The Beginner's Guide to Botox

What comes to mind when you think of cosmetic procedures for smooth and wrinkle-free skin? If ‘Botox’ was your immediate thought, there’s a reason! Botox was the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure in 2020, with over 4.4 million procedures performed in the last year alone. can we add stat on how many search volumes there were?

Having fine lines and wrinkles is completely normal. Everyone has them at some point in their life. But if you prefer a more wrinkle-free and smooth complexion, your answer is Botox. A quick and easy procedure that gives glorious results when done right.

We understand that you may have several questions before you consider this procedure. But we have got you covered. Here is a curated guide to answer all your Botox-related queries. Let us begin.

What is Botox?

Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is an injection therapy that causes muscle paralysis which prevents the skin in the area from wrinkling and lasts for months. It is produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum which is found in plants, soil, water, and the intestinal tracts of certain animals and fish.

Botox has been used for cosmetic treatments for several years. It does the job of freezing the muscle which causes the formation of wrinkles. It is generally used to reduce the formation of wrinkles and lines over the face, and to get a smoother and line-free complexion.

These days, Botox is also used for treating hyperhidrosis i.e., excessive sweating, neck spasms, overactive bladders, lazy eye, and migraines.

What to Expect – The Botox Procedure

Once you opt for a Botox treatment, a dermatologist will assess your face and will recommend the dosage required, based on your facial goals. When used for treating wrinkles, Botox is administered and used in very small doses also known as Baby Botox.

After that, a numbing cream is applied to areas on your face where the treatment is to be performed and left to sit for around 20-60 minutes. Once the skin is numb, it is ready for the actual treatment. The dermatologist will inject the areas that are to be treated. The injections are painless and feel like tiny pricks on the face.

The entire process takes a mere 10-15 minutes. An ice pack is provided after the procedure to soothe the skin and prevent any discomfort.

Benefits Of Botox

Botox has quite a few benefits when performed under professional guidance. Some of these are:

• Botox treatments help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the face like crow’s feet, smile lines, and lines on the forehead.
• Botox can be used to reduce excess sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis.
• Botox helps in reducing the size of the muscles temporarily.
• Botox is used to alleviate migraines.
• Botox is also used to adjust lazy eyes.
• If used creatively, Botox can also be used to slim the shape of the face, lift eyebrows, turn up lip corners, and lift the lips.
• One of the biggest perks of Botox is its quick treatment time. It hardly takes a couple of minutes to complete the treatment. The results are visible after a few weeks and last for several months.

However, it is important to remember that Botox is not a permanent treatment. It is a temporary procedure that lasts for up to 3-4 months.

Is Botox For You?

Anybody seeking the facial corrections mentioned above can get Botox. However, there are some health criteria you need to be careful about.

The best candidate for undergoing Botox is someone, who has good physical and psychological health. If you are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, we do not recommend Botox. Similarly, if you are breastfeeding, Botox is not a suitable option.

Apart from this, if you have any neurological illness or diseases, taking Botox injections is not recommended. You can always consult your dermatologist for more information and concerns regarding the eligibility for undergoing Botox.

The Right Age To Start Getting Botox

People generally prefer getting Botox in their 30’s when signs of aging start showing more prominently. Having said that, there is no specific age at which you can start getting the treatment. It is a matter of personal preference and choice when you want to start getting Botox.

In recent times, people in their early 20’s are also choosing to undergo Botox. Some dermatologists recommend that it is better to start Botox as a preventive measure than to use it to fix facial lines and wrinkles.

Is Botox Safe?

Injecting needles all over your face might sound scary, but there is not much to worry about. Botox is US FDA-approved and has been researched for over 16 years. If done under professional care and guidance, Botox is a completely safe treatment, especially in comparison to other, more invasive cosmetic procedures.

Risks And Side Effects Of Getting Botox

As with every treatment, there are a few risks and side effects that you need to be aware of.

• The most common side effect can be slight bruising and swelling on the injected areas. This bruising and swelling can subside in a few days with proper care.
• In some cases, Botox can lead to flu-like symptoms and headaches.
• If Botox is not done correctly or if too much of it is injected in the wrong areas, it can lead to a frozen or expressionless face, asymmetrical issues, or eyelid drooping.

However, this happens very rarely, with less than 1% of patients experiencing an issue with the treatment.

Choosing The Right Clinic

A safe and effective Botox procedure requires expert guidance and in-depth expertise. When improperly done, Botox treatments can go wrong and reduce your natural beauty instead of enhancing it. We recommend that you thoroughly screen the clinic and the doctors you choose for this procedure, based on the following criteria.

• Prioritize clinics that have board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons on board as they are experts in facial anatomy unlike general physician or non-physician injectors.
• Just like you do your research while hiring a photographer or a tattoo artist, the same amount of research is necessary when you are looking for a clinic for your Botox treatment. Look for a clinic that matches your aesthetic.
• Look out for the before and after result pictures. If you find a frozen face, that is a sign to say goodbye.
• Lastly look for a clinic with good reviews, a clinic that fits your budget, and a clinic that is willing to listen to your needs and desires rather than dictating your decisions.At Kaya, we craft an experience customised for you. The real skill of our dermatologists lies in ensuring just the right touches in the right places so that natural expressions are maintained. Botox is after all, as much an art as is it science.

How Much Does Botox Cost?

The cost of Botox depends a lot upon the location you are seeking the service at and the experience of the professional.

Botox procedures in the UAE start at around AED 600. If you’re looking to get around 20 units this will cost you approximately AED 30/unit. This increases with the expertise and reputation of the skin clinic, with the most reputed clinics charging around AED 1000-1500 which translates to roughly AED 50/unit. Some clinics also offer combined packages for multiple areas of the face at a singular price.

However, this is simply an estimated cost of the process. The actual costs may vary depending on the clinic you choose, the type of treatment you are looking for, and the extent of changes required. Based on our experience, it is always better to choose quality over cost, when it comes to skin solutions, as you are then assured of effective results.

Botox: Should You Get It or Not?

Botox is a tried and tested treatment that helps in preserving your beauty and enhancing your features. Opting for Botox or refraining from it is a personal choice that you need to take on your own and for yourself.

At Kaya Skin Clinic, we offer personalized advice on getting Botox and help you experience a smooth treatment. Our skilled dermatologists give you in-depth insights on how to care for your skin pre and post the treatment so that your skin looks healthy, glowing, and radiant for a long time. For more details, connect with our experts at Kaya Skin Clinic.