- What is botox?
Botox is known as botulinum toxin. The trade name is actually botox. This toxin is produced by the microbe that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning. The botox injections are used to temporarily paralyze muscle activity from facial wrinkles to other more severe indications such as neck spasms and other severe forms of muscle spasticity.
- Who is the ideal candidate for it?
There is no ‘right’ age for botox. It depends on genetics, skin type, lifestyle and facial muscles. We have seen women in their 40s who still do not need any botox, but there are women with lighter and thinner skin who by 30 may require botox. Also, there are women who have strong facial muscles, and often these muscle create deep frown lines, and botox can help re-train the muscles to stop the repetitive movement smoothing out or preventing the lines
- How long do the effects last?
For botox to the face, this lasts around 4 months, and it may seem like it lasts longer the more you do the treatment as the facial muscles remain weak and do not create repetitive movements that causes the facial creases and wrinkles.
- Are there any potential side effects?
Like with any treatments, it is important to be careful. It is important to go to a licensed and experienced doctor. If botox is placed in the wrong area, it may cause a droopy eyelid or a crooked smile. Also, even with any doctors bruising is a possibility at the injection site but it is small enough to cover up with a concealer.
- What are some things patients should know before getting botox?
It is not recommended to get botox whilst you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Botox must only be administered by a doctor that has a good reputation and using legal products. Other names of good brands include, Botox and Dysport. Also, find out how your doctor charges as this should be transparent.
- Are there any other surprising uses for botox that you can share?
Botox is known to alleviate other indications such as migraines, and this is now a treatment also recommend by the National Health System (NHS) in the UK. Also, it is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis which is the overproduction of sweat on the armpits, hands and feet. For hyperhidrosis, this treatment will last up 8 months – 1 year. Other medical uses would include muscle spasticity which is used in must large doses than for beauty treatments.