The Irish Medicines Board said these products “should only be given by physicians with appropriate qualifications and expertise in the treatment and the use of the required equipment”.
Anti-wrinkle injectables, or what everyone refers to as ‘botox’ injections seem to be offered everywhere from salons to dentist’s offices.
Understanding of facial muscles
It takes serious understanding of the underlying musculature of the face, as well as a very well trained aesthetic eye, to correctly administer botox in the right area. Even for medics qualified in other areas of expertise are unfamiliar with the appropriate details until they have sufficient training as well as experience.
As ‘botox’ was approved for medical purposes other than cosmetic; namely the control of muscle spasms and the improvement of severe underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis), some medical staff may have experience with using the product for these purposes.
Cosmetic usage of botox
In cosmetic usage, botulinum toxin type A (which is the active ingredient) is used specifically to smooth glabellar lines; the frown lines that appear in the middle of the forehead.
Initially, the FDA-approved use was for this area only, but it has since proved effective for other areas. ‘Off-label’ usage for horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet, marionette lines at the corners of the mouth and smoker’s lines around the lips was found to be effective and successful in the right hands, but potentially problematic in inexperienced, unqualified ones.
Anti-Wrinkle Injectable Types
There are different types of injectables, which work in different ways to minimise lines. Dermal fillers work differently to botox, plumping up tissues so that lines and wrinkles diminish or disappear (Restylane, Radiesse and Juvederm are examples).
After careful analysis of your face, position of dynamic and static wrinkles and skin issues, Cosmetic Doctor will recommend the most appropriate anti-wrinkle injectable for you; botox is used mostly on the upper portion of the face as a general rule.
For a complete consultation call Cosmetic Doctor on 01 685 3100.