This week we will look at the whys and wheres, and some of the pros and cons of treatment, and next week? You get to come along with me as I become my own guinea pig. At 38 years plus, I would have to say I am not too bothered by the ageing process. Yes, my hairline is beating a hasty retreat, but it doesn't overly concern me. However, my forehead IS where my age is beginning to show; not by its rapid growth, but in the way it is starting to have more lines than Hamlet! Actually, there are only two, but they are humdingers.
And though I have taken really good care of my skin for the past 20 years, my problem is that I talk with my eyebrows. When I see myself on camera, they seem to have taken on a life of their own. And even if I really concentrate, I can only manage to tone it down for 30 seconds before they start jumping around again. So is skincare going to be enough, or should I be examining my options? Join me for an injection of youth.[quote]
Once upon a time in a land called handbag I promised you I would never recommend anything I had not personally tried, but here was where I had drawn the imaginary line. I need to preface this with a quick explanation. Botox, to put it in the most simple of terms, is known as the cause of food poisoning. Now, if you have ever had this delightful affliction you know that having your stomach ripped out through your throat would be infinitely more desirable. Add this to my own medical history of getting migraines from anything with cultures such as wine, cheese, yoghurt or food that is even one minute past its sell-by date and you will see why the idea of shooting food poisoning right next to my brain seemed a price too high to pay.
The science bit
As you may or may not know, Botulinum Toxin A (under the trade names Botox or Dysport) is a highly purified form of the toxin. This has been approved for medical use to treat people with many conditions including facial tics, squints, muscle spasms and other various conditions with unmatched success. The toxin blocks the transmission of impulses from nerve endings to muscles, causing a temporary weakening or paralysis of any muscles injected for approximately four months. Why am I telling you all of this? Stay with me for a few more minutes and all will become clear...
Reading between the lines
Facial wrinkles are the result of making the same facial expression (frowning, raising your eyebrows, squinting, etc) thousands of times. So if you could temporarily interfere with the muscles' ability to contract you would reduce this overactivity and over time, the lines and wrinkles associated with them would be smoothed out. For example, vertical creases between the eyes would be improved when at rest and your frowning expressions would be diminished or absent. A modern medical miracle... some might even say the Holy Grail is the anti-ageing battle.
In for a penny, in for a pound
So is it for me? Quite frankly, I don't think so. First, we have the headache problem, and second, I hate needles. So I sent two women (my own personal guinea pigs) to have the treatment, and over the past eight months have witnessed the results. My mate (who we will call Mary) had several deep lines across her forehead and two really deep verticals between her brows. They are nearly gone now. The other woman (Sarah) really didn't have lines so much as the beginnings of creases. It was a case of us not seeing the problem, but her being very aware that they were on the way. Her face now looks smooth and relaxed. But the biggest shock came when I found out that these very injections I was afraid of would leave me with a four-month headache were now being used as a treatment for that very thing. And successfully too – as many as 90% of those with frontal headaches and migraines had partial or total freedom from them! Well… there went my excuse. So doctor, heal thyself. I picked up the phone and made the call before I chickened out.
Join me next week when believe it or not, I actually go through with this madness! Can you believe the things I do for you dear readers? There is not a selfish bone in my body. And if you believe that, I have some lovely property for sale in the Grand Canyon if you are interested! But before we get any further, here come some of the pros and cons of Botox treatment. Remember it IS a medical procedure, and is it not for everyone. Read carefully, digest, and then make up your own mind.
Pros and cons
The effects last anywhere from one to six months, with an average of four to five. There have been cases where the Botox has had no effect, but they are extremely rare. You can use Botox on its own or in conjunction with aesthetic plastic surgery to enhance the effect. As yet there are no indications that there are any long-term side effects, and if you are happy with the results, you can continue with the treatment for as long as you want. Some people maintain that with continued use, the effects are sustained for longer and the frequency of treatment can be reduced. You should have several consultations before trying this or any other procedure. Make sure you are comfortable with the person you have chosen, and if possible, look at some of the other work they have done. Beware of someone that wants to do more than you are comfortable with... this is not a case of more is better. Do not have the treatment if you are pregnant or nursing without checking with a doctor first. Be aware that you do not need a licence to administer Botox injections, and there are a lot of cowboys out there. Do your homework! You do not want to do this with a budget in mind. If you feel more comfortable with someone slightly more costly, spend the money! It is not worth saving a few pounds and being miserable for the next four months. The price will range from £150 on up, depending on who you choose and how much of the Botox is used. Do your research. Know exactly what you are signing up for. The Internet is full of case studies and documentation on Botox- read them!
