Looking Good in Later Life 39
March 2005

  
 

SKIN TREATMENTS FROM LASERCARE CLINICS

All about Botox

What is it? This popular beauty treatment is given by injection into the skin. It has been used for many years to treat medical conditions involving muscle spasm on parts of the face by blocking glands that produce sweat. Botox is made from a protein obtained from bacteria – the same kind as causes botulinism, a serious form of food poisoning. But in this case the extract is cultivated under carefully controlled laboratory conditions and is used in minute amounts.

What does it do? When small doses are injected into the skin, they block the messages to nerves supplying the ecrine glands. This prevents the glands from producing sweat for up to twelve months.

Why is it used for the reduction of lines and wrinkles? Muscle is attached to the skin and, with movement, there is a constant pull on the skin. As the skin ages and becomes less elastic, Botox relaxes the muscle, making it less demanding.

Where is it used? Around the eyes, between the eyebrows and on the forehead to reduce lines and wrinkles. It is not so safe or effective around the mouth, where even very small amounts on the upper lip or corners of the mouth can – rarely – cause a droopy lip or other complications. Botox can also be used on the decolettage and neck.

Is it painful? Most people experience mild, temporary discomfort. Treatment takes minutes. Typically, three to four injections will be required on each side of the forehead or above the eyebrows or for lines around the eyes.

Will I see an immediate difference? It will probably take between two and ten days to see improvement.

How long does the effect last? Botox works for twelve to sixteen weeks, It wears off gradually, and needs to be “topped up” before full movement of the muscle has returned, The more you have this treatment, the longer it lasts.

Is there a danger of getting a ‘frozen’ look? Some people like this look but
the purpose of using Botox is not to immobilize the treated area completely, just to reduce the wrinkles but still allow certain facial expression.

Is it safe? If carried out by professionals who are familiar with the process, then Botox is considered very safe. In any case, the effects do wear off after a few months. Complications could include drooping of upper or lower eyelid, though this is not common. Botox has a long track record for safety. It has been used by ophthalmic surgeons and neurologists for about twenty years, treating patients with eye muscle conditions.

Any side effects? There is a small chance of a mild headache which will disappear in a day or two, and possibly a little discomfort at the injection sites. But these effects are rare.

Who shouldn’t have Botox treatment?

• Anyone pregnant or breast feeding

• Anyone taking antibiotics or drugs to relax muscles

• Anyone taking medicines that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin

• Anyone who has had any surgery to the armpits

• Always discuss your situation with your doctor first.

How much does it cost? From ?100 depending on which areas you are having done. You will need to have a consultation with the doctor before getting the treatment. Lasercare Clinics only use doctors to perform Botox treatments as this is a prescription medicine only.

This treatment is available at lasercare clinics. To find your nearest clinic email Lasercare@btinternet.com

Information provided by Lasercare Clinics

Previous editions of Looking Good in laterlife 

Edition 1 (including a visit to Estee Lauder)

Edition 2 (including a visit to Clarins)

Edition 3 (including a visit to Medestea Internazionale

Edition 4 (including a visit to Martha Hill Skincare)

Edition 5 (including a visit to Harrods)

Edition 6 (including a visit to Belgravia Centre)

Edition 7 (including a visit to Vichy Laboratoire)

Edition 8 (including a visit to Avene Spa)

Edition 9 (including fashion tips)

Edition 10 eyebrows, eyelashes, sun and skin

Edition 11 (including a visit to Lasercare Clinics)

Edition 12 - Lasercare Clinics offer their expertise on common skin conditions

Edition 13 - Ageing skin in the new millennium

Edition 14 - A visit to Helen Sher

Edition 15 -  More from Helen Sher and Lasercare Clinics

Edition 16  A visit to Champneys London Clubs

Edition 17 - Seeking Cosmetic Surgery

Edition 18 -  Does hair dye cause cancer?

Edition 19 - How not to look like mutton dressed as lamb..    

Edition 20 - What cosmetic dentistry can do for you  - Part one

Edition 21 - What cosmetic dentistry can do for you  - Part two

Edition 22 - What's new at Estee Lauder?

Edition 23 - Lancome -  a perennial favourite

Edition 24- The latest from Clarins

Edition 25 - East meets west with Shiseido  

Edition 26 -  Nutrimetics

Edition 27 -  Nutrimetics - Special offer

Edition 28  - Nutrimetics workshop

Edition 29  -  Exfoliation

Edition 30  - Mail order shopping

Edition 31   - Sunscreen lotions

Edition 32  - Electrolysis

Edition 33 - Thinning Hair

Edition 34 - Helen gets rejuvenated

laterlife.com occasionally visits one of the great cosmetic houses, up-and-coming beauty collections or other organisations of interest to the more mature visitor.

Edition 1 Estee Lauder

Edition 2 Clarins

Edition 3 Medestea Internazionale

Edition 4 Martha Hill Skincare

Edition 5 Harrods
Edition 6 The Belgravia Centre

Edition 7 Vichy Laboratoire

Edition 8 Avene Spa  

Edition 11 Lasercare Clinics

Edition 14 - Helen Sher

Edition 16  A visit to Champneys London Clubs    

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