Botulinum toxin is a protein used in very small controlled amounts for anti-wrinkle treatments and in larger amounts for various medical treatments. It works by temporarily blocking signals between nerve cells and muscles in the injected area, reducing muscle contraction.

In our aesthetic treatments, this effect is used to smooth wrinkles and prevent the formation of new ones, especially those caused by muscle movement, like frown lines and crow’s feet.

Botulinum toxin has been used safely for over two decades and is FDA-approved for medical and cosmetic use. When administered by a qualified professional in the correct amount, it has a very high safety profile. If they occur, most side effects are usually minor and temporary, like slight bruising or redness at the injection site. The most important aspect of this treatment is having an experienced practitioner who can choose the correct dose and injection sites to achieve the desired results while minimising risks.

Botulinum toxin treatments are widely adaptable and suitable for most skin types. However, individual skin characteristics, such as thickness, texture, and certain conditions like deep acne scarring or skin disorders, can influence the treatment approach. Before your treatment, we thoroughly assess factors like skin elasticity, previous reactions to treatments, and any existing skin conditions to ensure the suitability and safety of the procedure. Our goal is to provide an effective and safe experience for you, which may mean adjusting the treatment technique or suggesting alternative options if you have specific skin concerns.

There is no ‘right’ age to start botulinum toxin treatments, as individual needs and goals vary. However, most of our clients start this treatment in their late 20s to early 30s, as this is when they find their fine lines beginning to appear. However, it’s also effectively used as a preventative measure in younger adults in their 20s (as it can stop new wrinkles from forming and stop existing ones from turning into deep wrinkles) and as a corrective treatment in more mature clients who are 40+. The key is to focus on individual concerns rather than age.

Botulinum toxin treatments are generally safe, but you should avoid this treatment if you have certain neurological disorders, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an allergy to any components of the botulinum toxin product. It’s also not recommended if there’s an active skin infection in the treatment area.

We will thoroughly review your medical history during the consultation to ensure this treatment is safe for you.

The treatment is designed to relax only the muscles responsible for the wrinkles or issues you’re concerned about without affecting the movement of the rest of your face. This means you’ll still be able to make all your usual natural facial expressions after the treatment (while looking a bit more refreshed!)

An unnatural or ‘frozen’ look typically happens when too much toxin is used.

But don’t worry! In our clinic, we take a careful and conservative approach. We aim to achieve a natural look instead of over-treating. We do this by focusing on specific muscles and controlling the dosage of treatment used. This way, we can get the results you want while minimising the likelihood of a temporary, unnatural or frozen appearance.

No, botulinum toxin helps you achieve a smoother appearance without making any permanent changes to your face or skin. This is because the skin itself remains unchanged structurally. The treatment primarily works by temporarily reducing muscle activity, which causes wrinkles in the first place.

However, if used in your late 20s or early 30s as a preventive treatment, the use of botulinum toxin may actually reduce the onset of new wrinkles and the deepening of existing ones.

No, the effects of botulinum toxin are not permanent. The results typically last up to 6 months, after which the muscle activity gradually returns to normal. At this point, the treatment can be repeated to maintain the desired appearance. This provides flexibility and control over your aesthetic choices.

During your consultation, we’ll closely examine your face and assess your unique facial anatomy, skin quality, and the severity of your crow’s feet. We’ll also talk to you about what kind of appearance you’re hoping for.

With all this information in mind, we’ll then customise the treatment to you. We’ll decide how much of the product to use and the precise injection points on your face to administer it. Our goal is to make sure you end up with results that look completely natural.

Absolutely, and it’s quite common for clients to be unsure about what specific treatments they need. During your online consultation, we’ll carefully assess your facial features, skin condition, and how your facial expressions naturally move. This discussion will help us identify the areas that would most benefit from treatment based on your aesthetic goals. As such, we encourage you to share any concerns you may have during the consultation, such as lines on your forehead, around the sides of your nose, or any other areas you may feel self-conscious about.

We’ll then recommend the most effective treatment areas to enhance your natural appearance while addressing these concerns. Additionally, we’ll provide detailed explanations about the benefits of each treatment area and the kind of results you can expect. This way, you’ll be well-informed and be actively involved in creating your treatment plan, ensuring the outcome closely aligns with your expectations.

Combining botulinum toxin treatments with other aesthetic procedures can be an excellent way to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation results. For instance, combining botulinum toxin with dermal fillers can address both dynamic wrinkles (caused by muscle movement) and static wrinkles (caused by volume loss). Additionally, procedures like our Profhilo treatment can greatly improve your skin texture and quality, complementing the smoothing effects of botulinum toxin. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your overall aesthetic goals and evaluate how different treatments can synergistically work together. It’s important we plan these treatments carefully, considering factors like the timing of each procedure and the interaction between different treatments to ensure optimal results and safety.

The initial effects of botulinum toxin may be noticeable within 24 to 48 hours, but the final results typically take approximately 7 to 14 days to fully develop. This timeline can vary slightly based on factors such as the area treated, the dosage used, and your body’s response to the treatment.

The key differences include:

Invasiveness and Recovery: Unlike surgical options, botulinum toxin injections are minimally invasive with virtually no downtime. Surgical procedures like facelifts usually require a significant recovery, including rest and potentially limited activity.

Results: Surgical interventions generally provide more dramatic and long-lasting results. In contrast, botulinum toxin offers subtler, temporary improvements, ideal for those who prefer gradual and less obvious changes.

Risk Profile: The risks associated with botulinum toxin are much lower than those associated with surgical options. Surgical procedures carry risks like scarring, infection, and anaesthesia complications, which you don’t need to worry about with botulinum toxin injections.

Customisation and Maintenance: Botulinum toxin treatments are highly customisable and can be adjusted over time if your aesthetic preferences change. Surgical results are permanent, and further changes would require additional surgery.

The frequency of maintenance treatments for botulinum toxin varies depending on individual factors such as the rate of your body’s metabolism, the strength of your facial muscles, and your aesthetic goals. Typically, the effects of botulinum toxin last about 4 to 6 months. However, individuals with stronger facial muscles or those seeking more pronounced results might require more frequent visits.

We generally recommend planning your next session before the full effects of the previous one have worn off, which could happen around the 3 to 4-month mark. This approach helps maintain a consistent look and prevents the full return of wrinkles. After your treatment, we’ll evaluate your response to it and advise a personalised schedule to best maintain your desired appearance.

The indicative pricing for our treatments reflects a general estimate based on typical scenarios. However, each individual’s needs are unique, and factors such as the severity of wrinkles, the strength of facial muscles, and the specific areas being treated can vary considerably. For instance, some individuals may have stronger or more active facial muscles requiring a higher dose of botulinum toxin to achieve the desired effect, which impacts the amount of product used. Similarly, treating multiple areas or addressing more pronounced signs of ageing may necessitate additional product or a more complex treatment strategy.

During your consultation, we thoroughly assess your specific needs and the extent of treatment required to achieve your aesthetic goals. This enables us to provide a more accurate and personalised cost estimate. If a treatment plan requires more product or intricate application technique than the standard scenario, a surcharge may apply to cover these additional requirements. We aim to be transparent about pricing and ensure that you clearly understand the cost before proceeding with the treatment.

We recommend waiting at least 24 hours after the treatment before applying makeup around the treated area. This precaution minimises the risk of infection and allows the injection sites to heal properly.

For optimal results before a special event, schedule your botulinum toxin treatment at least 2 weeks in advance. This timing allows any minor bruising or swelling to subside and the full effects of the treatment to become visible, ensuring you look your best for the occasion.

Before the treatment, it’s recommended to avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (like aspirin or ibuprofen) to reduce the risk of bruising. After the procedure, avoid vigorous exercise, heat exposure (like saunas), and lying down for 4 hours to prevent spreading the toxin to unintended areas.

Your satisfaction with the treatment is really important to us. It’s important to wait two weeks after your treatment to see the full effects before evaluating it. If you’re still not satisfied, we can arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss your concerns and make any necessary adjustments. Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, and we’re here to ensure you get the best results possible.

Absolutely. A consultation remains essential, even if you have undergone similar treatments elsewhere. Each practitioner has a unique approach, and our specialists at Livara Aesthetics may employ techniques and injection patterns that differ from your previous experiences.

Moreover, our consultation includes a comprehensive assessment of your current facial dynamics, potential changes in skin elasticity or muscle tone since your last treatment, and any alterations in your aesthetic goals.  This detailed approach ensures a bespoke treatment that aligns with your unique facial characteristics and desired outcomes.

While botulinum toxin treatments are generally safe, some common side effects and risks include:

Temporary Bruising and Swelling: This is the most common side effect, usually subsiding quickly.

Headache: Some clients experience a mild, temporary headache post-treatment.

Drooping Eyelids or Brows: Although rare and typically temporary, this can occur if the toxin spreads to nearby muscles.

Asymmetry: In some cases, there might be uneven results, which can be corrected in follow-up treatments.

Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to the treatment are very rare, but possible.