Learn more about Botox from the experts plus check out our fantastic competition where you can win a fabulous injectables prize worth up to £1,000 courtesy of Renew Medica.

The next blog in our Renew Medica series features Dr Toni Phillips, clinical director at Renew Medica, answering questions about Botox treatments and highlights some new and interesting applications. ‘We have reams of past experience and scientific studies to demonstrate the way Botox works. It's time to start thinking beyond the myths and accept it for the clever medicine it has shown itself to be over the years,’ Dr Philips says. It was 40 years ago last year that Botox came into existence and it has been used for cosmetic reasons for nearly half that time.

Q: What is Botox exactly?
A: Botox injection contains botulinum toxin type A, a bacterial toxin that prevents nerves from functioning normally. It causes the muscles to become paralysed and therefore diminishes unwanted wrinkles and frown lines. Every time you smile, laugh or frown, wrinkles are caused by contractions of the delicate facial muscles and years of making these expressions can cause a permanent crease in the skin. That’s where Botox comes into its own – injected into the affected area, it temporarily paralyses the muscles. Effectively, you cannot move the muscles giving your face a smoother appearance, which can help you to look younger.

Q: How do I know who to trust to do my treatment?
A: Reputable practitioners and clinics know a great deal about Botox and the way it works now, for example that it can be applied to many more areas than just smoothing out frown lines.

In the UK, there are only three types of professionals qualified and licensed to administer Botox treatments – that is doctors (regulated by the General Medical Council), dentists (regulated by the General Dental Council) and aesthetic nurses (regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council).

Every member of the medical team at Renew Medica belongs to one of these groups, which means they are fully registered, highly qualified and have the skills to be able to safely deliver each type of treatment.

Q: Where is Botox used and what results can I see?
A: Most people who have Botox have treatment to the upper face to smooth frown lines or soften lines on the forehead and around the eyes (crow’s feet).

An advanced and relatively new application is the use of Botox to smooth out creases on the cheeks and the sides of the face. This technique can mean less need for other injectable treatments such as dermal fillers (collagen replacement).

Q: Can Botox be used in the lower face? What does it do?
A: Botox can be used effectively in the lower face to lift and tighten certain areas, for example preserving a tight, slim neck and jaw line. Preventive applications like this are a great way to keep the surgeon's knife away.

Botox can also be used to alter muscle activity around the chin and mouth area to give a fresher, lifted result. This works well for older clients and can make them feel and look younger without doing anything very complicated or invasive.

Q: Is Botox just an anti-wrinkle treatment?
A: As the summer approaches more clients start to request Botox for excessive sweating. It is a highly effective treatment for this and can be used on the scalp, under the arms, on the palms of hands, the feet and also between the toes – anywhere where excessive sweating occurs. The treatment can really make a big life-enhancing difference for people who suffer from this problem.

Q: Will it hurt and are there any side effects?
A: Regardless of what area is being treated, the procedure is fast, simple and safe with very little to no discomfort. After effects can include some redness and slight temporary bumps on the skin immediately after the treatment. There is also a chance that some minor pin-point bruising can occur which can last a few days.
 
Competition!
Dont forget to enter our fabulous competition where you can win an injectables prize worth up to £1,000. Click here to find out more.