I must be in the minority, if not the only one, among girlfriends who haven’t succumbed to Botox. Am I missing a trick? Some of my friends have been having this treatment for over 20 years, yet something has always held me back. But am I too late to the party?
B is for Botox
The Holy Grail
With over 900,000 injections a year in this country and the most popular of any cosmetic treatments, Botox has become a booming trend for the prevention of wrinkles and a far less invasive way to address the signs of ageing.
“Some Age, Other’s use Botox”
‘Botox’ is the term for an injectable antiwrinkle treatment that temporarily relaxes the muscles of facial expression to reduce lines and wrinkles. It typically affects frown lines, forehead creases, and around the eyes, or “crow’s feet.”
As we age, the skin on our face begins to lose elasticity. The natural decline in the production of natural collagen that provides structure and support, and determines the skin’s elasticity, leads to thinner skin, which can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Wrinkles result from constantly pulling on the skin when you frown or smile. Botox can prevent deeper lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscles and allowing the skin to stop contracting. The result is that you should look fresher and generally regain confidence. When you’re not frowning or looking harassed, others around you react positively. When I consider that not one of my converted friends has ever given it bad press, my reservations are perhaps not so valid.
Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. In a purified form, it offers a safe and effective treatment. As a prescription-only medicine, it can only be prescribed by a doctor, dentist or prescribing nurse after a face-to-face consultation. I went to see Dr. Sushma Klausen who has run her practice in Hertford, Hertfordshire for over 9 years. As a qualified prescriber, I asked to be given a full assessment. Would I even see the effects at my age? Botox in your 50s is a popular way to give you a refreshed look and soften the lines and wrinkles. The goal is to look natural by focusing on crow’s feet, frown lines and a lifting the brow.
Not everyone is suitable; in 2019, the Joint Council for Cosmetic Procedures issued a warning to ask its members to check that their patients were not seeking Botox for poor mental health. It’s younger patients who can fall into the trap of vulnerability.
Society can so often prey on the insecurities of the young to enhance their looks, competing with the demands of a “celebrity culture” look. There is an increase in the statistics that there have been girls as young as 13 getting Botox, convinced that looking like a celebrity makes you happier and therefore more confident. The loss of self-confidence is what doctors are citing as a troubling concern regarding mental health problems. Fortunately, since October 2021, it is unlawful in England to inject botox to a person who is under 18.
A purist at heart
Being a purist at heart, was this just an unnecessary indulgence of vanity? I’m not afraid of the treatment or the needles. Does it hurt? A little, perhaps, depending on the individual. But maybe I’m more concerned about the botulism toxin in my face. Where does it go, I ask, Sushma. “The tiny dose breaks down into smaller components, and is eliminated.” Hmm. Too much Botox, I’m told, can make you appear older. Surely thats counter productive… If anything, that is what I have been squeamish about. After prolonged treatments to the forehead, the skin can become thinner and looser. This all makes for a good argument to research properly beforehand and ask as many questions to determine the right treatment tailored for you. An appropriately trained medical professional that will have your best interest at heart is a good place to start and recommend the correct dosage and areas to treat.
My preconditioned concerns are mostly related to the celebrity’s frozen look, where expressions and character have been masked. I’m not sure I want to look unnatural either. My scepticism returns. Surely, my facial expressions are necessary to relay some irritation to those deserving!
Reassured and still intrigued by the thought of a more youthful complexion, Sushma took me through the procedure. She described how an injection of the toxin into the muscle group will block the transmission of chemical messages from the nerve to the targeted muscle so that the muscle stays resting and cannot contract for a period of 8 to 12 weeks on average. After a couple of weeks, making expressions will become harder and more challenging. When you cannot frown or show emotions, the brain’s nerve pathways can be calmed, resulting in less anxiety. Although somewhat sceptical about whether the stress of emotional and physical turmoil can be relieved by a facial injection, I was beginning to understand more and begin to break down my preconditioned reservations. Perhaps feeling like I look better might help physiologically. Should I put it to the test?
As with anything, complications can occur if the medicine is placed incorrectly. While this can be distressing and affect appearance, such as a droopy eye, the effects are temporary. Bruising and inflammation can also occur, but they are self-limiting and heal naturally. Initial headaches are quite common. In fact, ‘Botox’ treatment in the upper face for most can have the additional benefit of reducing tension headaches.
Still reluctant, and after a stressful couple of months, I was about to take a much-needed sun lounger holiday where I planned to do nothing but rest. I imagined the impact would be the same.
Lifestyle Choices
Should our lifestyle choices be more impactful? The answer was not what I expected. The variable longevity of Botox treatment will depend on the individual and lifestyle choices. Botox alone needs the patient to take an element of responsibility in diet, vitamins, especially B and D, and conscious limitations on drinking and smoking.
Other than hydrating regularly, daily use of SPF will help prevent sun damage and signs of ageing. Seeking antioxidant foods to encourage cellular activity and collagen production can help defend the skin against external issues. Any investment into luxury treatments such as micro-needling, oxygen glow boosters, electrical skin tighteners, fillers, LED treatments, and skin peels can all help however, Botox has become the holy grail for most. The benefits of looking fresher and feeling better cannot be overlooked.
Natural Alternative
There are natural alternatives that can be administered at home as part of a beauty routine. Regularly using a Gua sha has significantly affected my beauty routine. These facial exercises can be as practical as face yoga. Getting blood to the deeper layers of the skin has results similar to those of an acupuncture facelift.
Treating yourself to weekly facials is a favourable treatment, but you can’t beat ensuring a healthy lifestyle with plenty of fresh air and exercise, a good diet incorporating protein and vegetable fibre, and plenty of sleep.
As for that furrowed brow, I know that Botox’s instant effects cannot be mistaken. Botox is not there purely for its anti-ageing benefits; it can also treat a range of medical conditions, including chronic migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating. This versatility has made Botox one of the most popular cosmetic treatments worldwide.
A week in a sunbed worked out just fine. Everyone said I looked healthy; sun-kissed skin gives most of us a natural boost. I felt more confident. However, having learnt more about Botox, I’m not so sure that I will overlook the benefits on offer at my local aesthetics salon in the future. I may book a consultation with Sushma next time I’m in town. You never know…the jury is out.
