Botox and Fillers

Botox and fillers are aesthetic procedures that can correct wrinkles, lines, and other cosmetic problems. Our page shares more information about both treatments, their side effects, and the aftercare process. Book an appointment with our specialist to talk through your options and how they may benefit you.

What is Botox?

We use purified botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections to block nerve cells and paralyse your muscles for cosmetic and medical purposes. The most common reason people have these injections is to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It’s a simple procedure that is fast to perform, taking about ten minutes.

After your injection, it takes around two to three days for you to see it working and up to three weeks to see the result. The effects usually last between three to four months. Some people find the effects last two months, while for others, it lasts about six months.

What can Botox correct?

At Oculase, we can use Botox to treat cosmetic problems relating to the periocular region (around or under the eye), forehead, chin, and neck. We can use it to perform a brow lift or correct expression wrinkles and lines in these areas, such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and laugh lines.

In some cases, Botox can cause ptosis of the upper eyelid (a droopy eyelid). This risk is higher if you receive it from an untrained practitioner. You can reduce your risk significantly by having a skilled doctor perform your procedure.

Medical uses

Cosmetic procedures are more common than medical, but there are some conditions we can treat with these injections. These include entropion, functional essential blepharospasm, and facial nerve palsy.

Some people choose to have aesthetic procedures, such as Botox or fillers, in conjunction with surgical treatments to further change the appearance of the area around their eyes.

Side effects

Botox is a non-surgical procedure that should be done by a trained professional. However, you may have some side effects.

We use a thin needle to administer the injections, which can cause temporary bruising, redness, and swelling. Some people experience a mild headache for around a day or two after. As the Botox settles, you might also have short-term weakness in your face.

In rare cases, you may experience hives, an itchy rash, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face, mouth, tongue, or throat. These indicate that you are having an allergic reaction and can require emergency care.

Aftercare for Botox

For a few days after your injections, you should not rub or massage your face, sunbathe, or use a sauna. Avoid strenuous exercise for two days and don’t bend or lie down for four hours. If you bend or lie down, the Botox may spread past the treatment area. We recommend waiting at least three months or longer if it hasn’t worn off before having it again.

What are fillers?

Dermal fillers, or soft tissue fillers, are another type of injection that usually contain hyaluronic acid in the UK. Ageing can cause us to lose subcutaneous fat and strength in our facial muscles, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and hollowness in the face. We use fillers to add volume and fullness to your face or neck.

You often see an immediate difference in your appearance, but it can take up to four weeks to see the full effects. How long it lasts depends on where you have the procedure and which type. However, it’s typically around six to eighteen months.

What can fillers correct?

Our specialists can treat cosmetic issues in the periocular region, forehead, chin, neck, and lips. We can use fillers to correct dark circles around your lower eyelids, temporal region hollowness, tear troughs (lower eyelid hollowness), and thinning lips. We can also use them to treat contour deficits and indented scars, such as those from acne.

Before the procedure, we will use an anaesthetic cream to numb your skin and prevent pain. The entire process may take around twenty to thirty minutes. You may feel some discomfort after, but this is temporary.

Side effects

Like Botox, you may experience side effects for a few days after dermal fillers. These can include redness, swelling, bruising, itching, and a skin rash. You may be able to feel the filler under your skin at first, but this is common and usually lasts a few weeks. Speak to one of our specialists if you see raised bumps; they can help even the area.

Complications are rare, but you should look for signs of an infection, such as swelling, warmth, pain, and developing a fever. Other risks include scarring, blocked blood vessels, and filler displacement, which can require surgical correction. You are more likely to experience complications if someone without professional education performs the procedure.

Aftercare for fillers

We will let you know how to care for your face or neck before you go home. You should avoid wearing makeup and drinking alcohol or caffeinated products immediately after. We recommend not smoking for at least four hours after the injections.

As with Botox, you should avoid vigorous activities for at least two days. For the first week, you should avoid sitting in the sun, using a sauna, and sleeping face down. You should wait at least three or four weeks before getting additional filler. Although, you likely won’t need it until your first treatment dissolves.

Private Botox and fillers

Botox and dermal filler injections provide natural-looking results. At Oculase, our highly trained aesthetics specialist, Mr Daniele Lorenzano, offers these treatments privately. Book a consultation today to discuss your options and feel more confident in your appearance.

Contact us

Frequently asked questions

Smoking after Botox or fillers can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications. We recommend that you stop smoking for six weeks before and two weeks after your procedure.

If this is too hard, try stopping for at least three days before and two days after. The NHS provides a free smoking cessation programme if you want help to quit.

We use Botox to freeze your facial muscles while fillers smooth your skin and address areas of lost volume. Their uses can differ, as explained on our page above, but we can use both to correct wrinkles and lines. However, Botox treats expression, or dynamic, wrinkles and fillers treat both static and expression wrinkles. Fillers typically last longer, but Botox may give you a smoother result.

You should not have Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have weak facial muscles, thick skin or deep scars, or have a neuromuscular condition, such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis. If you have a skin infection, you should wait until you have treated it before having Botox.

You may not be suitable for dermal fillers if you have a bleeding disorder or are allergic to hyaluronic acid, though this is uncommon. As with Botox, you shouldn’t have this treatment if you have muscle weakness or thick skin. Also, treat any viral, fungal or bacterial infection in the problem area before fillers.

Consider your emotional well-being before having a cosmetic procedure. Ensure you have thought through your choice and will be happy with the results. Talk to a specialist about the benefits and risks of Botox and fillers and how they may help you. Research your specialist to confirm they have the correct level of training and experience.

If you aren’t happy with your appearance, you can ask our specialist to remove or reduce your filler or wait for it to dissolve on its own. However, there are associated risks with the removal process.