Uses
Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin affects the operation of nerves in the muscles, bringing about a temporary reduction in muscle activity. It is used for many conditions: cervical dystonia – severe spasms in the neck muscles; hyperhidrosis; severe underarm sweating; certain eye muscle conditions; and overactive bladder and incontinence caused by a nerve disorder.
Botox should not be used if you have any infection in the area to be injected or if you are breast feeding, as Botox can pass into the breast milk and may harm your baby.
Botox injections should only be given by a trained medical professional regardless of the purpose. Botox is injected into a muscle and the effects are temporary. It comes in a small vial which is mixed with saline; once prepared, it is injected with a very fine needle in small doses. It takes five to ten minutes to complete treatment on the face.
Cosmetic
If you are looking for youthful looks, there are wrinkle-reducing treatments for eyebrows, eyes and forehead. You can have just one treatment or all three. You will see an improvement in three to seven days. After two weeks, you’ll see their full potential. These effects last between three and six months, and repeat injections can be given after four months. Botox is most effective in reducing crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes, frown lines between the eyebrows and bridge of the nose, forehead lines and eyebrow lifts. It is also effective for smooth lip lines and nose lines. These treatments start at £160 rising to £250 for all three treatments.
People who suffer from excessive underarm sweating can be treated with Botox. The injections are administered to the areas where sweating is worse and work by blocking the release of acetylcholine, which activates the sweat glands. The treatment works for six to twelve months and can be repeated. It costs in the region of £360.
Clinics
There are many clinics around the country which provide these services. If you live in the big city, you can get Botox in West London, with clinics conveniently located near to tube stations. There are easy parking facilities, and appointments can be made at your convenience both in the day and in the evening.
The number of cosmetic-enhancement procedures performed has increased by 41% since 2013. Women in their early 20s are having Botox injections to prevent wrinkles from forming, and this is a trend which is becoming more and more popular. Across Britain the goal seems to be age prevention in females in their early 20s, as this is the best time to prevent wrinkles forming – the muscles are weakened and therefore the lines won’t appear. Clinics have seen a 56% increase in enquires for wrinkle-smoothing treatments among 18-25-year-olds. Appearance is everything for this age group, and they are more aware of what treatments are available to them.
So we are now living in a society where looks seem more important than anything else. What the future holds is a mystery, but at least we’ll all look younger.
