The face is one of the first parts of the body to show signs of ageing which is part of the natural ageing process. Botox® is a proven, safe and effective way to soften and reduce the signs of ageing. It is a popular procedure with both women and men.

Botox® is a natural purified protein which we use as a treatment to temporarily relax the wrinkle-causing muscles in your face. It can also be used to prevent excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Botox® is a prescription medicine that can only be administered on the authority of a qualified medical professional.

The consultation involves an assessment of your requirements and personal aesthetics. We will take a full medical history to ensure no unnecessary risks are taken before any procedure is performed.

The surgeon or cosmetic nurse injector ( Shelley) will discuss the risks and benefits of Botox® and if it is an appropriate and safe way to address your concerns. If you decide to proceed with a treatment we will take pre and post procedure photographs so that you can see the benefits of any treatment when you come for your post treatment visit.

As part of the consultation process we will give you an honest assessment of your face. It may be that you would gain more benefit from another injectable treatment or just a good skin care regime. If this is the case then this would be discussed with you so that you have all the information before you proceed with any treatments. If the nurse feels that you would gain more benefit from a surgical or dermatological opinion then that will be recommended to you.

Following your consultation with a surgeon or nurse to discuss your requirements and aims you can then have the treatment. This involves several injections of Botox® into the target areas. Commonly treated areas include frown lines and crow’s feet.

The procedure takes about 15 minutes and most patients are happy to return to work after their treatment as any redness/swelling at the injection site settles down rapidly. You need to avoid exercise for 4 hours after your Botox® treatment as this can encourage bruising to develop.

If you are concerned about pain related to the injections we can apply ice packs to your skin which numbs the area temporarily. The needles we use are very fine and most people tolerate them with minimal discomfort.

Generally, any side effects experienced with BOTOX® are temporary. Your specialist will inform you fully at your consultation about these. Most commonly you could experience redness and swelling at the injection sites for about an hour after your injections. If you have any redness we can apply mineral makeup camouflage to the area for you before you leave.

Presciption Medicine information on Botox®
BOTOX® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinim 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/risk 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, itching, nausea and flu like symptoms. If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. A charge applies. 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.

The results from your Botox® treatment will be obvious by about a week after your treatment. The effects last 3 - 4 months before wearing off slowly. We always book a review appointment with our patients so that we can ensure that you have achieved the desired results. It is sometimes necessary to do small “top ups” at these visits to get the best results.

For hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) treatment results may take up to two weeks before they become obvious. Botox® works by blocking the release of a chemical that signals perspiration. This effect usually lasts about 8 months.

Botox® is $19 per unit, plus a $55 theatre fee.

Costs vary according to your personal needs and the amount of Botox required. Commonly we would use about 20 Units for a frown line treatment which would cost around $435. A crow’s feet treatment is normally about the same price.

Hyperhidrosis treatment can use up to 100 units. This may be covered by your health insurance.

During the consultation you will be given a clear indication of costs involved. There is no charge for a nurse consultation. There is an initial consultation fee to see a surgeon and follow up fees thereafter.