Many people mistakenly think of Botox and fillers as being one and the same. When clients come to us for an initial consultation, we find that most are unaware that there are clear differences between the two. Because of this, I feel it’s really important that each of our clients are as informed as possible before my team comes to a decision on what’s the best and most appropriate treatment plan. Each treatment works differently and each treatment is used to achieve different aims. Read on to learn more about them!
While it’s true that both Botox and fillers are treatments that are injected into the face, that’s where the similarities end. Botox is used to soften and reduce lines on the face caused by frowning, smiling and other dynamic facial movements. Fillers (or dermal fillers to give them their full name), on the other hand, are quite different. They are used to restore volume or to enhance facial features. Botox is a registered drug, (its generic name being botulinum toxin), and its use is strictly controlled, because it alters the way that muscles respond to nerve signals. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you visited a fully and appropriately trained practitioner if you’re in search of such treatment.
Dermal fillers don’t alter the way in which the body functions, making them distinctly different in this sense. However, you still need suitable qualifications and training to carry out filler treatments, though no prescription is necessary. This has led to a loophole, allowing non-medically trained practitioners to offer them. You can rest assured that the dermal filler treatment at No4 Clinic is carried out by myself and I hold a Level 7 Injectables Qualification for Aesthetic Medicine and I have over 26 years of clinical experience, so you’ll always be in safe hands!
Over the years, I’ve been asked just about every question imaginable, so I thought I’d compile a list of a few that may already be on your mind.
The treatment that suits you is the one that is going to address your concerns best. Sometimes it may be one or the other, but usually an approach that uses both will serve you best.
There are some exceptions to this, but generally, the answer is no. If you’re in your 20s, you shouldn’t need Botox and fillers, as your features will still be youthful. But if you’d like fuller lips or some light jaw-sculpting, then you can achieve this with some discreet dermal fillers.
You may have heard that Botox can be used as a preventative measure, but at No.4, we believe that as a medicine, Botox should only be prescribed when needed.
This depends on how your skin has aged, rather than what your actual age is. If you have aged well and have very little sagging and only moderately deep lines, then Botox and dermal fillers can still be used to help you age positively. Botox and fillers won’t give you the results surgery will, though they can help you reduce the signs of ageing, making you feel more confident.
My team and I would love to work with you to help you reach your goals and discover what treatment is right for you. Maybe get in touch today and book a consultation? You can simply fill in a form on our website, call us on 07595221484 or email [email protected].
To keep in touch with us, don’t forget to follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts.
See you soon!
Are your botulinum toxin treatments safe? If you’re visiting my clinic, the answer to that question is most definitely yes! Whether you’re receiving Botox for migraines or wrinkles, you deserve the best possible treatment. Botulinum toxin has been used for many years and there is solid evidence to suggest that it’s a very safe and effective treatment.
But have you ever thought about where your practitioner is sourcing their botulinum toxin products from?
These days, it’s not unusual for individuals to reach out to me on social media claiming to offer cheap Botox for migraines, wrinkles and anything else you could think of! Naturally, these people aren’t offering treatments from brands that are approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, or MHRA.
This branch of the UK government is the equivalent of the FDA, an American organisation that you may already have heard of. This activity is highly illegal as botulinum toxin is strictly regulated in the UK, just as it is in several other countries. If you find yourself concerned about a supplier of botulinum toxin and you can’t establish the brands they’re using, there’s a strong chance they are not using reputable channels or products.
If you’re thinking about risking it with a dodgy dealer of Botox for migraines you may want to read some of these alarming facts about these unregulated products first…
Interpol, The International Criminal Police Organisation, has seen a sharp rise in counterfeit medication over the last few years and this includes Botox. If you didn’t already know, Botox is a prescription medication and cannot safely be administered by non-professionals. Yet, during lockdowns, many qualified practitioners weren’t able to administer non-essential treatments, which led to a number of desperate people looking elsewhere.
It became such a concern that Interpol created a ‘fake medicine’ page on their website to warn people about the dangers of receiving treatment with counterfeit products. Their website specifically mentions treatment for Covid-19, but their advice on how to spot those dealing in unsafe medication can easily be applied to Botox for migraines or wrinkles.
Such instances are likely to become increasingly common in the UK as in recent months, the government has deemed it illegal to administer Botox and fillers to people under the age of 18. Those who wish to work under the radar and provide such treatments to young people might be using products that have been “falsified or deliberately mislabelled”, according to Interpol. They have even found that some products they have seized have contained mercury, arsenic, rat poison and cement.
In a world looking to provide you with fake treatment for Botox for migraines and almost anything else you can think of, you need to find a practitioner you can trust.
Having questionable products injected into your skin and supporting criminal organisations isn’t how anyone wants to spend their time. The presence of these suppliers and their ability to manufacture medications that can seem incredibly convincing poses a much bigger problem - these products have the potential to reach NHS supply chains. If such a thing were to happen, it could harm countless individuals and that doesn’t bear thinking about.
But how do you know that the botulinum toxin being used is genuine? If you’re trying to find a practitioner who can provide you with fillers to enhance your lips, or Botox for migraines, you need to be sure that you’re choosing the right individual at a strictly regulated practice. Here are some signs to look for to ensure that’s the case:
Only Botox, Azzalure®, Dysport®, Bocouture® and Xeomin are licensed for use in the UK, if you see another brand name, then the product should not be used.
You have the right to ask for invoices to check that your clinic is ordering through the right channels, for instance I only order directly from well-known pharmaceutical companies. When it comes to wrinkle relaxing or Botox for migraines, I order from Allergan.
Your practitioner should be a prescriber, or they should be able to arrange a consultation with one. Aesthetic nurses are unable to prescribe medication such as Botox, but they are able to administer it. Any prescription medication needs to be signed off by someone with the correct qualifications.
So, if you want to refresh your look, it’s worth asking the right questions. If something feels off, take a step back. Has it all happened too quickly? Is the price too good to be true? There’s no harm in backing out, especially if you’re dealing with less than legitimate ‘practitioners’.
When you choose my clinic, you can be sure that my staff and I have the qualifications, skills and knowledge necessary to ensure you feel happier and more confident in your skin. My true passion is helping my patients and you could be one of them! I encourage all of my patients to ask questions, so please don’t feel shy!
You can contact me, or a member of my team, by filling out a form on our website, calling us on 07595221484 or emailing [email protected] today.
To keep in touch with us, don’t forget to follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts.
See you soon!
