Everything You Wanted To Know about Botox
Lets deep dive in to Botox, it’s pros, it’s cons and everything inbetween.
What does Botox do?
Botox was discovered by accident in the 1980s by Dr. Alan Scott in San Franscisco. He was looking for a cure for crossed eyes, and whilst treating his patients, noticed that their eyes remained wide eyed. His patients would come back to him, not only for their eye treatment, but also because their wrinkles had dissappeared.
What is Botox Exactly?
Botox is the brand name of botulinum toxin, and it’s produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
This bacteria is found almost everywhere, in plants, soil, water, and animal intestines. This chemical blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, causing muscle paralysis that lasts for several months.
Botox is a highly poisonous substance that affects the nervous system, however, when used to minimize wrinkles, it’s administered in minute doses. And it’s even used to treat some conditions such as excessive sweating. The muscle paralysis effect is how a Botox shot reduces the crinkling and wrinkling that naturally happens when we make certain expressions. In some cases, Botox may even prevent further creasing of your skin.
Is Botox actually safe?
That all sounds a little scary, but it seems that so many people are doing it.
Researchers consider Botox to be relatively safe when compared to other, more-invasive cosmetic procedures. There are risks associated with the treatment, however, they are small, especially if the treatment is carried out by a qualified, experience doctor.
How Do I Choose The Right Clinic?
Botox is currently the top nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United Kingdom. That means there are a lot of clinics out there. It’s up to you to choose the right one.
Research the doctor that will be treating you, are they Save Face Registered? Does the doctor have a GMC number, which means that they have to be assessed at regular periods by other doctors? Is the clinic CQC registered?
You might want to check their social media, to see if they match your desired aesthetic look. For example, at Elite Aesthetics, we focus on Natural Looking Results. By far the best approach is to ask a friend of their opinion of a clinic if they have been treated there. Did they have a ‘frozen face’, or other side effects? Were they offered a FREE followup appointment?
Read on-line reviews, see the feedback they are given.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, schedule a consultation to see if the doctor’s philosophy aligns with yours. Do they spend time during your consultation, asking about your medical history, why you want the treatment or do they attempt to treat you immediately? If it’s the latter, then it’s not the right clinic for you.
In Summary to Find the Right Doctor
- Consider credentials and experience (GMC, Save Face, CQC)
- Research the doctor’s previous work. (ask friends)
- Check online reviews. (Google Reviews, Facebook Review
- Meet the doctor face to face for a consultation.
- Does their philosophy align with your goals?
- Do you feel comfortable in their care?
Make a Botox plan with your doctor is simple
Remember that your face is unique to you! So, your Botox Plan may well be different from other’s you know. Just remember that Botox results can differ between people, especially if you have an active lifestyle.
Your doctor may suggest other treatments to be used in combination with botox to fill out any deeper lines. Profhilo is popular, as it boosts your collagen production.
Your doctor should also assess all of your dynamic facial muscle movements and examine how you look with eyebrows raised, at rest and closed.
How to create your Botox plan
- What are your goals?
- Discuss supplementary treatments if necessary, although a follow up consultation should be offerred regardless to ensure the results are as expected.
- Consider your budget.
- Discuss lifestyle factors such as fitness acivities which can reduce the duration of the results.
- How many treatments will you require per year?
- How much will it cost? Remember the aim of a good doctor is to get you the results with the appropriate amount of Botox.
If cost is a concern, highlight this to the doctor during your consultation. Explain that you have limited funds as there are always other treatment options. Your doctor may highlight other factors which can age your skin, like smoking, sun damage and an unhealthy diet.
Cost of Botox
- Treatments prices can be found here.
- Botox is more than one injection. Depending on your facial muscles, you may need to treat different areas of your face.
- Botox upkeep may require anywhere from two to six sessions per year.
What’s the right age to get Botox?
This is a common question and we will on occasion inform a client that they do not need Botox as their skin is still young, toned and has no wrinkles. The best time to consider Botox is when the wrinkles bother you. It can take individuals a long time before they are ready to consider Botox. Remember, just because your friends are having treatment, doesn’t mean you need Botox. Generally, it’s in our 30s that we see the signs of aging.
What are the risks of Botox?
Botox side effects if not administered correctly, might include a “frozen” or expressionless face, asymmetrical issues, or drooping. Thankfully, since Botox is temporary, any of these mishaps will eventually wear off. Same goes for any light bruising that may occur after receiving injections, which should disappear after a few days.
Contact your doctor if you have
- dry eyes, swollen or drooping eyes
- headache
- neck pain
- double vision
- allergic reaction or difficulty breathing
How do I know if Botox is right for me?
Your doctor should conduct a mental assessment as part of their consultation with you. So, if you are considering Botox treatment for cosmetic reasons, then we should understand the underlying reason. Is it that you’re unhappy with certain elements of your appearance, or is it that you want to have treatment because your friends are having treatment?
Having said that, if the results make you feel better within yourself, then that’s a good indicator. Remember, that you still want to appear natural, so ensure that you explain that to your doctor.
