Despite fears over a global credit crunch, Brits are still keen on cosmetic surgery with the number of cosmetic procedures up by a third in the last year.
Worries over the state of the economy hasn’t deterred many Brits from plastic surgery with recent research showing that there has been an increased demand of 35 percent for cosmetic procedures.
What is Botox?
Botox is actually a neurotoxic protein called the ‘botulin toxin’. It is produced by the bacterium ‘clostridium botulinum’ and it is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances in the world. A single drop of the toxin can kill over 50,000 people.
How does it work?
In the 1950s, researchers discovered that injecting overactive muscles with minute quantities of the botulinium toxin (type A) decreased muscle activity by blocking the release of a chemical, thereby rendering the muscle unable to contract for anything up to 6 months.
Procedure: A cosmetic form of the botulinium toxin is injected into forehead creases, frown lines, crows feet and neck to temporarily reduce or eliminate them. The toxin blocks nerve impulses and temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause the wrinkles to give the skin a smoother, more refreshed look.
Length: 15 to 60 minutes per session
Anesthesia: None
In/Outpatient: Outpatient
Side Effects: Temporary pain, swelling, soreness
Risks: Assymetry/’droopy’ face, permanent numbness, lack of movement in face
Duration of results: Variable – up to 6 months.