Dr Xavier's Award Winning Medical Aesthetic Clinic Southampton

Botulinum Toxin ("Botox") for Line Smoothing

This treatment is probably the most popular treatment for facial lines and wrinkles in the UK and can be used successfully in combination with other line smoothing treatments.

Treatment is a simple, non-surgical procedure that smoothes persistent lines between your eyebrows, on your forehead and on your outer eye area (crow's feet). A treatment session consists of a few tiny needle pricks that relax the muscles that caused those lines to form.

Botulinum Toxin (more well known in the daily press by the brand "Botox®" produced by Allergan®) is a simple; minimally invasive treatment and there is no recovery time needed. In fact, most people are able to return to work immediately after the treatment. The muscle-relaxing benefits of the procedure can last up to an average of 3 to 4 months.

For your reassurance, Dr Xavier has trained and lectured to thousands of doctors and surgeons in this treatment, Senior Nurse Liz Bardolph has also performed hundreds of treatments - so you can be assured of the highest standard of clinical excellence and care.

Your Questions Answered

What can Botulinum Toxin be used for?

Softening facial lines on the facial area, i.e.

• The forehead area (horizontal forehead lines)
• Eye area (crows feet)
• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Neck area
• Under eyes
• Chin

It is also very successful at treating excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis), which can be a problem for some people.

What happens during the treatment?

A very small amount of Botulinum Toxin is injected into the treatment area on the face using a small needle so discomfort is minimal. Many patients compare the feeling to a small prick. No local anaesthetic is needed, and you are able to continue with your normal activities or work immediately.

How does Botulinum Toxin work?

It relaxes the muscles under the skin. Facial lines that are formed by the pulling of the underlying muscles will then diminish or disappear.

Is the treatment painful?

Not at our clinic! We always offer you a topical anaesthetic cream to make the treatment comfortable for you. Dr Xavier and Senior Nurse Liz are also very gentle and we never rush you!

When will I notice a difference?

The effect starts to work in about 2-5 days, with the greatest effect being seen after about 2 weeks when we will review your treatment and if a top-up or adjustment is required we will do this free of charge for you to ensure that you are happy with the outcome.

How long will the effects last?

3-4 months depending on each person's response. Repeat treatments have been shown to have a longer effect.

How many times can I be treated with Botulinum Toxin?

Treatment with Botulinum Toxin can typically be carried out indefinitely.

What happens Pre and Post-Treatment?

There are no pre-treatment requirements. After your treatment, we ask that you frequently move the muscles that were treated and not lie down on your back for four hours. You will be given a post-treatment aftercare form to take away with you explaining what you need to do after the treatment – or you can download it here.

How much does the treatment cost?

The cost of the treatment (which is personalised to you) depends on the number of areas treated. There is no standard dose for this treatment because everyone’s face and facial musculature is different. A good practitioner will examine your face, the facial muscles and how they interact as well as their strength and they will then draw up a unique treatment prescription for you. This will be discussed with you during your consultation with our doctor or senior nurse but for a guide to prices please see our prices page.