Botox

Why injecting neurotoxins into your face is considered a 'normal' procedure nowadays…

Knowing as we do that Botox is made from neurotoxins, you might think twice about having it injected into your face. In the early 1980's when the practice was first adopted by the rich and famous in exclusive US clinics, most of us feared the worst. Many people felt it was more evidence that the world had gone mad.  Some people still feel like that. Whatever your view - the injection of Botox as a cosmetic treatment is now the most common anti-aging procedure in the western world.  

So - should you do it and what can you expect?

What’s involved?

Cosmetic Botox is simply an injection into an area of the face where wrinkles are present. After sterilizing and anesthetizing the injection site, a trained physician will inject Botox in order to paralyze the muscles around the wrinkle – this allows the skin to soften and the wrinkle to diminish or disappear. The overall time that that procedure takes depends on the size of the area that needs the work, but generally the Botox injection process will only take a few minutes to complete and you can leave immediately following the procedure. 

It does hurt - you are having small injections into your facial muscle and it can bruise. Generally, expect nothing more than some small red marks at the injection point which are easily covered with make-up.

It takes between 3-10 days to see results although some people claim to see improvement as soon as a day following the procedure. There are some things to avoid following a Botox procedure.  Flying or lying down soon after the procedure can encourage the Botox to migrate producing the droopy eyelid effect. Schedule appointments during the day - the earlier the better.

What are the risks and possible side effects?

Because you are dealing with botulism, you will need to understand that there is a risk of side effects. When you’ve gone to a reputable physician, the likelihood of such risks is minimal. Nonetheless you need to be aware of what they are so here are a few:

• Eyelid drooping
• Paralysis of the facial muscles 
• Upper respiratory-tract infection 
• Headache
• Neck pain
• Bruising or soreness at the injection site
• Nausea

In rare cases, you might also have a reaction to Botox, leading to difficulties breathing and a need for medical attention. But these instances are rare when you’re in the care of a good doctor.  

The main concern for men and women is the possibility that Botox will cause them to be expressionless – plastic face, as it were. This is a very valid concern that you will want to approach with your chosen doctor. 

The answer is to choose your doctor with great care. Take a look at our Clinic Checklist for some ideas of what you should be looking for. Certainly, find out what experience they have of the procedure and the approach they take. Talking to others who have been satisfied with their results can help find you a good doctor for your needs.

If you go to a Botox party, spa or salon, they won't have the range of treatments available neither are you going to get the most skilled or experienced technicians to perform the procedure. Take another look at possible side effects and then decide whether this is the best route to go to get the procedure done. The best results often come from a combination of different treatments and a skilled surgeon. Remember too with Botox - "less is more" - it's much better to go back for a top up than end up looking like a zombie for three months. 

The frozen face syndrome which is the subject of Botox getting so much bad press is generally associated with incompetent or inexperienced "technicians" doing the injections. Subtlety is only possible when you really know what you are doing, when you have a complete grasp of the different muscles of the face and how they affect facial expression. Undoubtedly you will pay more for a good doctor but surely it has to be worth it. 

What else do you need to know?

A small vial of Botox can cost the plastic surgeon about $450, so you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-300 per Botox treatment. While this Botox cost seems to be worth it, the treatments will need to be repeated regularly in order to maintain your look.

The effects of Botox typically only last around three months before they start to wear off - the body absorbs and eliminates the toxin. Some people metabolize the toxin sooner than this - others take longer. Sunbathing can accelerate the rate at which Botox is absorbed into the body meaning that you could need a top-up quicker if you are out in the sun or on holiday between appointments.

Once you start on Botox - if you like the result - you could be on a very expensive treadmill. Make sure you have worked out the cost of a full year's treatments into your budget. If you are prepared to pay around $1200 each year, are you prepared to put up with the discomfort of the treatments and the need fit them into your busy schedule. Think about it before you go to have your first one so that you are clear about what you are getting in to.