“Botox” – World and UK Number 1 Non-Surgical Treatment
Botulinum Toxin Type A, commonly known as Botox, when used as a treatment for relaxing and smoothing out wrinkles, is now the most popular and universally prescribed treatment for frown lines to the forehead and ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes. In fact, it is officially the most requested non-surgical aesthetic treatment. According to a poll carried out by ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), anti-wrinkle injections are the world’s most popular non-surgical procedure and they now account for 38% of procedures worldwide. In the UK it accounts for 39% of all non-surgical treatments carried out.
Whilst it is true that some people regard wrinkles as a badge of honour, for most of us to feel good and more specially to hear from others that they think we are looking great, is definitively preferable. Reducing and eliminating wrinkles certainly go a long way to restoring a more youthful look and improving the chances of getting nice compliments. In this regard ‘Botox’ has historically been more popular with the over 40’s. However, prevention is always better than cure and now many people in their 30’s and 20’s are having anti-wrinkle treatments. An interesting point to note, is that whilst many older people have traditionally kept their Botox treatments a close-held secret, younger people tend to be much more open about it and their inclination is to tell family and friends.
On all accounts it certainly seems that the stigma once associated with Botox has largely been overcome.
Botox – how safe is it?
Due to its rather negative sounding technical name, Botulinum Toxin Type A, some people will always be wary of it. Poor results, especially in its early days, largely caused by poorly trained and unlicenced practitioners, gave people the so called “Spock” look, or unbalanced facial expressions which naturally scared people off. These days, 30 years on from its initial use as a clinically proven aesthetic treatment, its massive popularity is evidence itself that those initial fears around “Botox” have largely subsided.
Having said this, as a prescribed drug, it is important to highlight that there are still risks associated with Botox and the biggest of these come from the “back-shop”, unregulated, operators. Inferior products administered in less than sterile conditions by non-medical and often poorly trained personnel are to be avoided at all costs. Before anyone receives Botox injections it is vital and regulatory that you have a prior consultation with a medical prescriber and that the injections are given by a medically qualified practitioner in an approved clinical setting.
To be confident that you are in safe and expert hands, always use a clinic with medical practitioners. For anti-wrinkle injections, prior to your treatment you should always be given a pre-consultation with a prescribing doctor or nurse, who will ensure you have no medical conditions which may preclude its use. They should also explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Please note these are mandatory regulations which are essential for your own safety. A clinical environment is also vital to ensure your safety.
In Scotland most reputable clinics are regulated by Health Improvement Scotland who are the governing body who oversee medical compliance of the practitioners and the clinical environment. They also ensure that stringent protocols are in place and being followed, whilst certifying that the clinic is also health, safety and environmentally compliant.
Botox – more than an anti-wrinkle treatment
As a point of interest Botox is increasingly being used to help a whole range of medical conditions. As a neuromuscular blocker, it paralyzes the muscle into which it is injected and because muscles are involved in many medical conditions the range of medical applications of Botox is expanding. It is already been increasingly used in neurological conditions such as:
- Migraines
- TMJ – chronic jaw pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome – chronic pain in neck and back.
- Excessive sweating
- Urinary incontinence
Botox – friend or foe?
In conclusion Botox is not only the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatment in the world today, but when administered by medical professionals in a clinical environment it is one of the safest. It has helped millions of people look and feel better about themselves. Triumphing over all the stigma once associated with it, it is no longer something one needs to keep a secret but can be openly shared. Its increasing range of medical applications is ever evolving and bringing relief to those who suffer from those conditions is surely highly commendable. Therefore, all things considered, “Botox” whether used within aesthetics, or its development as a treatment for an increasing number of medical conditions, on all accounts is inarguably a good friend, to be embraced and applauded.
Author: Chris Wood
Business Director
NY Skin Clinic Ltd
21/10/20
For more information on anti-wrinkle injections or alternatives and all other aesthetic treatments please refer our website: www.nyskinclinic.co.uk or contact NY Skin Clinic on: info@nyskinclinic.co.uk
We offer free skin consultations to all and a warm welcome awaits you at our clinic on: 92 Fonthill Road, Ferryhill, Aberdeen, AB11 6UL.Tel.01224 593777