Places to have Botox and similar injectable treatments are popping up in the most unusual establishments. Read on to find out what you need to look for.
With the proliferation of non-surgical treatments in the UK, it becomes increasingly important for you to be aware of industry best practices and understand what treatments are right for you.
You should always have an initial, detailed consultation with your medical professional. The skill in aesthetics is recognising that making small changes in maybe just one area can give you a dramatically more youthful look.
1) Ask yourself: why do I want Botox?
Do you look angry or cross all the time? If someone else has suggested you need Botox, you may want to reconsider. This needs to come from you. Do you want to have Botox for one special occasion or for an ongoing issue, such as wrinkle prevention? Make sure to iron out your skincare goals before starting your treatment. A qualified aesthetician can help you do this.
2) Qualification and Experience?
Ensure that the medical practitioner is qualified to do the assessment and treatment and that aesthetics is their main speciality. Administering injectables into the face is a very specific skill which requires very specific training and experience.
3) The Initial assessment
You must have an initial assessment to look at your whole face because Botox may not be the best ‘value for money’ treatment in your case. At Radiance, we’ll conduct Visia Skin Analysis which determines the health and condition of your skin. From here, we can decide whether Botox would help you to achieve your objectives, or whether a different treatment would work best.
4) Does the clinic offer other treatments?
The clinic must offer other treatments because Botox does not cure all problems, and another treatment such as Dermal filler or Skin tightening may be more appropriate.
5) Botox for different ages
Make sure your practitioner explains how Botox works and the effects of Botox in different age groups. Assessment and treatment for the under 40s is very different to the over 40s.
6) Side effects
If Botox is right for you make sure your practitioner explains the side effects, then have pictures taken, sign a consent form and ask for aftercare information. If a practitioner doesn’t explain side effects and follow these steps, they may not carry the experience you deserve.
7) Ask what type of Botox is being used?
There are many toxins available so make sure it is a market leader, such as Azzalure or Bocouture.
8) The follow up
Botox takes up to 2 weeks to work. Make sure you have a follow-up appointment with your practitioner to discuss your results and give a complimentary top-up if necessary. Your practitioner must explain your results, because initially you may not be aware that more Botox is needed. At Radiance, we offer complimentary top-ups if needed, and will take the time to talk about how your skin has changed, and whether you need another session.
9) Book your next appointment
For around 4 months later. Your next session should happen before the Botox wears off so that your skin loses its ‘muscle memory’ and those wrinkles etc reappear.
10) Other things to consider
Ask what else might be appropriate:
- Skin Care – Cosmeceutical grade products (not available over the counter) to include antioxidants, retinol and adequate sun protection.
- Collagen Stimulation Treatments – to create skin tightening. They include Thermage, Laser, Omniface, Nanopore Microneedling Mesotherapy, Hydrafacial, PDO threads, Chemical Peels and Indiba.
- Supplements – To give your body the ‘building blocks’ for healthy skin, hair and nails, as well as your whole body.