Did you know that Botox is the #1 non-surgical aesthetic treatment in the world? And for good reason. The advantages of Botox range from being a muscle relaxant, minimising excessive sweating and offering antiaging benefits.
Before you sign up for this procedure, here’s everything you need to know about Botox.
#1 There’s a difference between fillers and Botox
Often mistaken for the other, it’s important to know what differentiates them. Fillers are hyaluronic acid used for plumping or filling up areas of the face that are lacking in volume.
Botox on the other hand is a neuromodulator whose main function is to relax muscles . Relaxing muscles can help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face and have also been used to relax jaw muscles for those who often find themselves clenching or grinding their teeth.
#2 Pre-requisites for Botox
If you’re thinking of getting Botox, you can’t be pregnant ore breastfeeding. It’s also recommended that you not take blood thinners or fish oil one week before the treatment. 24 hours prior the treatment, you should not consume any alcohol.
#3 Choose your practitioner wisely
Although it is listed as a non-invasive procedure, the importance of finding the right practitioner cannot be undermined. DO NOT find one based price. DO find one based on his / her experience in this procedure and who truly understands what you need and how to go about delivering the results you want. They should be using real Botox for your procedure. If in doubt, never hesitate to ask to see the vial.
#4 The different costs of Botox
In some clinics, Botox is charged by the unit while others may charge by the treatment area. Be clear on how you’re being charged before undergoing this procedure.
#5 Know what you need to do after Botox
While there is little downtime expected of Botox treatments, there are still some post-care required on your part. 24 hours after your Botox treatment, do not engage in exercises, massages or facials.
Botox typically lasts 3 to 4 months depending on your muscle movement and metabolism.
Where else anti-wrinkle injections are used
Most people associate them with frown lines and crow’s feet, but the same treatment is used in several other areas.
Jaw slimming. Relaxing the masseter muscle reduces bulk at the jaw angle, softening a square lower face.
Excessive sweating. Injections into the underarms, palms or soles reduce sweat production, often for several months at a time.
Calf slimming. The same principle as the jaw, applied to the calf muscle.
Neck bands. Relaxing the platysma softens the vertical cords that become prominent with age.
A gummy smile. Small doses to the upper lip elevators reduce how much gum shows when smiling.
Whether any of these suits you depends on whether muscle is actually the cause of what you want changed. Your doctor will assess that.
Is your botulinum toxin genuine?
Clinics and regulators across Asia have reported a rise in counterfeit and diluted botulinum toxin. It is worth knowing what you are being injected with.
Fake or improperly stored product is unpredictable. Beyond simply not working, it carries risks of contamination and nerve injury. There is also a longer-term problem: exposure to impure product can cause resistance, after which even genuine treatment may stop working for you.
You are entitled to ask, and a reputable clinic will show you.
Ask to see the vial. Genuine product carries batch codes, holograms and proper packaging.
Ask whether the clinic uses HSA-approved imports, and where the product is sourced — an authorised distributor rather than the grey market.
Be wary of pricing that is far below the market. A medical injectable is only as safe as its supply chain and the person administering it.
At SW1 Clinic, all vials are HSA-approved and traceable by batch.
