The mere mention of the word “botox” conjures up scary images of emotionless middle aged women who can’t frown, and other undesired results like drooping eyelids or uneven eyebrows.
Mariette and Carla Monteiro, owners of SkinPhd Queenswood Quarter set the record straight and tackle these negative connotations.
As the sister duo explains, botox injections are noted primarily for the ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. They’re also used to treat conditions such as neck spasms (cervical dystonia), excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), an overactive bladder and lazy eye. Botox injections may also help prevent chronic migraine, as cited in this Havard Medical School report.
“Botox offers a number of physical and psychological benefits to women and men of all ages. If you’re seeking to improve your appearance and look younger without surgery, Botox is a non-invasive injectible that will solve a number of health challenges that come along with aging. I think the biggest misconception about Botox occurs because people are not educated, they do not have the correct information or knowledge and immediately associate it with celebs that have become “frozen” which is not the case with most botox patients.” says Mariette.
Botox has a strange backstory. Its origins stem from the neurotoxin (clostridium botulinum bacteria) which is sometimes found in soil. It causes botulism, a paralyzing food poisoning when ingested.
However, in the 1970s botox was introduced to the medical world as a healing remedy for all sorts of physical ailments. Originally, scientists and researchers experimented with the product to treat crossed eyes. They noticed that it weakened forehead muscles located between the eyes (the glabella) and additionally reduced scowling and brow wrinkling.
10 facts you need to know about botox
Mariette and Carla highlight 10 facts you need to know about BOTOX:
- Botox, no matter what condition it’s used for, is considered a neuromodulator. This means that the toxin temporarily paralyzes or “freezes” carefully targeted muscle groups.
2. It works by preventing the muscles from contracting, hence diminishing undesirable facial wrinkles. Muscle movement will return over a period of months, but this is a great “touch up” procedure with no scarring or residual damage to the skin or muscle tissue.
3. Botox is also used for improving the facial contour such as relaxing the muscles of the jaw and giving the face a natural V-shape jawline.
4. Contrary to popular belief, Botox, when performed by certified doctors only. This procedure is invasive, yet safe and comfortable according
5. The treatment involves the injection of a purified protein into specific muscles with a very fine needle, which effectively and safely blocks nerve impulses responsible for wrinkles caused by frowning and smiling.
6. After three to five days contraction of muscles is reduced, and lines and wrinkles appear less severe. It takes about 2 weeks for your Botox injections to achieve optimal results.
7. Botox results are temporary, and will usually last around 3-6 months, before the treatment would need to be repeated.
8. With regular and prolonged usage, muscles are ‘trained’ to contract less and over time the treated areas will require less frequent Botox injections for a more youthful yet natural appearance.
9. Botox is not limited to the face. It has also been surprisingly DA-approved for the treatment of excessive sweating of the underarms. Botox can also relieve tension, thereby relieving psychological or musculoskeletal stress in the areas we treat.
When anxiety and facial tension result from aging, grinding teeth, or pressure buildup in the face and jawline, Botox is an effective treatment remedy. It is very possible to treat stress-related conditions with Botox.
10. Botox is measured per unit, and it depends on which area you are focusing on in order to determine the amount of units needed. SkinPhD Queenswood Quarter charges R70 per unit.
To make a booking, call SkinPhD Queenswood on 087 898 1078.
