatment is not recommended in pregnant or breast-feeding women, or those with myasthenia gravis. The injections may cause a minor stinging discomfort.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are uncommon and temporary – you may experience bruising or tenderness at the injections site, a mild headache and very occasionally the treatment may not work as some people are immune to the effects of Botox. This is more likely in people who have had Botox many times before.

When injecting close to the eye there is a small chance (less than 1%) of developing a temporary drooping of the eyelid. This may last a few weeks, but will always resolve. If this occurs, drops can be used to lessen the effect until it wears off naturally.

The most common reported side effects:

• Tenderness, discomfort around the treatment area for a short time

• Bruising eyelids

Less common side effects include:

• Facial weakness/droop/asymmetry

• Allergic reaction

Should you experience any of these symptoms following treatment, please contact the department.

Aftercare Advice

• Avoid touching the area injected, including applying make-up. You may experience temporary swelling or bruising around the site of treatment. This will usually settle within a day or two. Side effects, if they occur, are usually temporary and mild to moderate.

• Do not massage the injected area.

• No strenuous exercise for 24hrs following treatment.

If you have any comments about this leaflet or the service you have received you can contact:

Oral & Maxillofacial Department, Montagu Hospital:
Telephone: 01709 649064

Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)

The team are available to help with any concerns, complaints or questions you may have about your experience at the Trust. Their office is in the Main Foyer (Gate 4) of Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Contact can be made either in person, by telephone or email.

Telephone: 01302 642764 or 0800 028 8059
Email: dbth.pals.dbh@nhs.net

---