Once upon a time ageing seemed to only concern those in their 50s and beyond; these days the millennials are perhaps the largest consumers of anti ageing procedures such as botox and fillers. Now we could discuss the ‘Kim Kardashian’ effect but I’d like to focus my attention to something more important, and that is the long term effects of Botox and Fillers on the health of the skin.

We all know by now that the botox drug is made from the Botullinum Toxin Type A which has a paralysing effect on the body. In the case of botox for its anti-ageing effects, the dosage is small and the location in which the drug is administered is specifically targeted to block the signals from the nerves to the muscles in the face. The result is smoother skin as the muscles are no longer able to contract when a facial expression is made.

Before I go down the road of long term effects, it’s probably a great time to mention that these anti ageing procedures are temporary as they only elicit their anti-ageing effect while being actively present in the body. Once the body breaks it down and expels it (as it’s a toxin so naturally the body will work towards clearing any toxins found in the body), the appearance of ageing in the face will return to the same level of ageing or possible worse.

Ok so the effects of botox can vary based on a number of factors, but if we rule out administrator error here are a few effects of botox to your skin and overall health.

Initially:

• Allergic reactions
• Hives/rash
• Blurry vision, puffy eyes
• Drooping eyebrows
• Dry Mouth
• Headaches
• Tiredness

Long term (years of use):

• Muscles will appear weaker and flatter.
• Skin becomes thin.
• Skin becomes more loose.

There are more effects to the body but I will be only focusing on the skin.

Aesthetic Acupuncture is a fantastic alternative to Botox for multiple reasons:

• Needles are strategically placed in facial motor points to relax the muscles and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Needles are inserted in the same area botox is to elicit the same effect without the use of any toxic substances.
• Motor point activation can help with lifting sagging and jowls. Botox is not used in this part of the face, but instead fillers are injected to create a ‘false lift’.
• Each treatment works to slow down the ageing process.
• Natural, non invasive, pain free, relaxing, rejuvenating to the skin and addressing overall health and well being.
• Reduces stress based on calming the nervous system.
• Promotes blood circulation to the face causing skin to become brighter and clearer.
• Can relax muscles to treat TMJ, headaches, tension from clenching or sinus pain/congestion.

Can you do both?

Generally, botox will last 3-6 months and so after a course of botox injections, I often recommend patients that they can commence Aesthetic Acupuncture treatments after 3 months to improve their skin and allow the acupuncture to elicit its effect while the effects of botox start to wear off.

Sounds pretty irresistible, doesn’t it?

If you want to know more about Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Acupuncture or find out if you are a suitable candidate, give us a call on 03 9888 4129 or email us at info@salubre.com.au.