Botox : Here’s everything you need to know

They may seem similar, but in reality they're two very different things...
The line between Botox vs fillers can sometimes seem a bit blurred and, if you’re thinking about getting injectables, it’s probably all a bit confusing.
But considering the popularity of Love Island and the fact that Superdrug is now offering in-store Botox and fillers, we’re talking about them more than ever before.
So with this in mind, we sat down and spoke to two experts in the field to find out exactly how they differ, and the important questions to ask before considering treatment.
Keep reading to find out which is best for you…

BotoxBelow Dr Tapan Patel, from the PHI Clinic, tells us everything you need to know about the top toxin.
What is Botox and how does it work? Botulinum toxin, is a natural, purified protein that is used to temporarily relax facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to treat medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (the medical name for excessive sweating).
Botox is the original and best-known brand name and the most tested product on the market. It is the result of many decades of studies and has been used extensively in medicine. It is the safest product, and it is certified in the medical and cosmetic field.


Does Botox have side effects? While there is no real downtime associated with this treatment, it is important to note that you may encounter some slight bruising and swelling directly after treatment, due to the needle. This can easily be masked by make-up.
There are no long-term side effects of having wrinkle injections, meaning patients can resume their usual activities straight away, and can also fly post-treatment.
Who would this treatment suit?This treatment can be used on a wide range of patients, and is primarily used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) for a short period of time. It can also be injected into the area around the side of the eyes to improve the look of moderate to severe crow’s feet lines.
Who should avoid this treatment? Those who have medical conditions, such as damaged nerves or muscle complaints, should disclose this information during consultation, to avoid any complications.
Treatment is not advisable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. While there are no clinical studies to show that the injection is harmful to the baby or mother, medical professionals advise against having treatment under these circumstances.
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What are the results of Botox? The treatment is used to soften the lines caused by facial expression and can be adjusted to ensure natural results. The duration of results is variable in between individuals but ranges from three to six months.
Typically, patients will come into the clinic and point to a specific line that they don’t like. Good practitioners shouldn’t just look at treating this specific line, but will look beyond the line at how the face looks as a whole (as treating an individual line might make the face look unnatural).
Sometimes patients come in and say their colleagues and friends keep telling them that they look tired or grumpy when this isn’t the case. In these cases, it’s usually not a single line that is creating this impression, but multiple factors, and the practitioner should talk through treatment options with the patient.
What should you ask your consultant before considering a treatment? – What qualifications do you have?
– Which brands of products do you use and why?
– Has the product been extensively tested and researched?
– How satisfied are your patients with the results? Do you have any examples of before and after pictures you could show me?
– What are the potential side effects?
– What after-care will I be given?

                                                                                -Marie Claire Daily-