To Botox or not to Botox?

Who can use Botox?
Although the term Botox is quite common and well-known, surprisingly then is the fact of how very few people actually know much about the details regarding and surrounding it. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration in regards to Botox
What is Botox?
Botox is a substance which is derived from that of botulism toxin, which is the same type that causes food poisoning. However, the amount used here is simply a fraction of the amount that is able to cause food poisoning; this works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, thus causing the muscle to relax.
Who can use Botox?
Basically anyone is able to use Botox — not children of course — but there are certain things that should be taken, and particular issues that may prevent certain people from being able to use Botox. For example, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have a neurological disorder, for example, should not use Botox.
What are the side effects?
As with any other type of procedure, there are certain risks, complications, and side effects that can occur, and these all need to be taken fully into consideration. For example, temporary bruising is the most common side effect, as well has headaches, which will usually resolve within the following 24-48 hours after the procedure.
There is a small percentage of patients that may complain of eyelid drooping, and some will complain of their expression looking surprised or confused, while some appear as though they have a permanent frown.
When Botox was first used to relax frown lines, the notion of injecting anything related to botulism into your forehead seemed crazy. But by 2002, when Botox Cosmetic was approved by the FDA in the US to treat forehead lines, consumers as well as doctors had become convinced of its safety. To date, it’s estimated that over one million people have used Botox to relax their forehead frown lines temporarily. When it comes to choosing a rejuvenation procedure, the severity of the facial aging must be considered.
 Here’s a review
– Wrinkles (individual fine or deep rhytids) are managed well by Botox or injectable fillers. Although other agents are touted to produce similar results, Botox  is currently unsurpassed in its ability to soften or eliminate wrinkles caused directly by the action of underlying muscles of facial animation. (Botox Facts has more information for you)
– For wrinkles that may not be contributed to directly by facial movement or for depressed scars; superficial or deep fillers (ranging from collagen, hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid to silicone particles and bone cement and even your own injected fat). These can also be used for wrinkles, scars, and soft tissue augmentation (most commnly lip augmentation).
– When you have wrinkles involving larger areas or if it’s related to sun-damage, the underlying problem commonly lies in the biological changes in the skin itself. Here rejuvenation methods such as laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels act to restore some of the lost intrinsic biologic properties of the skin and can provide a significant restorative change over these large areas. These treatments use light associated heat, physical sanding, or chemicals, respectively, to remove the surface layers of the skin and hence stimulate a regenerative-like process. 
– As the severity of skin aging increases, injection and resurfacing procedures may be combined themselves or with surgical rejuvenation (possibly in a staged fashion).
– Surgical management of more severe forms of facial ageing can be through an additive (implants), reductive (excisions or tucks), or combined approach. Modern rhinoplasties “nosejobs” are a good example where combined approaches of reduction by excision and augmentation through cartilage grafting are employed. As these procedures typically address changes in the three-dimensional volume (deep structures) and in the skin (envelope or cover) they obviously provide the greatest extent of rejuvenation and can address the greatest degrees of facial change. That said, they do come with a limited amount of scaring and the possibly some temporary numbness. 
– Topical tretinoin and tazarotene can improve fine lines and the general appearance of the skin. Sometimes, tretinoin and tazarotene can be combined with the procedures listed above to enhance the effects.
The best idea here is that obviously then, if you are planning or even simply considering to have a Botox procedure done, that you should consult with your doctor, and make sure to take the situation very seriously; just because it is not as serious as some of the other procedures out there, this does not mean that it is completely safe, and so you want to make yourself as informed and knowledgeable as possible. Take time and consideration in regards to your decision, speak to others about the idea, read books, go to seminars — whatever it takes, it will be worth it in the end.
Doctor Summeiya Omar is a qualified Medical Practitioner  (Gradua-ting from Wits University) and has spent  the last few years dedicated to the science of anti ageing specialising in Botox, Fillers, Mesotheraphy, Skin peels, Skin rejuvenation and Anti-ageing Therapies.
 Clarins is thrilled to advise that Dr Omar will be offering her services at the Rainbow Towers Spa, from October 15-17. There are few slots available please book now to avoid disappointment: Please call 772633 and ask for the Clarins Spa or Merschtilda on 011 665 556 for bookings.
– For all queries you may have or just to be added onto our database – missk@zol.co.zw