Botox has long been known as the best way to get rid of unwanted wrinkles and fine lines – the conversation often focuses on when to get Botox rather than “should you get botox?”. Despite being the go-to treatment for the last few decades, some studies have started to suggest that having Botox could make wrinkles worse when it wears off.

Are The Rumours True?

In short, yes – botox can make wrinkles worse. Having said that, it’s not something that will definitely happen. Dr David S Becker, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, said that sometimes the skin around the botox site could become more wrinkled as a result of patients unconsciously attempting to recreate facial expressions with the paralysed facial muscles. Nearby muscles can take over to compensate and potentially create new wrinkles.

Other studies have found that using Botox can hasten the ageing process. When too much is used, or injections are too frequent, this can cause facial muscles to get weaker and flatten, resulting in the skin looking more aged or sagging once the botox has worn off.

Are These Issues Avoidable?

When used correctly, Botox can be a great way to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, but you need to ensure that it is administered safely and correctly. It’s vital to research the practice and doctor thoroughly before going ahead with a treatment.

You should also consider booking a consultation with one of the practitioners to discuss anything that you’re feeling self-conscious about. Most people assume that if they have unwanted wrinkles, they should get Botox, but a good practitioner will ask questions about any issues you feel you have to suggest the best treatment for you.

Dr Mike Comins founded Has Place Aesthetic Practice in 1999, focusing on walk in/walk out treatments that didn’t require general anaesthetic or an overnight hospital stay. Booking a consultation with Dr Comins allows him to look at your skin, listen to your concerns and suggest a course of action that’s specifically tailored to your needs.

What Is The Best Way To Prevent Wrinkles After Having Botox?

The best way to avoid getting wrinkles from having too much (or poorly done) Botox is simply to focus on taking care of your skin. Drinking enough water and maintaining a healthy diet seems obvious, but it’s an excellent way to ensure that your skin is cared for from the inside out.

You should also ensure that you always wear SPF, even when it’s cloudy outside. Sun-damaged skin develops fine lines and wrinkles much faster, not to mention the health risks from not wearing an SPF.

On top of wearing a good SPF and leading a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to invest in your skin in the long term, rather than waiting until you’re not happy with your appearance.

Choosing the right skincare for you is vital to healthy skin. Obagi is a range of medicated skincare products that work by changing how skin functions. It’s designed to address a variety of skin concerns, including an increase in cellular turnover, provides natural hydration and helps to improve skin structure. Obagi can only be prescribed after a consultation, ensuring you’re using the best products for your skin type and concerns.

Are There Alternatives To Having Botox?

If you’re unsure about having Botox, you may wish to consider other options that might be able to treat the issue.

ULTRAcel is a non-surgical treatment that’s designed specifically to tighten and lift skin, as well as the deeper tissue, using a combination of radiofrequency and ultrasound. ULTRAcel is perfect for getting rid of crow’s feet around the eyes.

INTRAcel also uses radio-frequency but uses micro-needling and fractional treatments instead of ultrasound. INTRAcel is perfect for reducing the appearance of loose skin – it also tightens and smooths the skin to give a more youthful appearance. INTRAcel is best suited for a sagging jawline or loose skin on the neck.

If you have any specific areas of concern on your face, then you could consider dermal fillers as an alternative to Botox. Botox works by freezing the muscles to tighten the skin, whereas dermal fillers plump up any areas where your skin has lost volume from reducing collagen or facial fat.

Rather than freezing the muscles, it fills the space that has caused the wrinkles. There are several different types of dermal fillers, and the final result will depend on the filler you choose, but it generally will look more natural than getting Botox.

There is nothing wrong with growing older gracefully, but if wrinkles make you feel self-conscious, book in with Hans Place for a consultation. Dr Comins will help you to decide on the most suitable course of treatment and ensure you’re feeling your best again soon.