Botox is a Household name – but is it good for you!

Botox is now a household name. You mention the word Botox and you get all sorts of raising (or in some cases not able to raise) eyebrows. Botox is actually the trade name for the toxin called Botulinum Yes that’s right! it’s a toxin - as in bad substance that can cause harm.

A Bacteria Based Protein

It is a protein produced by the bacteria call Clostridium Botulinum and is a neurotoxin. In everyday language, this means it is a product of a “bug” and this product acts on the nerves to cause them to stop working.

Medical and Commercial Uses

The medical use of this substance is to cause muscle paralysis in certain conditions that affects muscles. It is also used to treat people who sweat excessively under the armpit areas.

However, the commercial use of this substance is in cosmetics and the word Botox is associated with celebrities...........

..... and the rich and famous, concerned with looks and anti aging issues, population. Every magazine is filled with gossip of the latest celebrity who may or may not have used Botox to some extent.

In the aesthetic world, the toxin is used in small doses to cause relaxation of facial muscles to reduce the skin wrinkling effect. This gives an individual the look of smooth skin with the appearance of younger looking skin. This effect can last up to 3 to 6 months at a time.

Horror Stories Abound

There have been many horror stories about the adverse affects of injecting this toxin into the skin and I myself have had many people ask me about aspects they have read about with the toxin.

In the aesthetic and cosmetic world, the doses are so small, that they will not cause any major adverse effects if used and administered correctly. There have been major side effects and even deaths linked to the use of Botulinum. However, the use in these cases has been at much higher doses than those used for cosmetic reasons.

Why Do It?

So why would someone want this procedure and is it safe and why not have it done?
Well, the answers to all of these is due to any aspect of life, and it’s all about individual choice and informed decision making. Yes, the majority of people who think about the procedure are people who want to change or preserve their looks to some extent. This actually makes me wonder that the real issues are concerned with the ageing process and self image and perhaps other solutions would be more appropriate. Not to say that all people who have these cosmetic procedures done have that thinking process.

Everything in Moderation

In moderation, every thing has its place. We can compare the simple fact that using the gym to change the way your body looks is a way of changing an aspect of your own looks that you are not happy about. So why is using the toxin Botulinum any different? Yes, if you over-exercise you can cause more harm physically and mentally to yourself. This is the same truth with cosmetic procedures as well.

The converse is also true! Used in the correct manner, exercise can improve a person´s mood and perception of him or herself, and in turn this can improve their self confidence. Does Botulinum toxin also cause this same effect in people – can it improve someone’s confidence levels?

The aesthetic world is an every changing and fast growing industry focusing on image, health and well-being. There are many good aspects to it, but there are many inaccurate claims about what can actually be achieved realistically with treatments. It is an area that is difficult to regulate at present due to the lack of scientific, evidence based, studies on the products and treatments and their longer term effects.

The most important thing is that you are guided by a qualified and experienced practitioner who is interested in you as a person and not just in selling a procedure. Someone who can explain fully the pros and cons of the product or treatment. Someone who will spend time with you to why you want the product or treatment and what your expectations really are.

What Did the Best Say?

I was out to dinner with a very close friend of mine and we were discussing this very subject. I must admit, I was way out of my depth, as she happens to be one of the world´s best aesthetic doctors - Dr Preema Vig. However I kept pushing for answers. What was I pushing for? Well, I kept asking if she could predict whether needed or would need such interventions to stay looking young. I don’t think I got an answer and to me that shows the importance of a realistic professional giving good advice and treating a person as a whole and not just a procedure.

So, to Botox or not to Botox? Well, I say, if you are happy with the blue shirt, then wear the blue shirt. If you want to change the shirt, then take the advice of someone who is not colour blind!