BEAUTY STATION

Dr Samar Hasan is Chief Consultant at CACI Centre - a pioneer in launching non-surgical, cosmetic face and body lifts in Karachi back in 1998. With over 15 years of experience in cosmetology, Dr Samar guides patients as to what will be the most suitable treatment to address their concerns.

When Botox first appeared on the scene back in the nineties, it was subjected to a lot of scrutiny by skeptics and feminists, for it was another product in the market discriminating against the natural process of ageing; blurring the fine lines of adulthood that served a
reminder of how we have lived our lives. However, as the world becomes more and more aware of this ‘shot at looking young’, even the most determined feminists have accepted this antithesis to their values. What’s the harm in having a smooth face if it makes you feel good about yourself, said many a celebrity including Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie and Courtney Cox, as they lined outside cosmetic centers to seamlessly reinstate youth. Sure, it is a bacterium known to result in paralysis, but Dr. Hasan sits with Instep to relieve us of any misconceptions we might have regarding Botox treatments and reveals just how simple it is to get rid of those stress-inducing wrinkles.

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable procedure. It is a neurotoxin which is diluted in simple concentrations and injected wherever required. The underlying process is that the toxin has the ability to stop the release of neurotransmitters which give a signal for muscle contraction when they reach the muscles. In short, the idea is to temporarily freeze the muscle by injecting Botox. For cosmetic purposes, Botox is only injected on certain facial sites; muscles that we feel are overused or are developing lines.

Considerations prior to the treatment

It is extremely important to get a consultation prior to the treatment because only an expert doctor can gauge whether you are the right candidate or not. A thorough check into a person’s medical history is required for there are certain conditions where a Botox procedure is not recommended, for example, during pregnancy or in lactating mothers or in clients that already suffer from any kind of muscular disorders. People with uncontrollably high blood pressure, diabetic patients whose blood sugar level is not under control and those who struggle with immune disorders can also not undergo the treatment.

Precautionary measures post-Botox

Immediately after the treatment, which takes about 10 minutes, Dr. Hasan advises patients not to massage the area and not to bend their head (for example when praying) for the next four to five hours because the product injected may be dislodged. The idea is to allow the product to settle into its concerned muscle, a process that usually takes about eight to 10 days, to give you that desired smooth look.

Cost

It really depends on the site you choose. People usually go for a half-face procedure which targets three main areas - the forehead, the frown and the crow’s feet - and that costs approximately PKR 20,000 per sitting. In case you want to concentrate only on one particular site, the cost will be between PKR 10,000 to PKR 12,000 per sitting. A single treatment usually promises a four-month fix.

A health benefit or a risk?

When it comes to the risks entailed, it is best to go to a doctor with expertise, because expertise will ensure that side effects are minimised. The potential for side effects arises only when Botox is injected incorrectly. An inexperienced practitioner may miscalculate the units a person needs and that may cause a drooping eyelid, for instance.

The general rule for Botox is to always go for less correction than overcorrection because the former leaves room for analysis and follow-up whereas overcorrection will cause side effects such as drooping, optical conditions in rare cases or dysphagia (breathing problems) if injected around the neck muscles. There is a general concern over Botulism which is caused by the bacteria itself but in cosmetic practice, the toxin is diluted so thoroughly and is used in such minute amounts that it is not capable of causing Botulism.

Issues may also arise if the wrinkle under treatment is very deep and defined. Chances are that even after getting the injection, the line will persist. (As is the case with Hollywood actress Angeline Jolie who reportedly relies on Botox because despite her large smile, there are hardly any wrinkles around her mouth area. However, while her forehead appears obviously smooth, paps with HD cameras have still given us a glimpse of a die-hard line or two.)

The debate over micro-facial expressions

There has been a longstanding debate over how Botox silences a woman’s face, relieving it of its ability to mirror expressions and show empathy or anger. Dr Hasan suggests that the choice of a plastic look is a personal one: this can be discussed with the doctor. If one wants to completely diminish all lines and have no expressions whatsoever, the dose can be altered but by and large, people don’t want to lose movement in their facial muscles and opt for a safe dose.

Have you been wondering whether to go under the needle or not? We hope this Botox fact sheet gives you that much-needed direction. Do keep in mind that the ageing process doesn’t start till until your mid-thirties so we advice you not be too hasty and wait till the first wrinkle emerges on your face. While we are in no way advocating the treatment, these seemingly harmless facial flourishes may not be such a bad idea if they are creating issues of low self-esteem. Our very own designer Maheen Khan remains spirited about her Botox choices.