A Beginner’s Guide to Natural-Looking Botox

In a world where facial rejuvenation treatments are almost as commonly available as haircuts and manicures; having a variety of options open to patients is key to attaining individual success stories. Botox, scientifically referred to as botulinum toxin, is one of the most popular, non-invasive options on the market at the moment, and as such is attracting more and more people year on year.

We will all have seen stories in the media about how far individuals can go with Botox, leaving their faces frozen with no room for expression or movement. Contrary to popular belief, this frozen look is a result of ineffective technique or simply too many treatments. Natural-looking Botox is far easier to achieve; and can be hugely beneficial in restoring youth to the face – quickly, effectively, and safely.

What is Botox treatment?

Botox is a cosmetic procedure which was developed in response to the need for a facial treatment that could restore youth without requiring surgery. In fact, a better starting question might be, how do wrinkles form?

Wrinkles are quite literally folds in the skin, created when the muscles under the skin contract and cause the skin to fold and wrinkle up. Wrinkles commonly form around the areas of the face which we move the most – the sides of our eyes, around the mouth, and around the nose.

That’s where Botox comes in. Injected into these muscles in the face in small doses, Botox essentially causes paralysis of those muscles, which stops them from contracting. Thus, they no longer create the same folds in the skin, and the wrinkles are able to smooth out and relax.

The most natural-looking Botox is achieved when only the most deeply wrinkled areas are targeted, and the treatment is renewed every 3-4 months as required. The more frequently the treatment is undertaken, the more frozen your face can end up looking, so the first and most important step is to make sure you receive Botox at a trustworthy clinic with experts who can help you to assess your need and the most effective natural-looking Botox possible for you.

Can I remove wrinkles on my face with Botox?

Having been around on the market for 20+ years, Botox has gained a solid reputation for being effective against facial wrinkles and the effects of ageing. However, one thing to note is that no matter how much treatment you get – from the most natural-looking Botox through to the frozen face effect – you can never completely remove wrinkles from your face with Botox.

The non-invasive treatment is not a permanent fixture, and so patients will always be warned by their Clinician, first and foremost, that the effects can be expected to last for up to 4 months, before the wrinkles start to set back in and a follow-up procedure is required.

In short, Botox is effective against the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but it will not remove them completely – and there are some lines which are far harder to treat and may require a more invasive treatment, such as the lines around the mouth.

What is it like to get Botox injections?

The procedure is actually very quick – so much so that patients are often amazed by how effective the results of a natural-looking Botox procedure can be, following such a quick process.

A very fine needle is selected and injected into the target areas of the face – directly into the muscle. This can cause some minor discomfort upon entry of the needle; but no more than you would expect from any other kind of injection. After this, the treatment will take a few days to take hold and showcase the final results.

Does Botox hurt?

The treatment does not use any kind of anaesthesia, so some minor discomfort may be experienced by those opting for Botox. The level of pain you feel will related directly to how sensitive you are to injections and which area of the face the treatment is in – for example, around the eyes and mouth and typically more sensitive areas than, say, your forehead. Some of the more painful areas may be treated with a numbing cream prior to the injection, though this is generally determined on a case by case basis.

However, overall, those seeking natural-looking Botox will find that it is not a painful procedure and any discomfort will only last for a short time.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Botox?

The primary point to note here is that most mistakes and ineffective treatments stem from incorrect technique; rather than the treatment. That is why the most important thing you can do in preparation for your Botox; is to find a trained professional to do it.

That, and there are simply some types of wrinkle which are not affected by Botox – as explored above. These wrinkles which are not impacted by Botox are called Static wrinkles – and they tend to run much deeper; requiring a combination of both Botox and some form of facial filler.

What is the difference between dermal fillers and Botox?

Aside from the price point, recovery time and lifespan of each treatment, the most basic difference is this: while Botox freezes the muscle contraction to reduce the lines and wrinkles formed by facial movement, dermal fillers inject volume back into sagging areas of the skin, to plump the wrinkles back up. One easy way to understand the difference can be to look at the face; the most expressive areas of our faces lie in the upper region. This is the area most often treated by Botox. The lower parts of our face, for example around the mouth and the chin, tend to be subject to gravity and so cause static wrinkles. This is best treated by dermal fillers.

For those seeking a full facial rejuvenation, the best treatment can actually be to combine the benefits. Natural-looking Botox in the forehead and around the eyes, alongside filler around the mouth.

In summary

All things considered, if a natural enhancement of youth is want you’re aiming for; then natural-looking Botox is a minimally invasive and relatively safe place to start. Side effects are rare and, provided you see a Botox professional for your treatment, you should end up with optimal results that will inject a little youth back into your face while still embracing a natural-looking glow.

If you have any concerns of questions at all; your Clinician should be more than able to answer your queries or address any worries prior to treatment.

What could cause Botox not to work?

The primary point to note here is that most mistakes and ineffective treatments stem from incorrect technique; rather than the treatment. That is why the most important thing you can do in preparation for your Botox; is to find a trained professional to do it.

That, and there are simply some types of wrinkle which are not affected by Botox – as explored above. These wrinkles which are not impacted by Botox are called Static wrinkles – and they tend to run much deeper; requiring a combination of both Botox and some form of facial filler.

What is the difference between dermal fillers and Botox?

Aside from the price point, recovery time and lifespan of each treatment, the most basic difference is this: while Botox freezes the muscle contraction to reduce the lines and wrinkles formed by facial movement, dermal fillers inject volume back into sagging areas of the skin, to plump the wrinkles back up. One easy way to understand the difference can be to look at the face; the most expressive areas of our faces lie in the upper region. This is the area most often treated by Botox. The lower parts of our face, for example around the mouth and the chin, tend to be subject to gravity and so cause static wrinkles. This is best treated by dermal fillers.

For those seeking a full facial rejuvenation, the best treatment can actually be to combine the benefits. Natural-looking Botox in the forehead and around the eyes, alongside filler around the mouth.

In summary

All things considered if a natural enhancement of youth is want you’re aiming for; then natural-looking Botox is a minimally invasive and relatively safe place to start. Side effects are rare and, provided you see a Botox professional for your treatment, you should end up with optimal results that will inject a little youth back into your face while still embracing a natural-looking glow.

If you have any concerns or questions at all; your Clinician should be more than able to answer your queries or address any worries prior to treatment.