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How Can You Increase Your Botulinum Toxin Safety?

It’s become a favourite within the world of aesthetic tweakments and even used to treat such concerns such as migraines and jaw grinding. How safe is Botox, how long does it actually last for, whats the best age for Botox and can you become immune to Botox? We answer all in the following blog.

How Can it Be Safe?

Practitioners inject the popular treatment for reducing wrinkles, Botox, that contains botulinum toxin, directly into the facial area of their patients. You may wonder how this can possibly be safe. The secret is that manufacturers of Botox use purified, extremely small quantities of the toxin.
How Does it Smooth Wrinkles?

Botox works beneath the skin, targeting the muscles that underlie wrinkled facial areas. While it cannot erase existing lines or eliminate sagging, it temporarily immobilizes the muscles of the face where injected by blocking communication between nerve endings and the brain. By forestalling the normal contractions that take place during facial expressions, Botox makes wrinkled skin appear smoother and immobilizes its tendency to sag.

Botox is especially effective in the upper facial area, around the eyes and forehead where it can reduce crows’ feet, creases, and other wrinkles. Depending on the patient, the effects of a Botox injection last three to six months.

History of Botox Use

First utilized for facial applications by medical professionals in the 1970s to treat squinting in young children, British dermatologist Nick Lowe studied and developed Botox in the 1980s for treating frown lines.

The product received its licensing for general use in 1994, and since that time nearly 500,000 British citizens have undergone injection treatments.

While the best administrator for treatments is unquestionably a qualified professional, the rapid spread of Botox use has occasioned a similar growth in the sphere of application choices. After being approved for cosmetic use in the UK in the mid 2000s, beauticians, dentists, or the barber down the street may offer Botox treatments. If you are the practical sort, you can even purchase a do it yourself kit online.

How long does Botox last for?

The Allergan product Botox used in the suggested dose range is usually thought to last about twelve before having no clinical effect.

The action of Botox means that it is possible to see some return of movement from the six week stage as the therapeutic effect of the product starts to diminish and the nerve end plates start to reconnect with the muscles.

If you are finding that your patients are not seeing this duration of treatment there may be a few things to consider:

  • Is your patients expectation of treatment realistic?
  • Have you considered the appropriate dose for muscle mass, surface area, gender and ethnicity?
  • Does your patient have a swift metabolism
  • Are they taking any medicines including vitamins and herbal preparations that could speed metabolism?
  • Has your patient had any illnesses or events to cause a steep change in their recent aging process?
  • Is your patient a smoker?
  • Have you compromised your product by using alcohol to clean the skin or swab the vial top?
  • Have you denatured the product by inconsistent storage, excessive movement or too speedy a reconstitution?
  • Has your placement site and depth of injection been appropriate for the area being treated?
  • Did you advise your patient on aftercare?

The results are generally predictable but each treatment with toxin will produce a slightly different result. Any of the above factors could influence the outcome.

What is the best age for Botox?

Is there really an “Optimum Age” for Botox treatment? Or is this some kind of myth

Similarly…what is “too young” or “past the point of help”?

Up to a point, “Too Young” is obvious. We’ve all heard the recent controversy over the San Francisco Mom who gave Botox treatments to her Pageant-queen 8 year old daughter. There has been a media frenzy of similarly ridiculous stories. And any medically qualified Aesthetic Practitioner worth their weight in botulinum toxin knows that there is simply no question about the right or wrong in these cases. But over the age of about 18? 20? 25? Where does it begin… And where does it, or should it end?

Perhaps the debate can be split into two: the perspective of the Practitioner, and the Perspective of the Patient (note we say Patient, not Client: at Cosmetic Courses, we feel it is so important to remember that Botox is still a medically prescribed drug not just a beauty treatment…ethical decisions need to be made around this topic as with other medical procedures).

The Patient’s Perspective:

Botox provides a safe and effective means of looking more youthful and banishing wrinkles like no other treatment, for up to 4-6 months at a time. Robert Kotler (Md, FACS) makes the valuable point that, to the Patient, the best age at which to begin Botox treatment is largely based on their personal interpretation – on “what you see when you look in the mirror”.

In other words: no matter how many hundreds of times friends, family and surgeons try to persuade a 20-something patient that they have beautiful skin, if all they see when they look in the mirror is one huge wrinkle, they will fixate on it. It can make them genuinely very unhappy, however silly this may seem to other, possibly older, patients. But does this make them any less “eligible” for treatment?

Of course, the highly image-conscious environment of the Western world plays a large part in this. Women and men alike are bombarded by airbrushed images of silk-skinned celebrities. Many feel retaining youthful looks is integral to keeping ahead in their careers.

As a Practitioner, when judging the need of the Patient, it is therefore hugely important to be able to empathise: to think, why is this important to this Patient, is there some way that I can work with the area concerning them to improve it (even if it is not as pronnounced as in other Patients) and not merely to dismiss them as “not needing it” until you have tried to get inside their shoes and seen their reflection in the mirror through their eyes.

In some cases it may be a lot easier…patients who have had a lot of sun exposure, for example, often do have genuine significant forehead wrinkling, squint and glabellar lines even at a very early age.

The attitude towards patients of 65+ wanting Botox tends to be much more liberal, i.e. “Well, if they want to pay for it!” . Many people are going on working to a much older age nowadays so increasingly defending this choice through preserving their youthful looks is important. Plus the generations of highly glamorous older celebrities are making the trend for much older Botox requests just as likely as unusually young Botox patients.

The Practitioner’s Perspective:

Of course, regardless of ability to Empathise and weigh up the emotional implications for your patients (i.e. do they really need this treatment to make them feel better about themselves?) there are still practical implications for the Aesthetic Practitioner, such as the health considerations caused by age.

“Too Young” and a patient is still developing – both physically and emotionally. With the 18’s – early 20’s age group, if you strongly believe that your Patient does not have any lines to treat and is simply feeling the pressure to live up to celebrity airbrushed distortions of  reality, then perhaps it is your ethical duty to explain this. At Cosmetic Courses we believe you should never, ever perform an Aesthetic Procedure purely for the money if the patient does not need it: this will not build up trust and is abusing your medical position.

On the opposite scale, whilst there is technically no reason why Botox treatment is unsafe for patients aged 65+, such treatment is considered “off label” i.e. not the norm. You may need to check out the patient’s skin elasticity, check extra carefully that they are in good medical health with no contraindications (watch out for blood thinning medications or neurological diseases). If all this is fine, then they are as good to go as any other patient!

With all patients who fall outside the “typical” age bracket for Botox treatments (i.e. those who could obviously and easily benefit from it), it is best for both the Patient and the Practitioner if the Consultation process involves a clear explanation of the results that may be achieved and the Patient’s expectations. This will ensure that the patient is not disappointed, and the Practitioner is not expected to perform impossible miracles!

Can you become immune to Botox?

The answer to this is yes you can become immune to Botox! But it is extremely uncommon.

There are a number of different types of botulinum toxins available currently in the United Kingdom.

These include Botox, Xeomin and Azzalure.

If your patient becomes allergic/immune to one of these types of toxin it is likely one of the others will work satisfactorily for them.

Botox is normally associated with botulinum toxin as hoover is to vacuum cleaners. However not all vacuum cleaners are hoovers and not all botulinum toxins are botox.

If your patient does feel their botox treatment is becoming less effective, you need to offer them a full consultation during which you may suggest using an alternative type of botulinum toxin.

Botox Training

If you would like to advance your Botox training options we have a variety of routes for you:

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Botox Training for Medical Professionals

Botox® Training for Medical Professionals

Whether you are looking to kick-start your career in aesthetics or wanting to build your personal development and professional skills, try our award-winning Botox® training for medical professionals. We offer our foundation course to surgeons, doctors, nurses and dentists who have an up to date registration.

As an established training provider for over 16 years, Cosmetic Courses has trained over 6000 professionals in Botox ® and dermal filler techniques, supporting them to set up their own successful clinics.

Benefits of Enrolling on Botox® and Dermal Filler Training

Botox® and dermal fillers demand is increasingly high, showing to be a beneficial area to train in. The majority of UK cosmetic treatments undergone are non-surgical, so you’ll be entering into a thriving industry that’s set to grow even larger. Our highly qualified team provide all the training and support required, offering their expertise and advice to guide you on your journey into aesthetic medicine.

Benefits include:

  • Gain the skills and confidence to enter aesthetic medicine
  • Become your own boss and work flexible hours
  • Have more control over your career and future
  • Provide the care you want to give – including spending more time with patients
  • Enjoy fewer regulations than when working in the NHS
  • Receive your professional certification at course completion
  • Unlimited support and aftercare are available for both your clinical needs and business

We’ll help you to become fully equipped to forge the career you want in non-surgical cosmetic treatments and aesthetics, whether as a surgeon, nurse, doctor or dentist.

Why Choose Our Botox® and Dermal Filler Training Course?

Combining both practical skills and business knowledge, our popular Botox® and Dermal Filler Course can help you begin to build a career in aesthetics. Our Botox® Training for Medical Professionals will introduce you to basic dermal filler and Botox® treatments (Juvederm and Allergan Botox®) which are highly sought after in the industry, giving you the foundation knowledge you’ll need.

Training involves:

  • A one day course
  • Interactive training in small groups
  • Led & supervised by an expert trainer
  • Practical, hands-on training for dermal filler and Botox injections using live models
  • Fully functioning clinic environment
  • CPD certificate provided on successful completion
  • Held in a number of locations (Belfast, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, Birmingham, Nottingham and London)
  • Starter kits and supplies available to purchase or order upon completion

You’ll learn everything from facial anatomy and injection techniques to aftercare and how to market your own practice. The CPD certificate you receive is insurance company recognised (we partner with leading aesthetic insurance companies), allowing you to practice the techniques you’ve learned straight away once you have the right insurance in place.

Continue Your Aesthetics Training

You can choose to build on your aesthetics training later on, including our Foundation Follow on Day, bespoke one-to-one course, introduction to lip augmentation and Level 7 Qualification in Injectables (the foundation course is Part 1 of this).

Thousands of medical professionals have put their trust in us thanks to our renowned expert faculty at Cosmetic Courses. A hand-picked team from all different medical backgrounds chosen by Medical Director  and Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Adrian Richards.

Book Your Botox Training Course Now

If you’re looking for the right dermal filler and Botox training for medical professionals, book our course now.

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Online Training: Training at your Fingertips…

We understand that as a medical professional your life can be rather hectic. We want to learn but we want to learn fast! Which is why we have launched our brand new online training academy. This is a great way to further your knowledge within the Aesthetic Industry as well as providing a resource for you to refer back to 24/7, ensuring you feel confident in your practice!

To kick start our online academy we have the following two courses available:

1. Introduction to Botulinum Toxin Type A

The first of our online courses is an Introduction to Botulinum Toxin Type A. A great course if you are starting off in the Aesthetic Industry to further your knowledge of Botulinum Toxin Type A.  Although an excellent introductory course, it’s also beneficial if you are wanting to refresh your knowledge in this area.

The course itself takes around 30 minutes to complete from start to finish but can be done through various sittings. At the end of the course there is a short online test which on successful completion will award you a certificate.

Within the course there are 10 pods including: 

  • Pharmacology
  • Reconstitution & preparation
  • Dosages
  • Contraindications
  • Patient information and aftercare sheets
  • Games & quizzes to test your knowledge

2. Introduction to Dermal Fillers

The second of our online courses is an Introduction to Dermal Fillers. A topic that naturally goes hand in hand with our botulinum toxin training above.

The course is laid out in a similar format to the Introduction to Botulinum Toxin Type A module with 10 pods to navigate through ending with a multiple choice test to assess your knowledge.

This module will teach you how the dermal fillers work, where it can be used and the relevant contraindications to it’s use.

The 10 pods include the following:

  • Outline of the different types of fillers & patient selection
  • Pharmacology of dermal fillers & Hyaluronidase
  • Contraindications to dermal fillers & Hyaluronidase
  • Patient information & aftercare sheets
  • Games & quizzes to test your knowledge

Online Learning with Cosmetic Courses

We have combined a variety of learning elements to ensure this course is practical and beneficial for all users.

On successful completion of the courses, you are awarded a certificate and have the option to go back and look through the pods at any time.

There’s no middle man to our online courses either, you can sign in at the top of our website and any problems or queries come directly to us. So we can help you take your next steps within the aesthetic industry!

“I found the online course extremely beneficial for my learning and development in this fast paced industry. The layout and design were pleasing to the eye with great content to match. I especially love how you can refer back to the pods at anytime, even after you have completed the course!”

Want to know more about online training and enroll?

Speak to a member of our friendly team now, they will set up your account and get the ball rolling for your successful completion of our online courses.  Each of our online courses are £50 + VAT but if you would like to purchase both modules together this is currently on offer for £85 + VAT for the two modules.

Visit our brand new online learning page to find out more about the courses on offer to support your aesthetic learning! 

To take advantage of this offer and purchase your online course please call or email us on: 01844 390110 / [email protected]

 

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Botox VS Filler: Which treatment is right for you?

Informed decisions make the best decisions and that’s where we come in. We inform and we educate. In this week’s blog we’re discussing the difference between Botox and Dermal Fillers.

Research tells us there’s some confusion about the actual difference between these two popular non-surgical skin treatments. In this short blog we cover the key differences so you can make an informed decision on which treatment may offer you the best results.

First things first, lets discuss your face…

Let’s admit it, lines and wrinkles are inevitable. We all hate this fact but unfortunately your face is one of the first places to show these tell-tale signs of ageing.  But did you know that there are two very different reasons for these lines appearing? These are:

  1. Active movement
  2. Loss of volume

We know what you’re thinking: ‘I don’t care how they appear, just get rid of them!’

But we believe it’s important to understand the difference between the two, as the treatment for each one differs quite considerably.

Active Movement

Let’s start with active movement. This is pretty much what it says on the tin. Muscles in our face cause our face to move when we make different expressions. The movement of these muscles causes lines to appear which aren’t present when your face is at rest.

For example, look in the mirror and frown as if you are angry. Do you see vertical lines appear in between your eyebrows? If so, these are caused by the active movement of frowning and are known as ‘active lines’.

Now raise your eyebrows. Do you see horizontal lines appear across your forehead? Once again these are known as ‘active lines’ as they are caused by you actively moving your muscles.

Now let’s look at your lower face. Still looking in the mirror, begin to pout. Do you see small lines appear going outwards from your lips? These are known as peri-oral lines or ‘smoker’s lines’ and are caused by active movement.

So how would we treat these active lines?

Treatment for Active Lines

The most effective treatment for active lines is Botulinum Toxin Type A, also known as Botox. Botox is injected into the muscle that is causing the movement. By injecting Botox we can slightly weaken the muscle, which minimizes the movement and softens the associated lines on the face. It won’t stop all movement but it will certainly lessen it to achieve an overall natural appearance.

There is one exception for when active lines could be treated with dermal fillers. This is prolonged active movement which has led to static lines. By ‘static’ we mean those lines that are present when the face is at rest. If we make a repeated movement continuously over a number of years these lines become ingrained on your skin. Therefore Botox treatment would not be able to remove these static lines. In this case, they would need to be filled with an injectable product such as dermal fillers.

Loss of Volume

You may or may not know that the face is made up of lots of what are called ‘fat pads’. This is essentially the padding on our face which makes us appear youthful. As the ageing process takes hold, these fat pads begin to shrink and gravitate downwards. This results in less volume in the mid-face (your cheeks) and more volume lower down your face (your jowls). This causes the appearance of marionette lines and nasolabial folds to deepen.

We can liken this change to a simple triangle. When we’re young the larger end of the triangle is at the top with the tip at the bottom highlighting definition around the jaw. As we age, the triangle flips with less volume in the cheeks and more heaviness around the jowls.

The important difference here is that these lines are present when the face is at rest and are therefore known as static lines rather than active lines.

Treatment for Loss of Volume

These signs of ageing are very different to lines formed by active movement because they appear when the face is at rest. Therefore the recommended treatment is also completely different. In this case we recommend hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. The purpose of this treatment is to re-introduce the volume into certain areas such as thinning lips or loss of definition in the cheeks.

Dermal Fillers can also be used to lift the appearance of jowls; known as an 8 Point Facelift or Non-Surgical Facelift.

Let’s recap…

If the lines you want to minimize appear when you move your face but aren’t apparent when your face is at rest then the most likely treatment option will be Botox injections.

If your lines are present when your face is at rest then this will need to be treated with Dermal Fillers rather than Botox.

Active Lines = Botox

Static lines = Dermal Fillers

Which areas can be treated with Botox and Dermal Fillers?

botox and filler treatment areas

We hope this has helped you understand a little more about why we would use Botox or dermal fillers for different patients and given you an insight into the potential treatment options for your skin. In every case it is essential that you speak to a trained professional prior to treatment to determine your suitability. Always understand that each of us our made differently. Your friend may of had Botox to help her frown lines, but you may benefit from dermal fillers instead.

Botox & Dermal Filler Treatments at Cosmetic Courses

Cosmetic Courses has been training medical professionals in the UK since 2002. As one of the longest-established providers we pride ourselves on the quality of our training and the products we use for treatment. This means that you are receiving the safest possible treatment as a model with us. The added bonus is that the treatment with us is a fraction of the high street cost.

If you would like to speak to one of our consultants or to book in for our Botox and Dermal Filler treatments please call us now on 01844 390110 or register here to receive further information.

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The Breakdown: Advanced Botox Treatments

Advanced Botox treatments can be confusing. You are provided with an endless list of names that you don’t quite advanced botox treatments
understand. Just using the term “Botox please” is long gone. Now each procedure is surrounded by a name either resembling an animal or god like creature. Albeit some still carry easy names such as “Brow Lift” but it’s time to catch up with the terms so the next time you sit in your consultation chair you know exactly what you want!

Our advanced courses cover 10 main areas of Botox, from Nefertiti Lifts to Bunny Lines. We are going to take you through each area bit by bit leaving you confident in your next Botox decision:

1. Brow Lift

We will start if off easy. The purpose for this one is in the name. Tension in the brow bone and above causes it to furrow and drop, resulting in an obstructed view of the eyelid.  The Botox injection relaxes the muscles causing the brows to fall. In addition to this the injections also smooth out the area around the brow causing an all round refreshed and youthful glow.

Treatment time: 20 minutes
Results: full results 2 weeks after treatment
Lasts: 4-6 months

2. Bunny Lines

When you scrunch your nose up lines appear around the bridge. Bunny lines can also be prominent on some people when they smile, with lines forming in the same direction as laughter lines. The Botox injection relaxes the muscles issuing this reaction. Injected into the top of the nose this is a treatment that is regularly forgotten about and often a tell tale sign of those who have had Botox. They focus on just the forehead and mouth lines forgetting the natural lines formed in the middle of the face.

Treatment time: 15 minutes
Results: full results 2 weeks after treatment
Lasts: 3-6 months

3. Nasal Tip

One of our advanced Botox treatments is injections into the tip of the nose to prevent it from dipping. This is something that can be noticed when you smile. The injections will lift the tip of the nose up by relaxing the muscles that are pulling it down. Overall giving more definition to the nose.

Treatment time: 30 minutes
Results: full results 2 weeks after treatment
Lasts: 6 months

4. Gummy Smile

A gummy smile is caused when you smile and your upper lip becomes thin and lifted showing off your teeth and gums. This is due to an overactive muscle in the top lip causing it to pull back when over strenuous movement occurs in that area. The Botox injections are administrated in the nose to mouth lines, this channels a relaxant to that muscle. This results in less of your gum on show when you smile and you natural fuller lip appears back in place.

Treatment time: 15 minutes
Results: lip will start relaxing 3-4 days after treatment with full results 2 weeks after
Lasts: 4-6 months

5. Perioral Rhytides / Smoker’s lines

This is a gathering of thin vertical lines stemming from the lips which is an affect of ageing that can occur in anyone but more common in those with a history of smoking. Lips tend to lose volume as we age and cause the mouth to be surrounded with fine lines by a repetitive bunching of the muscles around the mouth. This is one of our advanced Botox treatments due to the precision needed in injecting around the lip to cause the muscle tension to relax.

Treatment time: 20 minutes
Results: 3-10 days
Lasts: 4-6 months

6. Downturned Mouth

As we age the skin can fall downwards on the corners of our mouth. This causes a “downturned mouth” which can resemble an upset expression when relaxed. This is because the Depressor Anguli Oris muscle has been over worked and is causing the corners of the mouth to drop down. By relaxing this muscle with Botox it will lift back up to its natural position. Some like to do this treatment with a combination of dermal fillers to increase volume in this area.

Treatment time: 30 minutes
Results: maximum results seen 2 weeks after treatment
Lasts: 4-6 months

7. Puckered Chin

As we age we start to lose collagen and elasticity around the face, causing certain features to drop and skin to become loose. As the mouth is a point of the face that is continuously working, a lot of the ageing can begin here. A puckered chin is when the chin easily forms large indents and lines when the mouth holds expression. This can be common in all ages but can progress as we age. Botox injections relax the muscles causing this effect on the face and can help to make the profile more defined.

Treatment time: 30 minutes
Results: maximum results seen 2 weeks after treatment
Lasts: 4-6 months

8. Masseter Muscle

At the other end of the spectrum there are people who feel their jawline is too defined and some females see this as masculine.

Advanced Botox Treatment Angelina Jolie Jawline

Angelina Jolie Jawline

Overactive use of the teeth clenching together, i.e. someone who chews gums a lot tenses the muscles around the mouth and  jaw adding definition. Another of our advanced Botox treatments is injecting in this area to relax the jaw muscles giving the face a softer appearance.

Treatment time: 30 – 40 minutes
Results: 10-14 days after treatment
Lasts: 4-6 months

9. Playsmal Bands / Nefertiti Lift

Named after the Egyptian queen Nefertiti who was thought to have the perfect mandibular contour.  This treatment uses Botox to lift the skin around the jaw giving it more definition. There are many factors that contribute to the ageing of the neck and can result in an all round

Advanced Botox Treatments Nefertiti line

Queen Nefertiti, the queen of defined jawlines

aged appearance. By simply lifting up certain areas of the face we can bring back the youth lost and add more definition.

The platysmal muscle is a depressor complex constantly pulling downwards which can lead to the development of jowls or horizontal “necklace lines”. By using a combination of Botox injections into the platysmal bands with injections along and under the mandible horizontal rhytides will be reduced and improve the definition of the mandibular border.

Treatment time: 45 minutes
Results: 2 weeks after treatment
Lasts: 6 months

10. Hyperhidrosis / Excessive Sweating

Sweating is a natural occurrence in all of us. Whether it’s clammy hands or sweaty armpits, it happens to the best of us. Botox injections can be used to prevent sweat forming. Sweating can be embarrassing and some can find it more excessive than others, effecting daily life.

Botox injections into the armpit can temporarily stop this excessive sweating.

Treatment time: 45 minutes
Results: 7-14 days
Lasts: 6-9 months

Advanced Botox Treatments at Cosmetic Courses

If you are a newcomer to aesthetic treatments we normally recommend to start with basic upper face Botox, focusing on your frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet. This combined with filler to fine lines around the mouth can immediately add a youthful glow to your complexion and skin.

Cosmetic Courses has been training medical professionals in the UK since 2002. As one of the longest-established providers we pride ourselves on the quality of our training and the products we use for treatment. This means that you are receiving the safest possible treatment as a model with us. The added bonus is that treatment with us is for a fraction of the high street cost.

If you would like to speak to one of our consultants or to book in for advanced Botox treatments please call us now on 01844 390110 or register here to become a Cosmetic Courses model.

Find out more

The Aesthetics Knowledge Hub is a great place for you to find answers to frequently asked questions. We recommend having a look at the Botox Training area.

Aesthetics Knowledge Hub Slide

Relevant Courses

Advanced Botox Training Course AKH

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Botox’s 15th Anniversary -15 Common Botox Myths Busted

Today marks the 15th birthday of the ever-popular botulinum toxin brand: Botox. Brought into the UK market in 2002 by pharmaceutical giant Allergan, the non-invasive injectable has gone from strength to strength. In the US it’s reached total sales of $21.1 billion since its launch and has grown in demand by an outstanding 797%.

Botox is quite literally changing the face of the world. To celebrate these past 15 years we bust 15 of the most common myths surrounding Botox…

1. “You should only get Botox when you have wrinkles”

Preventative Botox is very much a thing. It has been made apparent and widely supported by aesthetic practitioners in the past couple of years. Younger patients in their 20s who see lines forming on their face when they make expressions such as scowling or squinting are sometimes advised to have Botox at a younger age to relax the muscles that are causing the expressions. By stopping the face repeating these face movements we see a reduction in the build up of deep static lines and therefore fewer treatments are needed in later life.

“Prevention is better than cure.” – Desiderius Erasmus

2. “If you stop having Botox, your wrinkles will be much worse”

This is not necessarily the case. Botox injections is a non-permanent treatment lasting from 3-5 months. After this time it will begin to breakdown and dissolve. By not “topping it up” the face will go back to how it was before, with wrinkles forming from the muscle not being relaxed. This doesn’t mean you will have worse wrinkles than before your treatment!

3. “Botox is just for wrinkles”

The development of Botox and it’s uses is outstanding. Every day our inboxes are full of new Botox treatments, from “Scrotox” to migraine use. The injections are to make the muscles relaxed, which in turn can help a variety of needs in the body. At Cosmetic Courses we offer Hyperhidrosis. This uses Botox to prevent sweating under the arms by stopping the signal from your brain telling your body to sweat excessively.

4. “Only women get Botox”

15 botox myths busted

Ever heard of “Brotox?” it’s the name the media has given to the male population getting Botox. It had to have a name due to the massive influx of male patients demanding this beloved treatment. We also recently uncovered “Protox”. The professional Botox taken up by lawyers and politicians alike to provide an “expressionless” face giving them an upper hand in their industry.

5. “Botox isn’t safe”

Approved in 1989 by the FDA (Food & Drug Administrative) and later approved for Cosmetic use in 2002. Botox has undergone intensive testing to be where it is today. Botox is slang for Botulinum Toxin Type A. Granted the word toxin is a bit scary to hear but the amount administered in a cosmetic procedure is so minuscule. Botox is a very safe treatment when performed by suitably qualified practitioners in a clinical environment and is enjoyed by millions of patients in the UK every year.

6. “Botox will leave my face frozen”

This is one of the most common myths we see and hear. It’s easy to search Botox and be greeted by a celebrity looking more like a doll than a human. More times then not this celebrity has not just had Botox  but a combination of various treatments to get to where they are. Botox does not leave your face frozen. Facial muscles are relaxed not completely stopped so the next time you squint for the sun or raise your eyebrows you will still be able to move but the movement will be significantly lessened.

7. “People will know I have had Botox”

15 botox myths busted

As with all procedures the results can be as intense as you want them to be with the guideline from a qualified practitioner. In the right clinic with the right practitioner you will leave looking a better version of yourself. Never a stranger glancing back in the mirror from too many treatments.

8. “Botox injections are painful”

The needle used to insert Botox is very fine and plenty compare it to the sensation of a tiny pinch. The treatment is also very quick only taking around 15 minutes to complete so any pain will be over in no time.

9. “Botox is permanent”

The effects of Botox last from 3-5 months. After this time it will begin to dissolve and disintegrate within the skin. “Top-ups” can be administered 12 weeks post-treatment to keep up with the desired look.

10. “Botox and filler are the same”

It’s easy to think these injections carry the same qualities, but this is wrong. To make it simpler to understand:

  • Botox is for dynamic lines, the lines that appear on your face when you pull expressions. The injections relax the muscle causing the lines to not appear when pulling these expressions.
  • Dermal fillers are for static lines, areas that are apparent when the face is still i.e. nose to mouth lines or mouth to chin lines. They are also used to re-introduce volume, something Botox does not achieve which is why we commonly use dermal fillers for lip augmentation and cheek re-volumisation.

11. “You don’t have to be medically qualified to inject Botox”

This is in fact true. However, Botox is a medical procedure and therefore we always recommend that if you are considering Botox you go to someone who is medically qualified and has completed the relevant aesthetic training. Although Botox is an extremely safe procedure if something were to go wrong, a medical practitioner would be able to quickly resolve the situation.

If you want to make sure your practitioner is medically qualified you can look online at the following sites:

Nurses: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/search-the-register/ 

Doctors: http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/register/LRMP.asp

Dentists: https://www.gdc-uk.org/

12. “A face cream can do the same job as Botox”

It’s an easy marketing tool to say “just like Botox” or “better than Botox” on a face cream. The thought of just applying a cream instead of having an injection is comforting to some. While we do promote a good skin care routine to go alongside your procedures, we are also honest in the fact that no cream can do what Botox does which is temporarily relax your facial muscles. A combination of both a high quality skincare regime and Botox injections can provide fantastic results.

13. “Botox is expensive”

The average high street price for Botox is £350 for 3 areas. It’s tempting to look for the cheapest clinic around but be careful of low prices. Ask your practitioner:

  • Why is the price so much lower than your competitors?
  • Is the procedure in a clinical environment?
  • Are they suitably qualified?
  • Are they actually using Botox or another brand?

The only occasions when a lower price may be safe is in a training environment. If you are a model for an aesthetic training company the prices are normally a third cheaper than high street costs. But being a model doesn’t mean the quality of your treatment is compromised. As long as the training company has expert trainers, uses genuine Botox, treats you in a clinical environment and offers you aftercare and reviews following your treatment then you are likely to be receiving excellent value for money.

 14. “Botox is addictive”

There is no drug within the injections that is addictive to patients, so this cannot happen. The only thing “addictive” is the feeling of wanting to look young which with the right practitioner, they will monitor and never let you over do it.

15. “Botox is Botulism”

Botox is made from a purified protein taken from Botulinum Toxin. It does not carry botulism. Many medicines have been taken from toxins, the testing on these are extensive and have to pass many guidelines and regulations in order to be allowed for public use. The toxin side of Botox is incredibly low. Adminstered by a professional this procedure is safe and carries great results.

Before & After Botox

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If you are considering Botox treatment and looking for a high quality procedure without breaking the bank then having treatment with Cosmetic Courses may be the right option for you. As a Cosmetic Courses model you are treated by medically qualified professionals supervised by our expert aesthetic trainers with a combined 113 years of experience in the Cosmetic Industry.

Register your interest today to become a Cosmetic Courses Model or give us a call on 01844 390110 to speak to our friendly customer service team.

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Reality TV Star Chloe Goodman Opens Aesthetic Clinic with No Medical Training…

Reality TV star Chloe Goodman has sent shockwaves through the medical aesthetic industry by setting up as an aesthetic practitioner offering Botox and Dermal Filler treatments without any prior experience in medicine. Despite her lack of medical training she has just launched her own aesthetic clinic in Leeds; Opiah Cosmetics.

So how has a young women of age 23, with no medical background, managed to train and practice in Botox and Dermal Fillers?

The answer? Regulatory loopholes…

The Ex on the Beach and Big Brother star is said to have trained with the highly controversial training centre; Cosmetic Couture. Cosmetic Couture came under scrutiny as it was revealed that they were training Beauty Therapists in Botox and Dermal Filler treatments, something that the industry as a whole disagrees with.

Botox is a prescription-only medicine which means it has to be prescribed by a Doctor or nurse prescriber by law. However the administration of Botox and Dermal Fillers can, by law, be performed by anyone who has trained to do so.

This is where the issue presents itself. Aesthetic insurance companies and established training providers like Cosmetic Courses have long been setting a minimum entry requirement for these non-surgical cosmetic injectables. We only offer our Botox and Dermal Filler training courses to medically qualified professionals, whether that be a doctor, dentist or nurse.

We do offer training to Beauty Therapists at NVQ Level 4 but this is in the still lucrative but less invasive skin treatments of microdermabrasion and superficial skin peels.

Why do we choose not to train non-medical professionals in Botox and Dermal Fillers?

The training that is taken by a Beauty Therapist or any other non-medical professional does not provide the level of knowledge in terms of facial anatomy, skin anatomy, anaphylaxis etc. that is experienced during a medical degree studying to be a Doctor, Dentist or Nurse.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) have labeled Chloe Goodman’s opening of a clinic as ‘worrying’, and expressed their concern for the members of the public that she may treat. Several professionals within the business are also speaking out against this contentious announcement, stating she does not know enough to deal with the complications that may arise.

Whilst a completely safe procedure in the hands of a trained and qualified Doctor, Dentist or Nurse, procedures such as Botox and fillers can be dangerous when not performed correctly, with the risk of infections and in severe cases necrosis or blindness. A lack of adequate training in this field can lead to many complications with the procedure and could potentially put the patients at risk.

Setting the Standards for Education

Earlier this year, Health Education England (HEE) published the final part of its report indicating standards of training and entry levels for individuals considering a career in aesthetics. The aim was to make it clearer about who should and shouldn’t perform treatments such as Botox and Dermal Fillers. The last report suggested anyone performing Botox or Dermal Fillers should be trained to a post-graduate degree level (Level 7) which indicates that no non-medical professional would be considered ‘qualified’ to perform these treatments.

A key area that we feel needs to be significantly addressed is informing the general public about the risks of being treated by someone who is deemed ‘unqualified’. The patient can lead the way on setting the standards but only if they fully understand the risks and complications that can arise. It is our duty as industry professionals to develop this awareness.

Although the Health Education England report is simply a recommendation, we are hopeful that this will provide a benchmark for standards of training in the non-surgical cosmetic industry.

Aesthetic Training at Cosmetic Courses

Cosmetic Courses have been training medically qualified doctors, dentists and nurses for the past 15 years in Botox and Dermal Filler techniques as well as a range of skin rejuvenation treatments. If you’re interested in finding out more on how to start your aesthetic career please feel free to contact our course co-ordinators for further information.

 

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SCROTOX: The latest Botox craze for 2016

We all know there are many uses for Botulinum Toxin, commonly known as Botox. However there is a bold new craze for 2016 coined ‘Scrotox’. This is the method of injecting Botox into your scrotum with the aim to boost the size and smooth the wrinkly male privates, but just how risky is it? In the past decade, the number of men undergoing cosmetic surgery has doubled and there is seemingly an increasing demand for this new non-surgical procedure.

What is Scrotox?

This Botox treatment, costing around £2,800, claims to:

  • reduce sweating
  • reduce wrinkles
  • increase the size of the scrotum by ‘inflating’ deflated balls

According to experts, over the last year the number of men enquiring about Scrotox has doubled.

This ‘facelift for your scrotum’ is said to be highly beneficial for athletes. The Botox is said to help alleviate some of the irritation and discomfort often experienced by cyclists and runners caused by excess sweating and rubbing during their training.

However, after the treatment, some loss of feeling is to be expected. Although it aims to improve the appearance of the scrotum, in many cases, the scrotum has a large amount of loose skin. In these cases, this injectable treatment will not produce optimal results, and experts say you may not get the desired outcome.

Many clinics do not yet offer this procedure due to the complications and risks that come with dealing with the anatomy in this area. However, the procedure is becoming increasingly popular with men intrigued by the philosophy of a smooth scrotum, and willing to undergo treatment below the belt.

So… is it worth the risk?

Botox training at Cosmetic Courses

Although we are not training in this particular use for Botulinum Toxin we do offer a range of Botox training courses for facial rejuvenation. If you are medically qualified as a doctor, dentist or nurse and are interested in finding out more about our training courses, please feel free to contact our course co-ordinators.

 

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Why Liz loves being a Cosmetic Courses model…

Cosmetic Courses are the UK’s largest training provider of non-surgical cosmetic skin treatments. With the cosmetic industry booming, the demand for our training courses has never been so high. Because of this increased demand, we are always in need of new models to join the team.

What do we mean by ‘models’?

For almost 15 years we have been training doctors, dentists, nurses and beauty therapists in a wide range of skin treatments. In order for these practitioners to advance their skills they require models to practice on under close supervision of our highly skilled aesthetic trainers. The main benefit for you as a model is the largely discounted prices. So if you’re looking to have anti-ageing or skin rejuvenating treatments but don’t want to break your bank balance, then becoming a model with Cosmetic Courses is a great alternative.

One of our loyal models, Liz explains why she loves being a Cosmetic Courses model:

Like a number of our models, Liz was considering having cosmetic skin treatments but couldn’t afford the high price tag associated with many of the procedures. That’s when she found Cosmetic Courses. Not only are you having treatment under the supervision of some of the most experienced aesthetic trainers at an award-winning training centre, but you get the treatment for a third of the price!

Liz has had a range of treatments with us, including:

  • Lip Fillers
  • Re-volumising Cheek Fillers
  • Upper Face Botox

“All the staff are very friendly, very proficient and efficient. They answer your questions, they look after you, nice relaxed atmosphere.” – Liz

Modelling for Cosmetic Courses

We have a wide range of cosmetic treatments available to our models including Dermal Fillers, Botox, Skin Needling and Facial Peels. These are offered in our 4 training centres across the UK: Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire,  Alvechurch in South Birmingham, Harley Street in London and Bingley near Leeds.

If you are interested in registering to be a model please fill in our contact form and one of the team will be in touch to discuss upcoming appointments.

 

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Botox – the A -Z Guide

Cosmetic Courses; Banner showing theBotox - a - z Guide

Anti-wrinkle injections, commonly known as Botox® injections can be used to reduce the appearance of lines on your face including frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines.
If you’re considering anti-wrinkle injections but want more information our A-Z of Botox will help to answer some of those questions:

Aftercare

Aftercare is important in order to get the best results from your botox® treatment. It is advised that after the first 30-60 mins after having botox you move your facial muscles regularly, smile a lot! Take it easy, get comfy in front of the TV or why not catch up on that book you have been meaning to read. You will need to remain upright and avoid touching or applying pressure to the area. For the next 24 hours Avoid any strenuous exercise and any hot baths or saunas. Any swelling after treatment is completely normal and can be helped with ice, and any slight bruising can be helped with Arnica gel.

Botulinum Toxin Type A | A-Z of Botox

Botulinum toxin type A is a protein more commonly known as Botox® which is actually a brand name just like Bocouture, Azzalure, Dysport and Xeomin. Botox® is made from the bacteria that cause botulism. Botulinum toxin type A works by blocking the nerve activity in muscles which causes a temporary reduction in muscle activity.

Consultations | A-Z of Botox

Cosmetic Courses; picture showing a consultationConsultations before Botox® are essential. Everyone’s face is different so what your sister’s best friend got is going to be different to what is suitable for you. Once you arrive at your consultation you will meet your practitioner and you will be able to discuss areas of concern to you. Your practitioner will also go through the possible complications of botox the common of these include swelling, bruising, headaches, and redness at injection site, everything will be discussed in detail and you will also be able to ask any questions before deciding to go ahead or not.

Don’t Drink | A-Z of Botox

It is highly recommended to avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before and 24 hours after having received the botox® treatment. Not drinking will minimize the likelihood of side effects and reactions. Droopiness is a side effect of botox® especially in the eyelids or eyebrows which can happen when botox® is injected too low, too deep or even too much, always get your botox® done by an experienced medical professional for the best results.

Eyes | A-Z of Botox

Eyes are a common area that people have concerns over and look to botox for help. It is so important that you look a professional practitioner for all treatments of botox® but especially for any treatment that involves injecting around the eye to avoid any un-wanted side effects. Botox® can be injected into the periorbital area to lift tired eyes giving a fresh faced look.

Frozen Face | A-Z of Botox

Frozen Face is a common misconception about having a botox treatment. If done correctly, botox® should not leave you with a frozen face and you should be able to regain natural movement. Make sure you research your practitioners understand that you may not reach your desired effect until after at least 2-3 treatments. Unfortunately if you do end up with a frozen face then the only cure is time, and you will have to wait for it to wear off.

Gummy Smile | A-Z of Botox

Gummy Smile is a phenomenon which causes the upper lip too rises too far above the upper teeth, exposing gums when you smile. If you are hiding away a gummy smile then all is not lost! A small amount of botox® can be injected at the junction of nostrils and nose to mouth fold to relax the hyperactive muscle which causes the lift.

Hyperhidrosis | A-Z of Botox

Hyperhidrosis is actually a common condition where a person sweats excessively. Botox® is licensed in the UK for treating localised products hyperhidrosis in the armpits, it works by blocking the nerves that supply the eccrine glands which then prevents the glands from producing sweat. It is important to remember however that this is not a cure for hyperhidrosis, your nerve endings do return to normal and the sweating will gradually return, at this point you should go back to your practitioner to receive the treatment again. Hyperhidrosis treatment would be suitable for hands, faces and hairline.

Injections | A-Z of Botox

Botox® despite its powdered initial form is an injectable. It is also rarely just a single injection and will generally consist of a series of injections to the upper face although this varies depending on your treatment type. Patients can be pre-treated with a topical aesthetic before treatment which makes them virtually painless. The needle itself is small and each injection is very quick and therefore the discomfort, if any, is over very quickly.

Jowls | A-Z of Botox

Jowls are a natural part of ageing. As your skin starts to lose elasticity you may notice the lower part of your face such as your cheek and jaw areas begin to sag down. Although it is not a common use of the anti-wrinkle treatment because botox targets the muscle you can focus it on to the muscle in your neck that causes wrinkling, sagging and a jowl-like appearance in this area. Using botox® to relax this muscle means that the sagging is reduced.

Knowledge is king | A-Z of Botox

Knowledge is king! Before getting any treatment, especially an injectable like botox® it is always important to do your research and make sure you fully understand the process involved and the recommended aftercare advice. If you are unsure of anything make sure you make a note of the question and ask your practitioner at your consultation.

Licenced | A-Z of Botox

Cosmetic Courses; Picture showing GMC Logo  Botox® in the UK is classed a prescription only medicine which means it can only officially  be prescribed by a doctor, dentist or independent nurse prescriber. The prescriber will take  liability for the administration of the drug under their supervision. The liability for patient  safety rests with the prescriber. Always ask to see a GMC, (General Medical Council) NMC  (Nursing and Midwifery Council) or GDC (General Dental Council) registration before letting your practitioner start botox treatment.

Migraines | A-Z of Botox

Migraines are quite severe headaches which effects on average 1 in 7 people in the UK. But did you know that botox® is reported to be an effective treatment option for adults who suffer with chronic migraines. Although the exact reason why it works is still officially unknown it has been suggested that treatment works by blocking the pain pathways in certain nerve cells.

Natural Results | A-Z of Botox

Our philosophy on botox® is less is more. It is our aim to not let you leave the clinic looking like someone else, but to leave looking like yourself, but rejuvenated. You will obviously want people to notice that you look different, but not allow them to figure out what exactly it is that has changed. So consider having your botox® treatment in stages, let your practitioner know you want natural results and follow your aftercare advice to the letter!

On-going treatments & Other procedures | A-Z of Botox

Botox® is an on-going treatment, one session is not going to make your wrinkles and lines disappear forever. No matter how great you look afterwards, you will generally need to return every 12 weeks for a top-up. At the same time, if you have botox®, and decide it’s not for you, after 12 weeks the effects should have all faded. Other procedures may be offered to compliment your anti-wrinkle treatments; these could include Dermal Fillers, Skin Masks and other Skin Rejuvenating processes.

Practitioners

Picking your practitioner sounds like a hard task, but it doesn’t have to be. Feel free to explore your options and visit as many clinics and practitioners as you want before deciding on one you feel comfortable with. Thoroughly research the procedure and the practitioner, don’t just rely on the practitioner’s/clinic’s own website and don’t make your decision based on the price. We highly suggest using the SaveFace guides to ensure you are in safe hands at all times.

Quick Results

Quick results are not realistic. After having a botox® treatment you are recommended to wait at least 10 days to start seeing the desired effects which will peak at around 2 weeks following your first injection. If you are still not happy after this time then you can contact your clinic or practitioner to discuss your options.

Review

At Aurora, after any botox® appointment we always offer a review appointment 2-3 weeks because it can take up to 2 weeks for the effects of the treatment to actually fully take effect. We get you to come back just so that we can make sure that you have got the best results and sometimes we need to tweak it a little bit just to make it better for you and it just makes sure that you’re getting the best treatment possible.

Sausage

It all started with a sausage! You may, or may not know that the history of Botulinum toxin type A goes all the way back to a poisoned sausage. Botox® is a toxin produced by bacteria first discovered in poorly prepared sausages during the 18th Century. It was named after the Latin for sausage – botulus.

Timings

Treatment times for botox can vary, it often depends on the amount you are having and where. Generally botox® injections take around 20 minutes to complete.  Timing is everything with botox®, if you are planning on getting treatment before a special occasion or event then it is recommended you leave 2 weeks between the treatment and the event to look at your best.

Uses

Uses of botox® vary from cosmetic to medical. Medicinal uses include the treatment for Hyperhidrosis, Urinary incontinence, Migraines, Tennis elbow, Bell’s palsy, Squint, and MS and for controlling muscle spasms for children with cerebral palsy to name a few but research is improving all the time to widen its usage.

Vials

When your practitioner receives botox from the manufacturer it will come in avial. Inside the vial is a will be a white powder which is Botox® before injection the powder will need to be reconstituted. The extremely fine powder is dissolved in saline (salt-water) and it then becomes a completely clear solution which is then ready to be administered by syringe.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles and Lines are the common reason for people to choose to have Botox treatments. Upper face treatment can include Forehead lines, frown lines to crow’s feet and bunny lines whereas a lower face treatment would cover marionette, lip, chin and neck lines which can all be reduced with the regular treatment of Botox.

X-Rated

Cosmetic Courses; Picture showing handX-Rated not in nature but in age. Botulinum toxin type A, more commonly referred to as Botox® is actually only licensed for patients aged 18 and over. Here at Aurora Skin Clinics, we would certainly find it unethical to even consider treating anyone under 18, and would never treat anyone unless there was a clinical need. We don’t treat anyone without a full and thorough consultation.

Your face is unique

Everyone’s face is unique meaning treatment for everyone is different. For example; if you have a weak frown then less Botoxwould be used compared to someone with a stronger frown with larger muscles who would require more Botox. It is important to always have a consultation before any injectable appointment so your face can be looked at and a course of treatment which is suitable for you can be decided on.

Zinc supplement

Our final letter on the A-Z of Botox. According to a small study carried out by researchers in the USA, it was found that taking a Zinc supplement could make the effects of Botox® injections last approximately 30% longer. The official supplement is actually known as ‘Zytaze’, and is a combination of zinc and the enzyme phytase. Zinc is thought to be necessary in order for Botox® to act as a neurotoxin. And phytase is an enzyme that helps to slow down the breakdown of zinc in the body. So combining the two into one pill effectively boosts the neurotoxic effects of Botox® on the muscles in the face. Further studies will be required to test the safety and efficacy of Zytaze. But the early signs for the supplement as a beauty booster look promising.

To find out more about our Botox and Filler Courses, or if you would like to become a model with Cosmetic Courses for this treatment, please call the team on 01844 390110 or fill in our quick consent form.

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