You're probably here because you're curious about anti-wrinkle injections. Perhaps you've just started to see lines and wrinkles appear, or maybe you've had them for a while and have decided enough is enough. A commonly asked question is 'Is it right for me?' and while, ultimately, only you can decide whether or not you have the treatment, here are a few points to help you make a more informed decision.
Well, this depends on the type of lines you want to treat. If you want to reduce your marionette lines, nasolabial lines or smile lines, toxin is not for you, as these are static lines (caused by loss of elasticity or volume). Instead, these areas require dermal fillers. But if you are tired of dynamic lines (those lines caused by repeated muscle movement) such as your forehead lines, crow's feet or frown lines (11s), you might want to consider tox as an option for reducing them.
2. Am I suitable for wrinkle relaxing?
You should complete a medical questionnaire before going for an anti-wrinkle treatment. Fill it out honestly so your practitioner can determine whether the treatment is right for you. This will allow them to understand whether any illnesses you have, or medication or supplements you take will interfere with the treatment, or vice versa. You’ll need to let your practitioner know if you have a muscular disease, blood or nervous system disorder, or any psychological concerns.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, a reputable and ethical practitioner would not administer any Botulinum toxin treatments. Ensure you inform your practitioner during your consultation if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
3. Will wrinkle relaxing boost my confidence?
Botox is often slammed in the media, but for many people, the anti-wrinkle treatment can help restore lost confidence and give that fresh-faced look they are after. If you are looking for a confidence boost and rejuvenated looking skin, explain this during your consultation to let your practitioner know your aim. They will be able to advise you as to whether anti-wrinkle injections are right for you, or whether a great skincare routine or peel will likely get you the desired effect. They will also be able to check for things like body dysmorphia, to make sure you're not getting treatment as a sticking-plaster for other problems which may require expert help. Many aesthetic treatments make people feel great and can do wonders for reflecting on the outside the way you feel inside, but it's not a quick fix and comes with associated risks.
4. Can I afford it?
Another thing to consider is whether - if you like the way you look after treatment - you can afford to keep paying for treatments. Of course, you are in charge of how often you go for treatments, but if you become accustomed to getting the treatment done routinely, think carefully about whether you can afford to pay for it on a regular basis. It may be that you have other priorities for your hard earned cash. Our handy anti-wrinkle treatment guide explains how much you can expect to pay for wrinkle relaxing treatments.
5. Is it safe?
Botulinum toxin, used to treat lines and wrinkles is, as the name suggests, a toxin! But the doses used in wrinkle relaxing treatments are TINY, has been proven to be safe, and has been shown to be effective in reducing dynamic lines.
The most important thing to remember when you’re considering any injectable treatment is that you should always book with an appropriately qualified practitioner. A healthcare professional is the best people to provide you with anti-wrinkle advice, they will conduct a thorough consultation and they fully understand whether the treatment is right for you. They are also able to perform the treatment safely and, should anything go wrong, they are also the best people to sort out the issue.