Dermatologist Talks: 10 things you need to know about BOTOX
February 17, 2020
Millions of BOTOX (Short for Botulinum Toxin Therapy) injections are performed annually, making it the most common cosmetic procedure in the world. Here’s all you need to know about BOTOX.
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Dr. Teo Wan Lin is an accredited dermatologist and an expert on cosmeceutical skincare research and development. She is the author of “Skincare Bible – Dermatologist’s Tips for Cosmeceutical Skincare” which was published July 2019 by leading bookstores Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor and Apple Books and available in bookstores islandwide from January 2020. She heads up Dr.TWL Dermaceuticals, a specialist cosmeceutical skincare line with evidence-based active ingredients for anti-ageing and skin health. Its subsidiaries, the Pi- Cosmeceutical Custom Makeup Lab and the Conscious Mask Bar are part of the Conscious Concept Pharmacy launched in December featuring environmentally sustainable makeup and skincare materials.
1. What are the benefits of BOTOX?
Botulinum toxin therapy functions to diminish signs of aging and to treat hyperhidrosis— a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating.
- Frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eye i.e Crow’s feet.
- Excessive sweating in the underarms when treatment applied to the skin does not work well enough.
2. Can BOTOX be used to treat excessive sweating?
BOTOX can be used as a treatment for a condition known as hyperhidrosis whereby the body produces excessive amount of sweat under normal environmental temperatures. It is predominantly injected over areas such as the face, underarms and palms. Speak to your dermatologist to find out if you are a candidate for BOTOX used to treat hyperhidrosis.
3. Is it mandatory to consult a dermatologist to undergo BOTOX?
The success of a cosmetic treatment is dependent on the skill and knowledge of the person performing the treatment. Board-certified dermatologists receive many years of education and training, which gives them expertise in this area. During the first consultation, Dr. Teo will inform you if the procedure will deliver the desired results, based on the condition of your skin as well as your age and health.
A medical license is required to purchase Botulinum Toxin. Products you can purchase online without a license are illegal and potentially dangerous. They differ greatly from products used by a dermatologist. Using online products may result in severe complications. Cases of long-term muscle paralysis, Bell’s palsy, and permanent eye damage are just a few examples.
4. What occurs during the procedure at TWL?
A consultation with our accredited dermatologist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for BOTOX. Full financial counselling is provided and informed consent is taken before the nurse prepares you for the procedure. Numbing cream is then applied to the areas where Botulinum Toxin will be injected. The procedure itself takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the number of injected sites. Thereafter a cooling lifting mask is applied to ensure optimal healing.
When treating fine lines and wrinkles, the dermatologist injects botulinum toxin into targeted muscles on the face or neck. This temporarily relaxes the targeted muscles, causing fine lines and wrinkles to diminish. The effect lasts about 3 to 4 months — and sometimes longer.
When treating excessive sweating, a dermatologist injects directly into the skin on the underarm. A single treatment can provide up to 6 months of relief from excessive sweating.
5. Are there any risks and/or side effects of BOTOX?
The side effects of the treatment tend to be mild and temporary. Bruising of injection sites may occur. If this happens, the bruising lasts about 1 week.
After receiving injections, people have experienced:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Soreness
- Bruising
- Mild headache (uncommon)
- Weakness in a neighbouring muscle, leading to a temporarily droopy brow or eyelid (rare)
- Signs and symptoms of botulism, including problems breathing, swallowing, or speaking (very rare)
6. Will I lack facial expressions after treatment? Will it “freeze my face”?
Skilled injectors will ensure that the correct amount of toxin, proportionate to the severity of the wrinkles, is injected to avoid having the frozen face look.
7. At what age can I start the treatment? Is BOTOX suitable for me?
Aging is assessed based on the staging on the Glogau Photo-damage Classification Scale. Typically anyone beyond the age of 25 will start to show signs of aging and will hence be a suitable candidate.
8. How often do I have to return for treatments?
The effects of the treatment last about 3 to 4 months — and sometimes longer.
9. How soon will I see the results of the treatment?
Majority of my patients see results within 3 to 7 days.
10. Are there any alternatives to BOTOX?
If you do not have time to visit a dermatologist for your BOTOX procedure, consider these home aesthetic treatments with cosmeceuticals that can help you.
Dr. TWL’s Oligopeptide vegetal capsules contain argireline. With its clinically proven anti-aging properties, our Oligopeptide capsules relaxes facial tension lines resulting in less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles making it an alternative to BOTOX therapy. Read more about argireline and oligopeptide by clicking on the links below.
https://twlskin.com/how-argireline-works-for-anti-aging/
https://drtwlderma.com/ingredient-spotlight-peptides/
Meet with Dr. Teo Wan Lin, an accredited dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, for a thorough consultation to determine the most suitable treatment for your skin.
To book an appointment with Dr. Teo, call us at +65 6355 0522, or email appt@twlskin.com. Alternatively, you may fill up our contact form here.
Tags: Aesthetic Treatments, Anti-Ageing, Botox, Wrinkles