The end of lockdown has seen people rushing to get back to their favourite activities. There has also been a lot of focus on the relief of finally being able to get a haircut. It seems, however, that is not just hair that is being refreshed, with cosmetic procedures such as Botox also seeing a surge, complete with updated and Covid-safe surgical practices.
Effect of the pandemic on cosmetic surgery
The last year has seen a dramatic reduction in all forms of surgery. Even trauma and cancer sufferers have struggled to receive timely and appropriate treatment, so elective cosmetic procedures have had to stop almost completely. Resources have had to be directed to frontline healthcare instead.
Botox is a temporary procedure that normally lasts between three and six months. That means anyone who had a Botox treatment before the pandemic will have seen its effects slowly erode, causing significant changes to their appearance. That is true of those who use it for cosmetic purposes, and those who need it for medical reasons, such as those with facial palsy. These people are likely to have to been waiting impatiently for the chance to resume treatment.
These facts rests alongside the general stresses of lockdown, stresses that are likely to show on a person’s face. New wrinkles and blemishes become particularly prominent during Zoom communications, when people stare closely at each other through a webcam. In all, it is not surprising that predictions were made, and seem to have been upheld, that Botox would be one of the cosmetic procedures most eagerly sought when the lockdown ended.
Covid-compliant surgical practices
As the country has reopened, milder, non-surgical cosmetic procedures have become more viable. This includes injectables such as fillers and Botox, which involve close contact between doctor and patients. Of course, the lifting of lockdown does not mean the end of Covid-related precautions and new surgical practices have been applied.
In the case of Botox and fillers, the ability to hold initial consultations over Zoom or Skype has proved helpful in reducing physical contact. When patients do visit a clinic, there are likely to be restrictions on how many people can enter the building at a time. Receptionists will be protected by plexiglass screens as well as PPE such as masks.
Patients may also have to wear masks and gloves as well as having their temperature taken before they enter. There will also be stricter cleaning procedures both before and after sessions. Some doctors recommend not having a Botox or fillers treatment for at least a week after being vaccinated, and preferably at least a fortnight.
Many people have seen the effect of temporary procedures such as Botox wear off during lockdown and have eagerly been awaiting the chance to resume treatment. Others feel the need to refresh their face after the stress of living through the pandemic. Either way, doctors have instituted new practices to enable them to offer these important services safely.
