You will of course know that the search to cure wrinkles has occupied men and women for milenia.

Creams and potions have existed since history has been recorded.

There are, quite simply four main ingredients:

1.Avoidance of Sun and smoke

2. Moisture and skin fullness

3. Good genetics

4. Avoidance of muscular contracture

1.Avoidance of Sun and smoke

The first of these is just common sense – we know beyond doubt that the sun damages and prematurely ages skin. Why do we do it? Because it is pleasurable and we feel better when bronzed. The simple answer is a regular sun screen which includes a tanning agent if required.  Avoidance of smoking – please don’t get a doctor started on that one!

2.Moisture and skin fullness

A good skin care programme is essential to keep the skin hydrated. As the skin looses volume with the passage of time, fillers may be called for, and these can be very effective at plumping up the skin. These can be used anywhere in the face but are most commonly used in the cheeks, and around the lips and mouth.

3. Good genetics

Probably a bit late to do anything about this one!

4. Avoidance of muscular contraction.

It makes obvious sense that a piece of leather (or skin) that is constantly being scrunched up (as in laughter, anger or frowning) will begin to become permanently creased and lined. It makes equal sense that if we manage to calm the muscles, the same piece of skin (or leather!) will stay in the unlined condition in which we inherited it. This is why Botox is such a splendid thing. It calms the muscles down, giving the skin a chance to relax and regenerate, and gradually erase wrinkles. Regular treatment is a truly preventative treatment – probably the best wrinkle treatment available today.

I would be lying to say it didnt hurt, but it’s not that bad. In my experience patients tolerate it very well, and I am able to carry on a normal converstaion with them whilst injecting. I use ice to slightly numb the skin – I wrap it in a latex glove and it definitely seems to help. Some doctors use Emla cream which is a local anaesthetic. Whilst this does help, it is quite an effort and needs to be applied for at least 30 minutes before treatment and therefore prolongs the waiting time in the clinic.  In my experience ice (and gentle music ! ) is quite sufficient.

Filler injections do tend to be slightly more uncomfortable however, and I usually offer a local anaesthetic for these. Indeed many fillers now come with local anaesthetic already added to them. Injections around the lips can be very painful and usually I offer a proper dental block to numb the lips fully.

Only you can judge that, but it is certainly worth at least one treatment. I find that patients are very anxious for their first treatment, and are very worried they will be left ‘frozen’ and like a ‘ wind tunnel’. Good Botox treatment should NOT give this effect and it is wonderful to see patients return for their second treatment and hear how delighted they are.  As to whether it is worth it – It depends on your bank balance, your time schedule, how bad your fine lines and wrinkles are, and whether premature wrinkles  are acceptable to you! The reason many celebrities have good skin is down to regular, and repeated, anti wrinkle injections over many years.

All this, and more, in my ebook, downloadable now. After reading this, you may well be better informed than your own physician!

Botox Injections - The Insider Secrets + All BonusesThis book (and the two bonus books) are essential for anyone that has had Botox, or is considering having Botox treatment. Written by an experienced Botox specialist, it includes information on: Side Effects and Dangers of Botox, How to get the best price, How to find the best physician, and Important questions to ask before having treatment. Also included are the following two guides: Skincare essential tips that everyone should know & How your physician calculates the cost of your botox treatment Price: $27.00   

Here’s to all your future effective, and safe(!), Botox treatments.      

Sincerely,        Dr Raymond Lister