Consultations are available at Stafford Skincare - Lichfield to discuss treatment options for lines and wrinkles.  The most common treatments for lines and wrinkles are Botulinum toxin, commonly known as "Botox", or Dermal Fillers.  In general, Botox is used to treat lines and wrinkles that are created with muscle movement - such as frowning, raising eyebrows or scrunching up the crow's feet when smiling.  Dermal Fillers are mainly used to treat lines and wrinkles that are visible at rest - deeper lines that are present at all times, such as permanent frown lines, nose-to-mouth lines and sad lines.  Dermal fillers are also used to create volume in the cheeks, chin and lips, and help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin.  Standard treatment areas for Botox include the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, the crow's feet around both eyes and the horizontal wrinkles and lines across the forehead.  More experienced Practitioners will also use Botox to treat platysma neck bands, sad lines, down-turned mouths, dimpled chins and bunny lines. 

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During the consultation, the appearance and texture of the skin is assessed, along with the lines and wrinkles at rest and when moving the muscles of the face.  The discussion focuses on the areas of concern, but also includes a full dynamic assessment, so that advice can be given on whether Botox or Dermal Fillers would be helpful of not for the lines and wrinkles, or whether another treatment option would be more suitable.

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Prior to booking your consultation, it is useful to know a few details about what the various treatment options involve.  The rest of this page will give you some general information about Botulinum toxin.  More information on Dermal Fillers can be found by clicking here.

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Botulinum toxin works by temporarily stopping muscle movement, which is why it is such a good treatment for lines and wrinkles created by scrunching up the skin.  You have to be aged over 18 years to have Botox treatment in the UK.  After treatment, the benefits of Botox are seen within 1 - 2 weeks and typically last between 3 and 4 months, depending on the individual and their lifestyle, after which treatment can be repeated.  

Aftercare advice is straightforward - avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for the first 3 hours and avoid facials for 2 weeks.  Possible side effects include small bruises at the site of treatment.  Very rarely eyelid drooping or eyebrow lowering may occur.  These side effects may happen if the practitioner is inexperienced or doesn't carry out a thorough assessment.  After the first treatment, there is usually a complimentary review at 2 weeks to make adjustments if necessary.  Botox is not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women.  There are certain diseases of the nerves and muscles and a few drugs that interact with Botox - these should be discussed during the first consultation.  

For someone who is in their 30s or 40s, Botox reduces the wrinkling caused by muscle movement, and in doing so, may help to slow down signs of ageing, provided that other skin care advice is followed - such as wearing a sunscreen on a daily basis and applying topical anti-ageing products on to the skin at night time.  For someone in their 50s or 60s, if you already have wrinkles, Botox will reduce lines and wrinkles, but deeper lines may need extra softening with a Dermal Filler.  Again, it is important to consider skin care advice to reduce the signs of ageing such as crepey skin, uneven skin tone and open pores.

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People worry that using Botox will make their wrinkles look worse after it wears off.  What tends to happen is that once they stop using Botox, people notice a gradual recurrence of wrinkles over several months.  Botox does not alter the underlying shape or structure of the face, it only relaxes the treated muscles for a short period of time.  People also worry that they will look "unnatural" if they have Botox treatment.  For this reason, it is important to have treatment with a practitioner who is able to give personalised treatments to keep everything looking fresh and natural.

Azzalure, Botox and Bocouture are the most well-known, leading brands of Botulinum toxin in the UK.  Reputable clinics obtain their products from regulated Pharmaceutical Companies, ensuring that the Botulinum toxins are genuine and safe to use.  Unfortunately, there are increasing reports of "fake" Botox becoming available to buy on-line, or following treatment abroad, causing severe side effects.

Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medication, which means that it should only be given by a doctor, dentist or nurse prescriber.  To be safe, and to ensure that your Practitioner is suitably qualified to provide cosmetic treatments - check that your Practitioner is registered with the JCCP or Save Face.  In addition, clinics that are registered with the CQC undergo regular inspections to ensure that the premises are clean and safe.  Check the registers by clicking here.

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Please click here to see the Cosmetic Treatment Price List.

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