Frequently Asked Questions

  • So, though they are both designed to serve very similar purposes, Botox and dermal fillers are actually very different to one another. Botox is designed to help the muscles in the face to relax, helping to drastically reduce the activity of said muscles in the face that cause lines and wrinkles. For example, people that use muscles to frown a lot, are likely to have frown lines. Botox relaxes these muscles making it much harder to frown, and subsequently reducing frown lines. This happens as once the muscles relax, the skin is then able to heal. This is a prescription only medication and should be administered by a trained medical professional.

    Dermal fillers however, inject parts of the face with Hyaluronic Acid, which is naturally occurring within our bodies, and subsequently helps to restore lost volume. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1000 times its weight in water and therefore can be very hydrating too; this is specifically useful for a more youthful appearance. Whilst both serve a similar purpose, they both function very differently to one another.

  • Yes you can. I suggest avoiding facial waxing, eyebrow tattoos, medical grade facials and sun-beds for two weeks either side of your treatment. However, it’s very common for people to have both Botox and filler at the same appointment.

  • Any injection can hurt a little, but the needles used for Botox injections are very small, so pain is usually minimal. Dermal fillers can cause a little discomfort, however getting fillers injected is much less painful than you may think! Topical numbing cream is applied to the area prior to treatment to help make you more comfortable.

  • You can wash your face immediately after receiving your injections. However, no strong pressure is to be made nor intense rubbing. If you received Botox it is advised to not lay flat for 4 hours post injections.

  • It depends how your body reacts and which hyaluronic acid is used, but most will last between 6-18 months. Sometimes more is needed to obtain the result desired, this will be discussed with you on an individual basis.

  • This is a very individual treatment and realistic expectations will always be discussed with you at your consultation. On average botox can last between 12-16 weeks (4 months). However there are factors which can speed up the metabolism of botox these include:

    Medications
    Smoking
    Sunbed / extreme sun exposure
    Metabolism

    It is very normal to see some movement from week 8 onwards as botox has not been designed to ‘freeze’ the muscles for 4 months at a time. However, some people will find their results last better the more frequently they have the treatment.

Pre Treatment Botox

Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)

  • Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections. However IF you are on prescription anticoagulants (blood thinning) please do NOT discontinue use. Contact Katie to discuss this.

  • Schedule your Dermal Filler and Botox appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the Dermal Filler and Botox injections will take approximately 4 to 7 days to appear. Also bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.

  • Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment.

  • Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.

  • If you have a history of cold sores please let your practitioner know, they may advise you start anti-viral medication prior to treatment.

  • Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.

  • You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • It is currently reccommeded to wait two weeks either side of your Covid 19 vaccine for treatment.


Post Treatment Botox

Do NOT manipulate the treated area for 3 hours following treatment. Do NOT receive facial/ laser treatments or microdermabrasion after Botox injections for at least 10 days. Ask your provider if you are not sure about the time frame of certain services.

  • Some providers believe that smiling and frowning right after Botox treatments helps the Botox find its way to the muscle into which it was injected after treated.

  • Do NOT lie down for 4 hours after your Botox treatment. This will prevent the Botox from tracking into the orbit of your eye and causing drooping eyelid.

  • It can take approximately 4 to 7 days for results to be seen. Although the full desired result can take up to 2 weeks after your treatment. You may require a correctional top up, which is included in the price - if you require a top up that isn’t correction you may be charged for additional Botox.

  • Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 6 hours after treatment. This will keep the Botox in the injected area and not elsewhere.



Dermal Filler Pre Treatment

Contact your practitioner If you are prone to cold sore outbreaks / herpes. Depending on how regularly you get them may mean it is advised you start treatment for cold sores a couple of weeks prior to treatment.

Filler can potentially cause a breakout IF YOU  suffer from them regularly.

  • If you are on anticoagulants (blood thinning medication, please discuss this with your practitioner - treatment can still be safe and effective, sometimes this type of medication can mean you are more at risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • If you bruise easily or are concerned about bruising you can start taking Arnica tablets a week or two prior to treatment. This is also advised for post treatment bruising.

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid filler treatment.

  • If you have any medical conditions you wish to discuss prior to your consultation please discuss this with your practitioner.

  • Avoid caffeine prior to your treatment as this will help with minimising bleeding.

  • It is currently reccommeded to wait two weeks either side of your Covid 19 vaccine for treatment.

Dermal Filler Post Treatment

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

  • Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours.

  • Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excess swelling.

  • If you have swelling you may apply a cool compress for 15 minutes each hour. It’s not advised to use ice.

  • Use Tylenol for discomfort.

  • Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.

  • Take Arnica to help the bruising and swelling, start at least 2 days prior to injections.

  • Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area. Unless instructed by the provider.