Botox for Beginners – top tips for Botox virgins

Have you looked in the mirror recently and wondered where all those frown lines, furrows and crows feet came from? I did - it’s a part of getting older and will happen to everyone at some stage, but you don’t have to put up with it. I don’t!
Botox is not a new treatment. In fact it has been around for over 20 years, but has seen a massive increase recently. In 2005 it was recorded that there was a 50% increase in the number of people having Botox treatments in the UK over the previous year. It is well publicised in magazines and papers with constant speculation over which celebrities are the latest to sample the Botox benefits. Celebrities rumoured to have had Botox treatment include Madonna, Liz Hurley and Kylie. And, it’s not just the girls! Ever wondered how Cliff Richard remains so youthful despite being 67 this year?
How does it work?

Well its quite simple really. Botox is injected directly into the muscle that affects the wrinkles/lines you are treating. The Botox is a muscle relaxing injection that temporarily relaxes muscles preventing them from contracting. This stops creasing when frowning and allows the skin to heal and the wrinkles/lines to smooth out.
Is it permanent?

Unfortunately not, effects are temporary, usually 3 – 6 months, as the body will break down and remove the Botox over time. However, regular use can lead to prolonged lasting effects.
How long does it take?
It takes between 15 – 30 minutes depending upon the area being treated, and you can be back up on your feet straight away, an ideal lunch treatment for us busy career women. The full effect will be visible approximately a week after treatment, so make sure you book it in a week before the big event not the day before!
Will it hurt?

Compared to conventional surgery, muscle relaxing injection treatments are quick, relatively painless with minimal health risks and can show dramatic results almost instantly with no recovery time. They feel the same as normal injections and the needle is tiny.
How much will it cost?
Well not as much as you think. Just because celebrities do it, it doesn’t make it beyond the reach of the masses. Botox treatments can start from as little as £150, depending upon the areas that need treating - a fraction of the cost of conventional surgery, and compared to the amount you would spend on creams, make up and the like over the years, this is such a small figure.
So you’ve decided that Botox is for you, what next?
Choose your clinic carefully

Even though the treatments are non-invasive, it is still wise to choose the clinic you use carefully and research the different options available. Make sure you ask to see patient testimonials and before and after photographs of previous clients so that you know what to expect from the treatment. Botox is a prescription only medicine so should only be administered by qualified GP doctors and Cosmetic Practitioners, avoid beauty salons and go for specialist clinics.
No obligation consultations

All reputable clinics will invite you for an initial consultation to assess your needs. Be sure to check that the clinic you choose offers you a free and no-obligation consultation, otherwise you are spending £100 plus before you have even decided to go ahead with Botox treatment.

The Botox Clinic that I visit in Somerset, is housed in a charming late Victorian building, far removed from any austere hospital clinic. The doctors and expert medical staff took time assessing my needs and explaining the procedures to be undertaken during my free initial consultation, and the relaxed atmosphere put me totally at ease whilst I was being treated. Now, two treatments down the line, I have no regrets. I’m not ashamed to say that I use Botox and would certainly recommend the procedure to others. I can confidently say that I look and feel younger.

Christine Ashley has a keen interest in beauty treatments and likes to keep up to date with all the latest developments in the Health and Beauty field, sharing her experiences with others to help people similar to her find a beauty solution to make them look and feel great. More information regarding Botox and the treatment discussed in this article can be found at the Phoenix Treatment Centre Website.