Beauty advice on Botox

Thinking about getting Botox? Don't make that appointment before you read the facts...

By Ateh Damachi

More celebrities each day seem to be turning to Botox to help iron out wrinkles and refresh the skin. Once a beauty secret for the rich and famous, Botox is now being used by ordinary women all over the country. If you too have been thinking about having Botox, make sure to do your homework and read this guide on everything you need to know about the wrinkle-busting treatment.

What is it?

Botulinum toxin is a medication that relaxes muscles. It is sold under the brand name Botox in the US and as VISTABEL in the UK.

How does it work?

Dr Seabagh of Dr Sebagh Clinic explains: "In your face you have depressor and elevator muscles. If you have hyper activity of the depressor muscles they are going to create deep furrows in the forehead, crow's feet, jowls and a sagging neck." (Dr Sebagh Clinic, 020 7637 5110)

How long does it last?

Between four and six months.

How much does it cost?

Anywhere between £100-£300 depending on how many areas you are treating.

Downtime

Patients should not exercise for three to six hours after a session.

Where and how can you use it?

Botox can be used to relax frown lines in the forehead, crow's feet, jowls,a sagging neck as well as under arms to prevent sweating.

Carefully placed Botox - along with dermal fillers such as Restylane, which contains synthetic hyaluronic acid - can also achieve a brow lift.

On the red carpet, Botox has also been injected into the heel of the foot, so starlets don't feel any discomfort when wearing high heels.

How do you find a good doctor to do it?

First of all make sure you actually have a doctor treat you rather than using a travelling nurse or by attending a Botox parties. "Nurses, dentists and beauty salons should not be administering Botulism toxin in my opinion. Find yourself a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specialises in head and neck work," advises Dr Nick Lowe, consultant dermatologist and dermatology surgeon, drnicklowe.com, 0207 499 3223.

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a good doctor. Talk to your friends and don't be afraid to ask a stranger who does her work.

Look online. A good doctor will be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), British Association Of Plastic, Reconstructive And Aesthetic Surgeons, The Royal College of Surgeons, The Royal Society of Medicine and the British Association Of Dermatologists.

Don't be afraid to ask to look at a doctor's certificates and proof of training. Also make sure they are specialised in head and neck areas.

Pros

Good Botox will leave your skin and face looking refreshed, rejuvenated and rested. " Many of my clients don't even want their friends and husbands to know they have had Botox. Their closest family just think they look well rested", says Dr Al- Ayoubi, Facial Plastic and laser surgery, lmaclinic.com , 0208 342 1100.

Botox has a high safety record and has been used for over 20 years. There are no scars, no downtime and none of the risks associated with going under the knife with a facelift.

Cons

You can only see bad Botox and Dr Michael Prager, drmichaelprager.com, 0207 323 3660 explains, "The greatest danger when it comes to having Botox is the person who is injecting. Where and how much Botox you apply will determine whether you have a good or bad result. It's a craft there are barbershops and there is Nicky Clarke when it comes to hair cutting. The same applies to Botox and make you sure you go to the best".

Botox - Things you should know

"Always be wary of self-proclaimed Doctors in advertisements, botulinum toxin is a prescriptive drug that has to be used exclusively by a qualified doctor (preferably a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon)", explains Dr Seabagh, Dr Sebagh Clinic, 020 7637 5110.

Avoid Botox parties, as this is a serious medical procedure, which should be done in a medical environment. Not everyone needs Botox, dermal fillers can be used instead and a credible doctor or dermatologist will be able to judge which treatment you need without the hard sell of a Botox party.

A full medical history should be taken by your doctor to ensure you are not taking any medication, which could interfere with the Botox.

Aftercare is extremely important, if you have a swelling or a reaction you want to know your doctor will be on hand to sort out the situation. Don't opt to see a travelling doctor who may not be in your area for another month when you need help urgently.

Check out the clinic's website and ask yourself if they are giving a hard sell and pushing beauty products on line rather than offering conservative and sage advice.

Dr Nick Lowe warns, "Be suspicious of bargain basement prices. I have seen Botox advertised from £99, which means it's probably a ploy to lure new patients into the clinic. For that price the toxin is probably diluted and will only last about two months before you need more."

 

We test wrinkle fillers all from the high street - see our top five here

Get more skin care advice and products here

 

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