Botox is an incredibly popular treatment, and has elicited increasingly sophisticated results over the years. Whilst, a decade ago, there was a stigma of Botox creating a ‘frozen’ look, largely due to overuse by celebrities and in popular culture, Botox has developed and consistently achieves natural-looking rejuvenation that patients are very happy with.
However, patients can be – quite rightly – concerned with the safety of continuous Botox use. It is important to be fully aware of any negative side-effects that any cosmetic treatment may have, and it is a common misconception that every time you undergo a repeat Botox treatment, you are putting yourself further at risk of adverse side effects or unappealing results.
This is simply not the case. According to a recent study, in which 207 patients were surveyed over almost 10 years, repeated treatments of Botox are not only safe, but offer uncompromised and successful results. In fact, overall 92.3% of all the surveyed patients were mostly of very satisfied with their results.
Of the 89.7% of patients who reported looking younger after repeat treatments with anti-wrinkle injections, the average perceived age difference was about 6 years than they actually were.
What’s more, adverse repercussions of prolonged or repeated Botox use were largely rare and non-serious. They also declined in frequency over the course of the 10-year survey, which is surely a reflection of the advanced sophistication of anti-wrinkle injections and the development of the cosmetic sector.
Botox is actually a brand name, the umbrella term for which is anti-wrinkle injections. Anti-wrinkle injections work by slightly paralysing the muscles in the face to avoid the overexertion our facial muscles are prone to. We’re all guilty of overworking our faces every day, through menial tasks like chewing, speaking, smiling and laughing. But as we age, our skin begins to lose its resistance, meaning it does not ‘bounce back’ from the effects of being overworked, due to a gradual halt in the production of collagen. This is what causes the skin to sag and develop lines and wrinkles – which is why administering Botox can help to fill in lines and wrinkles, as well as prevent further age damage.
But as with all cosmetic treatments, anti-wrinkle injections are not permanent. Although it varies from patient to patient, Mr Chana advises that the average longevity of Botox is 3-5 months. Having said that, some patients can see results that last up to 6 months. After this, you will be required to have a repeat procedure to maintain your results.
Some patients report enhanced results through a combination of anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. When administered together, these treatments form a dual function, will the fillers add volume to the face and decreasing the appearance of existing lines and wrinkles, and the Botox injections preventing further age damage to the face.
If you are interested in cosmetic injectables, call or email the clinic to book a consultation with Mr Chana and talk about the procedure and how it can affect your life. If you would like to know more about what you have read here, and the merits of Botox over a long period of time, Mr Chana will also be able to give you more information on the subject during your consultation. Your safety, comfort and overall results are of utmost importance to Mr Chana, and you should feel secure in the knowledge that he will only prescribe repeat or continuous treatment if it is completely safe and advisable to do so.