Most Asked Anti-Ageing Questions Answered By Dr. Richard Sibthorpe
What’s the ideal age to start having Botox?
There is no “ideal” age. We all want to look good as we get older. There have been significant developments in non-surgical treatments that help combat signs of ageing. Thanks to their safety and effectiveness, these walk-in treatments have become extremely popular during the past few years and grown in popularity among younger individuals who prefer to intervene at an earlier stage. Botox is a unique aesthetic treatment primarily used to soften facial expressions to leave you looking refreshed. Don’t overdo it. Especially true for beginners, it’s best to under do it – you can always work your way up doing more when it’s truly needed.
Is there a risk that Botox will make my face look frozen?
My philosophy has always been ‘less is more’. I always treat my patients conservatively so as not to give them a ‘frozen’ look whereby they cannot make any expression. A complimentary follow-up review is scheduled after two weeks to ensure that the patient is happy with the result. If there is still too much movement I will inject some more Botox.
Who would benefit from this treatment?
At a certain age, many individuals will begin to notice a spider web of lines creeping around the eye area. These “crow’s feet” generally appear when a smile occurs. Botox temporarily relaxes these muscles which then diminish or disappear. Frowns, due to hyperactive facial muscles may give a person an angry, tired or displeased appearance. Botox temporarily relaxes these muscles. By injecting specific muscle groups of the face with small amounts of Botox, the wrinkles and creases will gently disappear. It has now become the most popular and safe non-surgical cosmetic treatment performed today.
Is there anyone who should avoid Botox?
Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or breast feeding. It is not recommended if you suffer from a neuromuscular disorder. Your medical history will be discussed at the initial consultation.
What results will Botox achieve?
Lines and wrinkle reduction are usually what people are seeking to correct. The aim of the treatment is to break the habit of frowning and squinting to reduce the appearance of the lines which will then also help to reduce the development of further facial lines. We also use Botox to elevate the eyebrows which open up the eyes. There are however far more uses of Botox than you think; some of these include the prevention of migraines, reducing teeth grinding, contouring the neck and upturning the corners of the mouth. Botox also stops excess sweating. This is a popular treatment for men who have problems with excessive sweating.
Are there any areas on the face which you should resist having injected to retain a natural look?
Generally, the mid face and lower face. Botox in these areas, if not injected with accuracy and a good understanding of the anatomy, can cause more problems than it may correct e.g. droopy mouth.
What after care is involved after the treament?
Any minor redness near the injection sites will normally disappear after an hour or so. Do not touch the area or wear make-up immediately after your treatment to avoid infection.
How long will I need between treatments?
The effects last 3-4 months but with on-going treatments the effects can last much longer. I have a few patients that receive treatments every 6 or 9 months.
Should Botox be used as a preventative measure to stop wrinkles from forming?
Yes. Catch them early enough and they will disappear.
Does the treatment hurt?
The discomfort experienced is minimal and the treatment itself only takes a few minutes. If a patient is needle phobic, I will use a cooling device to reduce any pain. Muscle relaxing injections are safe and there are no known long term side effects.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid and are injected into the skin or fat to smooth out lines and wrinkles by restoring that lost volume and lift. The hyaluronic acid attracts water to the skin and plumps it up so fillers can be used to hydrate your skin to give it the firmer look associated with youth. They are used to give a non-surgical facelift by injecting small amounts at strategic points around the face. This is something I have been specialising in for many years.
LIFT IS THE KEY.
What’s the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles while Dermal Fillers act by replacing volume, lifting and in some cases stimulating collagen production.
Botox is injected directly into muscles that cause frown lines between the eyebrows and the area around the side of the eyes to improve the look of crow’s feet.
Dermal Fillers aim to restore lost fullness to the face. These injectables can also be used to diminish dark under-eye circles and even rejuvenate the appearance of aged hands. Fillers are injected under the skin using a fine needle. Fillers work to fill in areas of concern such as deep set lines around the mouth or loss of firmness in the cheeks. They can also be used to give a non-surgical facelift by injecting small amounts around the face at various points.
Are there different types of dermal fillers?
Injectable Fillers have developed and improved dramatically since they were initially discovered. They provide a minimally invasive alternative to surgical procedures such as facelifts while still providing a great anti-ageing and rejuvenating effect. There is a wide range of dermal fillers available that target specific concerns. I restrict my practice to those products which have consistently demonstrated predictability and safety. The best Dermal Filler for your specific concerns is determined at your consultation.
What’s the secret to choosing the right filler?
A Dermal Filler injection is one of the few procedures that can instantly improve your appearance with little or no downtime. In my experience using the best possible filler for each area of treatment is key to achieving the most natural and beautiful effect. However equally important to the type of filler used is where the filler is placed that gives one the best look possible. Having the right treatments done, as well as having them spaced out properly, will give a more natural look, preserve your initial results and stave off the effects of ageing. It’s all about building upon your outcome with the right treatments so that you never look your true age – just a lot better than you would if you had let nature run its course. It’s what I call “Age Appropriate”.
Why are women afraid to get fillers?
Many women are afraid of Dermal Fillers simply because they have seen it overdone. Just as in the past women were pulled too tight or Botoxed to a frozen state, women are now afraid of over-filled lips and cheeks. A ‘less is more’ approach is by far the best approach; something I have always preached, practiced and taught.
Is the treatment painful?
In general, patients are mildly concerned about the potential pain factor involved with injections but almost all are surprised when the discomfort is negligible. The dermal filler contains a local anaesthetic and the product is injected into the skin with a very fine needle. A topical anaesthetic cream can also be applied to the skin before the treatment if a patient chooses.
Will I bruise?
As with any sort of injection there can be some bruising and minor swelling although this is not severe and usually settles within a couple of days. A patient that is prone to bruising can always take some arnica a week before the treatment, which will help. There are some proprietary gels, which I use, that will help with any bruising.
When will I see results from my treatment?
One of the benefits of Dermal Fillers is that you will see the results immediately after your treatment. However, you will continue to see improvement over the next few weeks due to collagen stimulation.
How long do fillers last?
It varies with the individual, but generally the results of a dermal filler treatment can last six to nine months or even up to eighteen months. It all depends on what Dermal Filler is used and where.
