My experience with BOTOX!

A couple of years ago I wrote a feature leaving readers wondering whether I had tried BOTOX (Botulinum Toxin Type A), or not – well the answer was no, I’ve always been adamant that I would never put a poison into my skin!  Wind on 2 years, throw in an emotional breakdown and ask me again - the answer is a resounding yes!  I’ve always had a rather prominent frown line and whilst I like expression, that frown line represented the negative I’d been through the last 30 years. It was time to say goodbye to the old Molly.

I’m often asked whom I would recommend to go to for BOTOX or any injectable treatment, I have only one person I trust and that is Dr Johanne Ward of The Skin Clinic, Brentwood.  Her expertise lies in dermatology and minor surgery (she was previously based at Guys and St Thomas and studied at Oxford).   Not only is she Medical Director of The Skin Clinic, but also has recently been appointed as an expert skincare advisor to Boots. An award winning, advanced BOTOX and filler injector, she is also a national trainer and teaches other doctors - her credentials take up two lines of her business card.   Confidentiality is high on her list, as whilst she has a regular celebrity client base she doesn’t divulge – I’ve tried!

When we met for our initial consultation I asked the following.

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is Botulinum toxin type A that blocks the release of acetylcholine, this in turn relaxes the muscle so the wrinkle is reduced. It takes 3-14 days for full effect and lasts around 4-6 months.

Will it hurt?

‘The most you will feel is a tiny scratch’. Dr Ward explained she has sourced around the world for the finest needles on the market to make the procedure as pain free as possible.

Will I look ‘frozen’?

‘No, our philosophy is less is more as you can always add more BOTOX but not take it away’ explained Dr Ward.  Some clients do prefer the ‘frozen’ look however, for beginners like me only a small amount is injected. A 2 week review is given where more is added if need be.  

What are the risks?

Risks are minimal as BOTOX has been FDA approved for cosmetic use now since 2002. However, as with everything there are always risks and the main one is that BOTOX can move away from the site it’s injected into. Whilst Dr Ward holds a 100% positive track record, she stresses no flushing of the face for 72 hours after i.e. vigorous exercise or alcohol.

Most importantly, she warns that most problems arise by unqualified practitioners.  BOTOX is a prescriptive only medicine and therefore any initial consultation must be seen by a prescriber.  First timers must make sure their  nurse must be fully qualified in writing prescriptions so make sure you check their credentials!

Is BOTOX tested on animals?

An intelligent question from my therapist at The Priory as out of the millions of BOTOX users, a few will be vegetarians and the fact is yes, some BOTOX brands are tested on animals. However, at The Skin Clinic they use several types including Allergan who do not test on animals.

On the day I was very nervous, we had discussed during my consultation that I’d like to remove some of the fine lines around my eyes, lift my eyebrow area, soften a couple of lines on more forehead and completely eradicate that frown line.  As I took to the reclining chair my only thought was ‘do not move’ and ‘what am I doing’? Even Gareth my photographer was nervous for me.

It was of course a waste of energy as not only was it pain free but also was over in a matter of minutes.  Just a tiny scratch, I found acupuncture more painful!  I’d been advised to exaggerate my facial expressions to allow the BOTOX to penetrate the muscles where injected. Two weeks later I had my review and we agreed to a tiny top up under my right eye.

Conclusion - I’m absolutely thrilled with the results.  Friends have commented on how ‘fresh faced’ I look and Gareth charmingly said ‘wow you look 7 years younger – don’t do too much or the body won’t match’!  I tested the results by celebrating my 42^nd birthday at The Sugar Hut, Brentwood last Saturday (01277 200885), and whilst my tired tootsies may have given away my age, I was dancing with guys nearly half my age (which is actually just wrong)!

So will I have it again? – This is a difficult question for me as I test many skin products for their efficiency and I can’t give an honest result if I’m for want of a better word ‘cheating’.  I’ve been reasoning with my inner nagging voice that whilst it maybe a poison, so are car fumes, mobile phone radiation and lets not mention the damage sugar does! The answer is yes, finances pending, but I will keep it minimal – I love my serums and creams, but for now that frown line has gone and I don’t want that baby back!

For further enquiries and costs contact The Skin Clinic, Brentwood 01277 214827. New clients receive 10% off all treatments.

Follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty or email molly@askmollybeauty.com.

 The Frown Line Before

 Frowning After - wheres it gone!?

 Before and after pictures of fading lines

 Raising my forehead before

 Bye Bye lines