Over the years, sun damage and ageing take a toll on our faces. Laugher lines and frown lines carve out their marks too. But, naturally, we’d all rather prefer to look smooth-skinned and youthful… So what can you do? Injectable treatments can make the world of difference, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and making you look years younger. Botox has become one of the most popular non-surgical interventions for combatting the physical signs of ageing for both men and women. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, it can literally wipe away the years.
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for the botulinum toxin which has been has been specifically prepared for medical and cosmetic use. As well as being used to combat wrinkles, it’s used for a number of medical conditions including excessive sweating, twitching eyelids, teeth grinding and migraines. However, most people come into contact with it for its cosmetic applications.
How does Botox work?
When small quantities of Botox are injected into the face, it paralyses the underlying muscles, so the habitual movements that create the wrinkles are prevented. It does this by blocking the signals from the nerves that instruct the muscles to move. Usually, results can be seen within three to five days of treatment—you’ll appear well-rested and more youthful. Furthermore, a good practitioner will be able to keep the results subtle—no one wants to look as if their whole face is immobile. With skilled work, you face will remain expressive even though it’s now smoother.
How long does Botox last?
The results of Botox injections are temporary, so they will need to be repeated to maintain the effect. Initially, your treatment will last for between three and four months, but as you repeat it, the time intervals between treatments tend to become longer until you only need to re-inject once every six months or so.
Are there any side effects?
You may experience some bruising at the site of the injections, and a small number of patients report headaches for a day or two after treatment. There are other, much rarer side effects and your practitioner will go through these with you before treatment. Generally, however, Botox is accepted as a safe procedure and given that more than 10 million people have had Botox in America alone, it’s a very well-studied treatment.
Botox is quicker, cheaper and far safer than a surgical facelift, so if you’re interested in maintaining your youthful looks, it could well be the treatment for you. Why not come in and discuss its suitability with one of our trained practitioners?
