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A Guide to Botulinum Toxin

It’s the injectable sweeping the world but what do we really know about the winkle buster that is Botulinum Toxin? In this blog we look at the facts & some frequently asked questions to get your knowledge tip top when it comes to one of the worlds most famous toxins.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Used aesthetically to combat wrinkles Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin protein sourced from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s qualities help to relax muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Over time with extensive research and testing the injectable has proven to be able to also treat certain medical conditions.

How does Botulinum Toxin work?

Botulinum Toxin works by injecting controlled amounts of the product into the areas where you have active muscle movement. In line with our ageing process we gradually form wrinkles overtime. We develop these wrinkles as a result of repetitive active movement of certain muscle groups. The treatment works by relaxing the muscles which helps to prevent them from contracting and in turn slows down the formation of wrinkles and lines.

What is Botox?

Many use the word Botox as the name of the treatment when in fact this is just the name of one brand of Botulinum Toxin. Created by Allergan, Botox® is one of the biggest brands of Botox in the world. It would be the same as calling all vacuum cleaners a hoover… All brands of Botulinum Toxin hold their own qualities and names. Patients should be aware of the pros and cons of each to help them make an informed decision on the products used.

Are Botulinum Toxin injections safe?

Safety is incredibly important when it comes to aesthetic treatments and in order to ensure your safety it’s beneficial to know about the practice of injectables. Understanding more about this will help you to make informed decisions about your treatments.

In order for public use products need to have FDA approval. Each product approved by the FDA has gone through extensive testing in order for it to meet all guidelines and regulations set. Once given the FDA seal of approval the product is safe to use when administered by a professional.

We treat our models with Botox at Cosmetic Courses, the anti-wrinkle injection created by Allergan. The FDA have approved Botox for over 10 years.

Administered by a trained professional this procedure is safe and can achieve great results.

Are Botulinum Toxin injections permanent?

No, these injections are not permanent. On average Botox lasts for around 3 – 4 months post treatment and patients find they often need repeat treatments needed throughout the year. The right practitioner will guide you with your treatment plan to ensure your safety and achieve the best results.

Botulinum Toxin FACTS…

  • First used in the 70’s, the injectable was used to treat the medical condition of Strabismus.
  • Its journey in the cosmetic industry began in the 90’s where its wrinkle relaxing qualities were discovered.
  • Botulinum Toxin is manufactured by many companies but there are three main pharmaceutical companies used in the UK; Allergan, Galderma & Merz.
  • Headaches, excessive sweating and strabismus are some of the medical conditions which can be treated with the injectable.
  • Botulinum Toxin injections are popular with everybody, from women to men “Brotox” to business professionals “Protox“.
  • The number of women in the UK using anti-wrinkle injections has risen by 41% since 2011.

Botox Treatments at Cosmetic Courses

If you are considering Botox treatment and are looking for a high quality procedure without breaking the bank then having treatment with Cosmetic Courses may be the right option for you. All treatments are supervised by our team of expert trainers and performed by medically qualified professionals.

 

 

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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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

[twenty20 img1=”18603″ img2=”18604″ width=”400px” offset=”0.5″]

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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Protox – Lawyers and Detectives Turn to Botox to Keep Ahead in the Workplace

First Brotox. Then Scrotox. Now Protox…? The latest craze sweeping the Aesthetic Industry.

What is ‘Protox’?

Protox is the new term used to dub professionals who are undergoing Botox treatment to keep ahead in the workplace. Professionals who have “hard faced” jobs including; lawyers, politicians, stockbrokers, detectives and therapists. Those who do not want their client, peers or opposition to see expression in their faces use Botox to hide their emotions. This we now call: Protox.

Protox: Professional BotoxBotox is renowned for its muscle relaxing qualities. The injections send Botulinum Toxin Type A to the desired area causing muscles to relax and the area to smooth out reducing wrinkles.

The procedure can leave the face feeling expressionless.

Some professionals are even using it to treat hyperhidrosis. This is excessive sweating which can be seen as a sign of nervousness. Botox injections into the affected area minimises the chances of sweating for up to 9 months.

“A face can say a 1000 words without even speaking.”

The craze is heavy with women as they feel it will help them to appear strong and unemotional. Giving themselves higher leverage in the workplace.

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Industry Trends

The British Association of Plastic Surgeons published that Plastic Surgery has gone down by 40% since 2015, with non-surgical procedures such as Botox sky-rocketing.

The client base of the procedure has dramatically changed throughout the year, with the stereotype customer changing to a wider market. As medical research expands, highlighting the benefits of Botox, along with the procedure losing it’s taboo, Botox is becoming as popular as having your hair cut.

Popularity may have risen, but a lot of it’s goers still do not want to admit to the procedure. With a report taken in 2015 that 1 in 9 London males get Botox with 1 in 5 not admitting to it.

With a male stigma hiding the truth behind smoother faces, some are not so keen to reveal their secret. Some however will happily make us aware of their “work”.

Both of the hardest faces in showbiz are not afraid to talk about their Botox experiences. With both openly admitting to continuing to top up to keep their faces looking younger.

Could this be what makes them such hard judges?

It looks like the demand for Botox is not slowing down any time soon. With the craze continuing to dominate the cosmetic industry from both females and males alike.  Being at the forefront in the rise of non-surgical procedures.

Kept a secret or shouted from the rooftops, Botox is happening.

Botox treatment at Cosmetic Courses

Are you a working professional considering Botox treatment? Register as a cosmetic model today to diminish your wrinkles for a third of the high street price.

Medically qualified? Become an aesthetic practitioner today with our range of Botox training courses designed specifically for doctors, dentists and nurses.

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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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The differences between Male and Female Ageing

Male and Female Ageing

As technology has advanced, it has become more apparent that in society we are more obsessed with how we look. Mobile phones, iPads and tablets, make capturing the moment even easier with the rise in ‘selfies’ and social media sharing. Within the aesthetic industry, there has also been a shift. Over 90% of procedures performed in the UK in 2015 were non-surgical, and approximately 800,000 of those treatments were for Botox and filler treatments. Many clinics are also reporting that they have seen an increase in the volume of male patients that they are now Image showing Peter Andretreating with in their clinic, showing that it is not just woman that are interested in anti-ageing treatments. This could be due to more male celebrities admitting to having treatments, such as Peter Andre and Shane Warne having a little ‘Brotox’ here and there.

One of the questions that we at Cosmetic Courses have been asked by our delegates over the past few months is; are there any differences between the male and female ageing process?

In essence, the ageing process itself is more or less the same, but it is worth noting that there are significant differences between both sexes anatomy, and care should therefore be taken when carrying out aesthetic treatments to ensure a natural and harmonious look is achieved to suit both sexes.

The areas that we believe need to be treated differently for Males and Females are the following:

  • Forehead
  • Eyebrow
  • Cheek
  • Nose
  • Jawline and chin
  • Peri Oral Area

The Forehead

Picture showing the difference between male and famle supraorbital ridgeThis is one of the most important areas for rejuvenation, but there are noticeable differences between the sexes. Anthropologists use the forehead as an indicator to determine the sex of the skull. It has been observed that a female skull has more of a flat supraorbital ridge, with a smooth convexity up to the hairline, whereas the male skull has a more pronounced supraorbital ridge with some concavity before the forehead becomes flatter towards the hairline. This skeletal structure is what influences the soft tissues and the overall position of the eyebrows.

Eyebrows

The male eyebrow is flat and tends to sit along the supraorbital ridge whereas the female brow arches at a 10 -2- degree angle with a tail that is more superior to the head.

The aim of aesthetic treatments is to restore a more youthful and natural looking appearance. To treat this area for a female it may require forehead re-volumisation and a bit of brow lifting to maintaining that feminine look, but applying the same technique for males, it could result in over feminising, and portray an unnatural. To stay respectful of the male gender, it is advised to not lift above the supraorbital and to only elevate the ptotic brow to ensure the most natural look is achieved.

Cheeks

Male and Female AgeingThis is an area that is extensively covered in female rejuvenation, but it does come with limited descriptions when it comes to males. Females have a rounder and fuller cheek due to having a thicker fat compartment in the medial area compared to the lateral area. In regards to female ageing, a fuller cheek gives a more youthful look, referring back to the triangle of youth – everything is more pert and smoother. Male cheeks tend to be flatter and more angular due to a thinner layer of subcutaneous fat. The technique used to treat this area have slight differences, and the volume of product used needs to vary. To keep the ‘flatter’ cheek look for male patients, product should only be used to replace the volume loss. Females can have slightly more product used, and this can be replaced more often to maintain the fuller cheek look.

Nose

Image showing Naso LabialThere are more subtle differences between the sexes in this area. There are 2 angles that are used to determine the ideal nose shape: Naso-labial Angle and Naso-frontal angle.

Naso Labial is the angle between a line drawn from the lip border to the base of the columella to the nasel tip. This angle is slightly more obtuse and slightly upturned for females, and it’s also necessary to consider your patients cultural and ethnic differences when treating this area.

Image showing the Naso Frontal AngleNaso Frontal is the angle at the radix, the lowest point of the nasal bridge formed by a line running from the radix to the glabella and from the radix along the dorsum of the nose. This position of the radix is important between males and females. Females are normally in line with the lash line whereas males are at the level of the tarsal fold.

Jawline and Chin

Both masculinisation and feminisation techniques can be used within this area. Toxins can be used to narrow down the masseter or curve the chin, and Dermal Fillers can widen the jawline, increase definition or add a sharper gonial angles as well as flatten or enlarge the chin area.  Different cultures and ethnicities have different representations of what they believe is an attractive jawline, so it is useful to be aware of this when treating patients. The Hollywood ideal is a defined as a strong wide jaw for males whereas females have a softer narrower pointier chin.

Perioral Area

Treating this area is a more common request in females rather than males. Male skin within this area is thicker than in females, who tend to suffer more with smokers lines and wrinkling. This area benefits from toxin, filler and skin resurfacing treatments for both sexes. If treating a male patient, we suggest you treat with caution.

Male and Female AgeingWhen treating both the female and male face for any aesthetic treatment, it is important to book them in for a full consultation, to undertake a facial analysis. Within this consultation, grade the upper, mid and lower face in terms of structure, proportion and symmetry. Within our training, we advise that you take photos of all your patients and keep these as a record to show before and after treatment– it also helps to show the patient how far they have come on their treatments with you.

At Cosmetic Courses, we offer an advanced Botox and Dermal Filler training Course which offers more advanced techniques. If you would like to find out more about the course, or have any questions, please call the team on 01844 390110 or email [email protected]

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7 essential standards when providing Cosmetic Procedures

With recent ‘cowboy’ practitioners making major headlines over the past few weeks, it’s no wonder that the aesthetic industry is back in the spotlight.  It has become apparent that there is a slight ‘grey’ area in standards for practitioners and the level of care given to patients, both pre and post treatments, for both surgical and non-surgical. In this blog we explore the 7 essential standards when providing cosmetic procedures by the General Medical Council.

Establishments such as SaveFace and the Safety in Beauty Awards, are working hard to ensure reputable practitioners and clinics are recognised for their contribution to following best practice and industry standards. They have been campaigning for standards within this industry to be tightened up and enforced to ensure patients who put their faith in what they believe is a trusted practitioner to not be disappointed with their results. These concerns were initially raised by Professor Sir Bruce Keoghs in his 2013 Cosmetic Industry Review, as well as the Scottish Cosmetic Interventions Expert Group over the years.

It appears that their cries are finally being heard, and action is being taken. As from the 1st June 2016, the General Medical Council (GMC) are setting out 7 essential standards that need to be adhered to by any Doctor who offers surgical or non-surgical treatments to patients.

The standards will be set out within a guidance document, detailing ethical obligations and standards that practitioners will need to meet, as well as advising the best way to meet these standards.

The 7 essential standards when providing cosmetic procedures advice to be included will be along the lines of the following:

  • Seeking your patients consent – It will be your responsibility as a practitioner to discuss the cosmetic procedure with the patient giving them all the information that they require to make an informed decision. This cannot be delegated to another member of staff, and it is best practice to offer all your patients a consultation period before booking any treatment.
  • Give your patients reflection time – Patients must have enough time to reflect and assess  if their chosen procedure is the right choice for them. This is why a consultation period and break before the treatment is advised.
  • Consider your patients psychological needs – consider your patients vulnerabilities and be certain that they are going into having the procedure voluntarily and have not been forced.
  • Work within your competency levels – recognising your limits, asking for advice or referring the patient to a colleague with the correct skill set will ensure no repercussion in the future post treatment.
  • Up to date training – ensure that you are up to date with the latest techniques and undertake any relevant training courses.
  • Providing all information to your patient – this includes written information, support networks and aftercare advice.
  • Marketing your services – no promotional tactics will be able to be used to entice patients to make drastic decisions. Any advertising must be clear and factual.

Fiona Website profileRegarding the above guidance standards, our Aesthetic Trainer, Dr Fiona Durban thinks this is a step in the right direction “The GMC has simply defined standards of practice we should all currently be following. Practitioners should be self-directed in their learning in order that they are up to date with current best practice for procedures they perform. This also needs to be demonstrated for part of appraisal and revalidation. We should all be offering an initial consultation where treatments with our patients can be planned, their suitability assessed (including any psychological vulnerability) and information given. Consent should never be delegated to others.  This guidance I hope is another step towards the profession demanding high standards of care and best practice”

Cosmetic Courses is able to offer you any training requirements that you may need, as well as advice and support in ensuring that you are ready for these standards coming into force on 1st June 2016.

If you would like any advice on the 7 essential standards when providing cosmetic procedures, or refresher training, drop us an email to [email protected] or call the team on 01844 390110.

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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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Male Cosmetic Trends

Cosmetic Courses banne showing, Male trends

Independent Pharmacist Shailesh Patel chats about the increase in cosmetic procedures in men over the past year.

The male market has been steadily growing over the years as male consumers increasingly seek out treatments to support their lifestyle choices.

Although a small segment of the aesthetic market, recent data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has shown Cosmetic Courses; picture showing close up of man with facial markingsthat male clients made up 9% of the total number of those undergoing cosmetic surgery operations in the UK. These numbers have nearly doubled over the past decade (from 2,440 procedures in 2005 to 4,614 in 2015). However, treatments for men tend to be less invasive than for female clients.

This trend could be driven by the subgroup of the millennials known as young urban males  (Yummies). These individuals tend to focus more on personal grooming and health than other age groups. This age group tends to marry later, meaning that they can invest in themselves and their appearance for longer than other age groups.

It is also important to remember that men are unique both physiologically and behaviourally. Having an in-depth knowledge of the male anatomy and suitable training is important to meet the needs of male clients 3.

You should have a separate marketing strategy to target males. Options include; advertising to men through your female clients (husbands, boyfriends, sons, etc.), having specific areas for male clients in your clinic and sections on your website and social media activities focusing on male clients.

Cosmetic Courses have also seen an increase in enquiries for male models. By having a diverse range of sexes, this gives our delegates the best experience in understanding the differences between the sexes, and the techniques that would work best when treating male and female faces.

If you would like to become a model for Cosmetic Courses, please call the team on 01844 390110 or fill in our Contact form

About Pharmacyspace

Pharmacyspace, based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, provides cost effective medical products and consumables for your clinic. Feel free to talk to us about how we can support you with both your male and female clients.

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Remote Prescribing | Pharmacy Space

Remote Prescribing, Information provided by Shailesh Patel, Pharmacist and Owner of Pharmacyspace

Picture Shailesh Patel, Pharmacist at PharmacyspaceAn article in The Times newspaper in December last year regarding the issue of remote prescribing has led to aesthetic practitioners dealing with queries from concerned patients. The following information is provided to support practitioners reflect on their current practice.

  1. Since July 2012, both the General Medical Council (GMC) and General Dental council (GDC) have issued guidance prohibiting practitioners from prescribing Botox and other injectable cosmetics by phone, email, video-link or fax. Before prescribing Botox or other injectable medicines, practitioners need to have a face-to-face consultation to fully assess the patient, understand their medical history and their reasons for wanting treatment.
  2. If you are a newly qualified doctor and are required by the GMC to practice in Approved Practice Settings (APS), then you are not authorised to prescribe Prescription Only Medicines (POM) in an environment outside the APS. This means that doctors who work in clinics outside of an APS cannot rely on other remote prescribing doctors, to prescribe Botox for them to use.
  3. For nurses who are not independent prescribers this can pose additional challenges. As a non-prescribing nurse working with a prescribing partner, the prescriber will need to assess the patient during a face-to-face consultation before prescribing, and additionally, will need to take responsibility that the nurse administering the prescribed medicine under their direction is trained and competent to do so.

Pharmacyspace is based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and is dedicated to providing a trusted and cost-effective service for your clinic supplies. The handpicked team of dedicated staff will ensure that you get the products you need for your clinic, together with a professional service.

For more information on our aesthetic pharmacy partnership with Pharmacy Space, or the courses we offer at Cosmetic Courses, please call the team on 01844 318317 or email us at [email protected].

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Introducing our new Aesthetic Pharmacy partnership

There’s plenty to think about when you’re getting your new aesthetic business off the ground. So at Cosmetic Courses, we like to do some of the heavy lifting for you!

You can’t run a successful aesthetic practice without a reliable, affordable supplier of the products you need.

So we’re delighted to say we have partnered up with Pharmacyspace, a fantastic independent pharmacy. All delegates who train with us at Cosmetic Courses can now use Pharmacyspace to supply all their aesthetic pharmacy needs.

The company is directed by Shailesh Patel, a knowledgeable and experienced pharmacist who supplies to both NHS and private practices.

Why use Pharmacyspace as your aesthetic pharmacy?

1. Competitive prices

Managing your costs is vital, especially in the early days when you’re still trying to build up your client base. So anywhere you can make savings will help your business grow. The competitive prices of Pharmacyspace keep the costs of your products down so your margins are healthier from the get-go.

2. Tailor-made service

Rather than having to order from multiple suppliers, Pharmacyspace can supply everything you need for your clinic so you only need one account. That means only one supplier to pay, so it’s easier to keep track of invoices, as well as being more convenient when it’s time to order in fresh supplies.

3. Easy ordering process

With so much to think about in your business, any aspect that can be streamlined and simplified means less stress for you. Pharmacyspace have made their ordering process as simple as possible so you can quickly and easily get the products you need.

4. Punctual delivery

It goes without saying that the last thing you need when you’ve got patients clamouring for treatment is to run out of product! Your patients may end up going to your competitors and – if they have a great experience – sticking with them. Which could be incredibly costly in the long run. At Pharmacyspace, they make every effort to deliver products promptly, so you’ll always have the products you need when you need them.

More about Pharmacyspace – from Shailesh

Pharmacyspace is a family-owned business based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. It was established in 2011 as an NHS registered pharmacy providing both NHS and private services.

Our sister company Lynam Pharma Limited is our wholesale business which is registered with the MHRA. Both businesses allow us to support aesthetic professionals in their day-to-day practice with both their pharmaceutical and medical consumable needs.

Our vision is to provide a trusted and cost-effective service for clinic supplies in a manner which is simple and straightforward for you. Our dedicated staff are on hand to discuss your clinic needs and our partnership with Cosmetic Courses allows us to ensure you get the support you need in a timely manner.

Shailesh is the superintendent pharmacist of Pharmacyspace. He has had a varied career; initially working in hospital pharmacy at University College London where he completed his Masters of Science in Clinical Pharmacy, then in Australia as a clinical pharmacist before returning to the UK to work for both GSK and Apotex UK Ltd, and finally working in community pharmacy before establishing Pharmacyspace.

The Pharmacyspace team also includes a registered nurse and pharmacy technician.

For more information on our aesthetic pharmacy partnership with Pharmacy Space, or the courses we offer at Cosmetic Courses, please call the team on 01844 318317 or email us at [email protected].

 

 

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